by Jane Charles
But first things first and when the servant delivered the tea, Eve asked for direction to the school.
“After you leave here, turn right and it’s only about a mile down the road.”
A mile wasn’t so far. “Thank you.”
“Excuse me, I couldn’t help but overhear, but did you say you were to visit Wiggons’ School?”
Eve looked to the dark-haired woman who had been in quiet discussion with the gentleman beside her. “Yes. I need to visit my sister.”
“Is she a student?” the woman inquired.
“A teacher.”
The woman straightened. “Which one?”
“Miss Caitlin Doyle,” Eve answered. “Do you know her?”
The dark-haired woman brightened. “Yes, I know her. We used to teach together. I adore Caitlin.”
A relief Eve hadn’t anticipated swept through her.
“She didn’t say that you were to visit.”
And in a rush, the sadness overcame Eve.
“Gabriel,” the woman turned to her husband, “This must be Eve. You remember Caitlin talking of her sister.”
“It’s very nice to meet you.”
“Oh, forgive me. I know who you are but you don’t know me.” She held out her hand. “I’m Lady Norbright, formerly Claudia Morris, and this is my husband, Lord Norbright.”
Relief returned. “My sister wrote of you. It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”
“I wish Caitlin would have told us you were visiting. We could have arranged to have someone meet you.”
“She doesn’t know that I’m here,” Eve answered.
“This will be a delightful surprise for her.” Then she looked around. “Did your brother not join you?”
At that, tears filled Eve’s eyes and as much as she tried to swipe them away before they fell, it was of no use. “I’m sorry.”
“No, I am sorry.” Lady Norbright got up from her table and joined Eve then pressed a handkerchief into Eve’s hands. “She doesn’t know?”
“It’s not something I couldn’t write in a letter.”
“Of course not.”
Eve wiped her eyes. “I’m usually not a watering pot.”
“I’m certain it’s been a few trying days, but we’ll have you settled shortly.”
“I plan on seeking a room at the inn and then I’ll go see my sister.”
“Nonsense,” Lord Norbright interrupted. “If Mrs. Wiggons has no space, you will stay with us.”
“I couldn’t impose,” Eve insisted.
“My estate borders the school. You and Miss Doyle will need to be able to visit away from those students.”
Eve assumed he referred to the troublesome trio that Cait had written about. “Thank you. For now, I’ll visit with my sister, though I may prevail upon you and the use of your home to deliver the news, and then determine from there what I will do.”
He didn’t argue, simply nodded.
Though the two were strangers, they weren’t because Cait had written of Claudia Morris when they first met and then how Gabriel Westbrook, Lord Norbright, had moved into the estate and that his two younger sisters attended the school. The two had also married last Christmas.
“Once you’ve finished your tea, we’ll depart. My carriage is just outside.”
At least she wouldn’t need to walk and for that Eve was grateful. “Thank you, Lord Norbright.”
An instant later the door to the tea room flew open and three girls rushed in and went straight to Lady Norbright.”
“Goodness girls? What is all the excitement about? Is someone injured, sick?”
“No, not at all, Lady Norbright,” the redhead answered with enthusiasm.
“Then why are you disturbing my tea?”
“Sophia has given me the most brilliant idea and I just had to share it with you.”
Lady Norbright’s focus changed from the redhead to the blonde, who stood away from the other two biting the corner of her bottom lip.
“What’s this about Sophia? You are usually the calming influence.” Then Mrs. Norbright focused back on the redhead. “Does Mrs. Wiggons know you are away from the school?”
“Yes, Lady Norbright. We sought her permission before leaving the grounds.”
“Well, that’s a first,” Lord Norbright grumbled into his tea.
These three were the perfect distraction that Eve needed right now. She knew of this trio from Cait’s letters. Sophia was the blond and tried to keep Rosemary, the brunette and Eliza, the redhead, out of trouble.
“You see, Lady Norbright, because you took away all the horrid novels, I’ve had nothing to read.”
“There are other types of books in the library,” Lady Norbright reminded her.
“But those aren’t very exciting.”
“What’s this have to do with Sophia’s brilliant idea?”
“Well, since we are all wondering what became of the mummy and the artifacts, and because I miss horrid novels, Sophia suggested I write my own.” Eliza grinned. “That’s exactly what I’m going to do. I purchased everything I need from the mercantile just now.”
Lady Norbright looked back to Sophia with a bit of admiration in her eyes, then returned her gaze to the budding author. “I’m assuming that as you’re penning your imagination, we no longer need to worry about you being out and about trying to scare up a new adventure.”
“I’ll be far too busy writing,” the young woman assured her. “However, if the mummy shows up here, I can’t make that promise. After all, we must be cautious because of the curse.”
“Curse?” Lord Norbright practically choked on his tea.
“Yes, curse,” Rosemary answered before she went on to explain about her mother’s journals and what had been written in them.
The more the three spoke, the more certain Eve became that she was in the presence of those three, and they certainly were imaginative, and a bit enjoyable as well. Of course, Eve wasn’t forced to teach them and spend every single day wondering what they were up to, so perhaps they wouldn’t seem so delightful then.
“I hadn’t realized that the theft of the mummy had reached all the way to Cornwall,” Eve found herself saying. “Unless another has been taken. I’m only aware of the one taken from a home in Mayfair.”
Eliza’s eyes widened. “The Mayfair Mummy. That’s what I’ll call my book.”
“It is the same mummy,” Lady Norbright answered. “Eliza has been quite intrigued by the whole mystery.”
“Intrigued is one way to describe her fixation,” Lord Norbright grumbled and Eve got the distinct impression he was not fond of the trio before them.
“Well, we must be off if I’m to write my novel.” Eliza grinned and turned for the door.
“Good day, Lord and Lady Norbright,” Sophia said, then nodded to Eve, who was thankful that there were no introductions. She didn’t wish for her sister to learn that she’d arrived in Kirksbury by way of an announcement from the three students.
Chapter 18
“We should have traveled on horseback or in curricles,” Henry grumbled as he watched the scenery pass outside of the coach window. “We’d arrive quicker.” They’d left London nearly twenty-four hours earlier.
“Of course, then we could have raced all the way to Cornwall. Nothing dangerous in that,” Pickmore grumbled.
“As it is, we are traveling a bit faster than I’m comfortable with,” Keegan complained.
They were moving at a snail’s pace as far as Henry was concerned.
The carriage took a tight turn and his three friends grasped whatever they could hold onto to keep from falling.
Since when had the three become so cautious? They were Devils of Dalston. Fearless! Agents for the Crown. A simple trip to Cornwall was hardly dangerous when compared to some of their missions, yet they behaved as a bunch of ninnies.
“How much longer do you think?” Henry asked.
“Not soon enough,” Pickmore grumbled.
Henry shot him
a disgusted look. Pickmore had been a captain in the army. Were all soldiers so cautious? If so, it was a wonder that Napoleon hadn’t trounced England’s troops by now, invaded England and taken up residence in the Palace.
“At this rate of travel, I suspect we might arrive with the dawn,” Ashford answered. “I doubt even a mail coach traveled at this speed.”
They had done well with time, Henry supposed. Of course, he’d only allowed so much time between stops and drove all through the night, as they would this one. While horses were being changed, he purchased foodstuff and ale, which they’d partaken of as they drove since they didn’t have the luxury of dining at the coaching inns.
“Then get some rest, gentlemen, for I intend not to stop until we reach the Wiggons’ School for Elegant Young Ladies.”
“I just hope we make it there in one piece,” Keegan grumbled before he crossed his arms over his chest and closed his eyes.
They may be able to sleep, but Henry would not. Even as the night darkened further, until nothing could be made out even under moonlight because of their speed, he could not give in to rest. Not when his mind continued to worry about Eve.
Blast Jeffries for not alerting him to her loss. Eve should not have been alone in her grief. No wonder she fled to her sister, her only remaining family member. Had Henry known, he would have taken her himself.
Why hadn’t she asked it of him?
Except, she’d asked for the necklace before she ever knew the fate of her brother.
Had she already been planning on leaving him.
While I may be your ward, I have now served my purpose. I simply wish to know what I could take with me when I leave.
Take what you wish and if there are any questions, we’ll discuss it further in the morning. Good night, Miss Doyle.
Their conversation after the ball played over in his mind and Henry’s stomach churned. She’d told him that she was leaving yet he’d dismissed it. It wasn’t as if he even believed her.
Further, if his mother were to be believed, it was all Henry’s fault.
And now that he was alone with his thoughts, his companions trying to find their sleep, Henry could no longer avoid what he’d tried to push away.
What was it about Eve that caused him to behave in such an irrational manner? He’d never suffered such a gauntlet of emotions before she came into this life. He was able to concentrate on his work, set his mind on goals and achieve them without the slightest bit of distraction, regardless of any interruption. Faithfully he read the newssheets for messages Ashford and Keegan had hidden within the gossip columns, yet he couldn’t remember the last time he’d been able to retain what he’d read from those very papers.
Henry studied and learned, improving his mind, but he hadn’t been able to focus on any book past a few chapters.
Then there was Parliament, which he faithfully served, at least until Eve became his ward. And lastly, he’d not attended one meeting of the Antiquities Society since her arrival.
If anyone should be irritated, it was Henry because of the disruption Eve had brought to his life.
Except she hadn’t kept him from any of those things. Not once did she ask him to remain home, or not to read. Instead, she moved quietly about in his life, unless she was reciting sentences, or they were debating one issue or another.
Eve and her presence had slowly replaced his usual obligations and entertainments.
Henry frowned and glanced back out the window and occasionally noted the outline of the trees, but that wasn’t the topic of his focus. Instead, he reflected inside. Something he’d tried to avoid, but what was he trying to avoid? Why didn’t he want to search so deep inside himself?
She was simply a lass. She was his ward.
But she’d changed his life. The mornings were brighter when she entered the breakfast room, and the days weren’t so long. Her smile warmed him, and each time she frowned, he wished to smooth the sadness away. They argued, debated and laughed. She tried his patience, but probably not nearly as much as he tried hers.
His life had been content before her but Eve left emptiness in her wake.
Perhaps he’d simply become accustomed to her in his life.
No, it was more.
And in that instant, Henry had to admit to himself that he’d fallen in love with Eve. If he hadn’t, he wouldn’t ache with longing and worry right now. She was as much a part of his life, as anything before, and probably anything to come after.
Yet he’d fought it, claiming desire when it was so much more, and treating her with cold indifference, and at times callousness, all to protect his heart, feelings…denying his emotions. He fought the inevitable of succumbing to the sweetest emotion known to man. And, because he was such an arse in his denial, he may have lost Eve for good.
Eve woke before the sun, her heart aching, but her sister by her side. Lord and Lady Norbright had been kind enough to allow Eve to remain in their home, Harrington Manor, and she’d be forever grateful. Of course, she couldn’t remain forever, but a few days would give her a chance to decide what she was to do next.
Cait slept beside her. Lady Norbright had gone to the school yesterday to retrieve Eve’s sister. Sending her to Harrington Manor where Eve surprised her. What happiness her sister had experienced quickly disappeared when Eve had to break the news of their brother. Then Eve broke and told Cait everything, from Brendan’s gambling and addictions to how she’d become the ward of Lord Kilsyth. While they were closed up in the sitting room, Lady Norbright broke the news to Mrs. Wiggons who insisted that Cait take a few days away from her duties to be with Eve. Thank goodness, but Eve really needed her sister right now as she searched within her mind, heart and soul to determine what she would do next. Cait had even remained the night, deciding to share a room with Eve because they didn’t want to be parted in their grief.
However, the one person she refused to speak of was Lord Kilsyth. Cait only knew that he was Eve’s guardian but Eve couldn’t bring herself to say anything further because she was afraid her tears would begin anew.
Instead, she tried to determine how and why she could be heartbroken over a gentleman who was so cold.
Except, he wasn’t. Kilsyth allowed the world to see him as cool and controlled, without emotion, but she’d glimpsed so much beneath the surface during their many hours together. The very same ones he tried to hide from everyone, and perhaps even himself.
What used to perplex and once anger Eve, now only made her pity Kilsyth. But, as long as he wished to insulate himself, he’d not be for her.
It didn’t really matter what she thought anyway. It was Kilsyth who didn’t want her. She’d won his bet and that was all he required of her. And in time, her heart would heal.
“We should go to the beach today,” Cait said as she rolled over.
“Beach?” Eve knew they were close to the coast, but not the distance. “How far away is it?”
Cait grinned. “Just beyond the estate and a very short walk.”
Eve found herself smiling. “I’ve missed the ocean, the breezes, the sand.”
“Seals, whales and waves.”
To breathe in the salty air, the very air she’d grown up smelling, might just be what she needed.
“How soon can we go?”
“As soon as we are dressed.” Cait pushed herself from the bed. “I’m just going to dash over to the school and change and be back shortly.”
Cait hadn’t returned to the school last evening and had borrowed one of Eve’s sleeping gowns. “I’ll be ready when you return.”
“Meet me in the breakfast room,” Cait said. “I have no desire to dine with students this morning and prefer the company of adults.”
Having met only three of the students yesterday, Eve could well imagine being surrounded by so many of the same age, in one room, might be taxing to one’s nerves and neither she nor Cait were in a state to be taxed by anyone.
Chapter 19
Henry must have dozed after he
came to accept his emotions and his love for Eve because when he opened his eyes, the sun was beginning to rise following their second night in the carriage. And even though they continued to travel at a breakneck pace, and he was anxious to find Eve, a peace like he’d never experienced had settled about Henry. He would find Eve, apologize, and if necessary, get on his knees and beg forgiveness. He’d do nearly anything to earn her back and then he’d do anything in his power to keep her from leaving again.
As the carriage slowed, he noted a coaching inn up ahead. It would feel good to stretch his legs and maybe they should actually take a meal outside of the carriage for a change. His driver and his son had been taking turns at the reins and his friends: Pickmore, Keegan and Ashford, had not complained about not being able to exit the carriage beyond fifteen minutes at a time, only about the speed of their travel. Besides, if his estimations were correct, they weren’t all that far from Kirksbury and it wouldn’t do to arrive before anyone had risen from their beds.
They would all stop and rest, maybe even for an hour before continuing on the final miles of their journey.
As soon as the carriage came to a stop, Henry stepped out and reached above his head, stretching out his tight muscles. He was followed by his friends who did the same.
“Jamie, we are going to have a meal inside instead of eating while we drive.”
His driver’s eyes widened as his mouth opened. “Are you certain, Lord Kilsyth?”
“Yes. It was wrong of me to push you and the horses so hard. We could all use a rest.”
Jamie looked to his son and it was as if they sank with disappointment.
Henry thought they’d be happy for the break.
“You see, Lord Kilsyth, my brother and his son have made this same trip, and he’s always bragging that nobody has done it faster, or ever would.”
Ah, a competition between brothers. Something he was well-versed in when he and his brother were boys. Those competitions, however, had disappeared when Elliot began to be groomed to take on the earldom and Henry was no more than a spare.
