‘Didn’t you like any of the food?’ He looked up as she returned from the kitchen. ‘I quite enjoyed that beef stew concoction.’
‘It was definitely better than the mutton.’ Rose put a hand to her mouth, unable to prevent a yawn, as she sank back onto the sofa, her gaze falling instantly on the leather-bound folder. She’d looked at a few of her father’s letters to her, enjoying the news of everyday life in Chawton as the first year following her visit passed. His personal journals, however, she didn’t want to touch yet. Knowing she had them was more than enough for now, an almost inexplicable comfort, as though he’d come home with her. Besides, she was going to be an emotional wreck when she finally did start, and Aiden had seen enough of her tears for now! She picked up the next letter in the pile, then almost flinched as she saw the date – late July, 1817.
Rose bit her lip. Was this going to bring the sad, inevitable news of Jane? So far, her father had only mentioned his neighbours in passing, with no hint at what was to come.
Facts are such horrid things. Rose shuddered and grabbed her glass of wine, then realised it was empty.
‘Do you want a top-up, Aiden?’
He drained his own glass, then looked at his watch. ‘Damn. Sadly not. I’ll miss the last train if I don’t get a move on.’
Rose’s heart was suddenly full, so much so she could barely breathe, but she got to her feet and followed Aiden over to the door, where he shrugged one arm into his jacket and she reached around to pull it onto his other shoulder.
Before she could step back, his good arm came round to hold her close and he kissed her slowly, languorously, and Rose kissed him back, unaware a tear had fallen from her lashes until he pulled away from her in concern.
‘Are you okay?’
‘Yes.’ Rose laughed shakily, willing her rapidly beating heart to behave itself. Did the man have no idea of what he did to her? ‘It’s just…’ She waved a hand, as if it could possibly encompass all they’d been through. ‘Seeing you again, it brought a lot back, and then receiving the crate of memories…’ She looked over her shoulder at the open box, piles of journals and letters littering the table. Her family history at her fingertips.
Rose looked back at Aiden, at his rich brown eyes eyeing her with blatant affection, his handsome face, his dark, tousled hair and the breadth of his shoulders. Now she had the best of all things, didn’t she? A link to the past, and also Aiden. He was the present… would he think her too bold if she said it?
‘Don’t go.’
His eyes widened. ‘Are you… are you sure? You’ve had a bit of a shock. I don’t want—’
‘Stay.’ Rose spoke more firmly, more certain of this than anything in her life. ‘Stay with me, Aiden.’
He held her gaze, then smiled, and she took his hand, leading him back into the sitting room, where he removed his jacket and tossed it onto the sofa before taking her in his arms as best he could.
‘There’s nothing I’d rather do more.’ Aiden placed a soft kiss beneath her ear, then claimed her lips with his own.
The kiss was one neither of them would ever forget. In fact, it went on for some time, and so engrossed were they in each other, they failed to hear a slight noise outside on the steps.
It would be the following morning before they noticed the piece of old-fashioned paper which had been slipped through the letterbox, bearing an all too familiar hand.
The End… or is it?
Acknowledgements
We’d like to thank the following people for so many things, including their kindness, patience, and guidance to the sharing of their thoughts, knowledge and experience during the writing of this book:
All the lovely staff and volunteers at Jane Austen’s House Museum, especially Sue Dell, who let us explore the museum outside of opening hours and shared many valuable insights with us about the cottage when the Austen ladies lived there, along with parts of the cottage we’d never seen.
Jeremy Knight for answering numerous questions about Chawton House, the estate and village as it was in the early nineteenth century (and for the laughter)! We’d also like to thank the staff and volunteers at Chawton House for the research notes they were able to share with us.
Austen enthusiast and scholar, Hazel Mills, for clarification of historical facts and just being an all-round fabulous friend.
Aaron Bright and Jackie Sellwood, for the medical insights and suggestions to help bring authenticity to some aspects of our plot. Poor Aiden!
Local historian, Jane Hurst, for sharing her thoughts on the local area, along with her extremely helpful plans of the village in the early nineteenth century.
Joan and Jack at St Mary’s Hall B&B in Alton, for the warmest of hospitality during our visits to the area, the copious supply of wine and much laughter.
Our lovely editor at Canelo, Emily Bedford, for her guidance and handholding through the many editing stages of the book through to publication.
Our equally lovely families for their support, especially Julian and Steve.
Finally, last but never least, we’d like to thank Jane Austen for everything she has brought into our lives and for continuing to be such a fun companion during the continuation of this tale.
About the Authors
Ada Bright
Ada has lived all her life in Southern California, which makes her intolerant to any weather above or below seventy-two degrees Fahrenheit. She grew up much more fond of reading than sports or socializing and still tends to ignore everyone she loves, all her responsibilities and basic life needs when she’s in the middle of a book.
She is luckily married to a handsome and funny man who doesn’t mind that the laundry never gets put away and she has three amazing children. Ada spent over a decade as a photographer before dedicating herself to writing, though she still believes that life should be documented well and often.
There is nothing she loves more than a good, subtle love story whether it be in real life, TV, movie, theatre or book form… well, except cake. She also really loves cake.
Cass Grafton
A proud bookworm since childhood, Cass writes the sort of stories she loves to read–heartwarming, character–driven and strong on location. Having moved around extensively and lived in three countries, she finds places inspiring and the setting of her novels often becomes as much a part of the story as her characters.
She has an overactive imagination, is prone to crying with happiness as much as she is at sadness, but when it comes to her writing she leans heavily towards the upbeat and insists on a happy ever after. As one of her favourite authors, Jane Austen, once wrote, ‘let other pens dwell on guilt and misery’.
Cass loves travelling, words, cats and wine but never in the same glass. She currently splits her time between Switzerland, where she lives with her husband and imaginary cats, and England, where she lives with her characters.
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First published in the United Kingdom in 2019 by Canelo
Canelo Digital Publishing Limited
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United Kingdom
Copyright © Ada Bright and Cass Grafton, 2019
The moral right of Ada Bright and Cass Grafton to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the Br
itish Library.
ISBN 9781788633703
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places and events are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
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The Unexpected Past of Miss Jane Austen Page 31
