by Abby Ayles
Lady Elizabeth looked through the window as she responded. “She was staying at her aunt’s in order to finish her education. She left home four years ago. She has been home for three months. I spoke last to her in person when I was visiting the Damara estate. That is the estate of her aunt. I was so pleased to receive a letter inviting me to Thornwall Castle. I am so excited.”
Lady Elizabeth pressed her lips together briefly, thinking about Lady Agatha. She had a great fondness for the young woman. She had supported Lady Elizabeth through a difficult health issue nearly a year previous. Lady Elizabeth felt like she would never be able to pay her friend back for her kindness.
Lady Agatha had taken time from the social season to see that Lady Elizabeth was cared for. Nothing meant more to Lady Elizabeth than that, knowing that Lady Agatha had the same duties to find a husband as she did.
“I am so excited to see her, Phoebe. I know she is going to be happy to see me. She is such a wonderful friend. I think, though, that I will be upset when I see her in her present condition.”
“She was badly hurt in the accident?”
“The doctors had to set one of her arms, which broke when she was thrown from the horse. Her whole body is bruised and sore, to the point that it is difficult for her to walk.”
Phoebe’s face reflected her sympathy. “That is dreadful, my lady.”
“It really is. She is such a vibrant creature. I cannot wait to give her a big hug. I may have to wait for that, since she is so bruised right now. We only met a year and a half ago but we have stayed in contact through correspondence when we were not able to see each other.”
“I am pleased you have such a good friend, Lady Elizabeth.”
Lady Elizabeth smiled at her companion. “She is, Phoebe, she really is. I love her as if she is my sister.”
“I am glad to hear that.”
“I am also quite anxious to meet her brother. Lady Agatha says he is a fine gentleman and that I will be fond of him, too. I have never met him before. It will be exciting, I must say!”
Lady Elizabeth’s excitement about meeting Malcolm was bubbling in her stomach. She knew Lady Agatha was playing match maker. She wondered if her friend had also mentioned what she was doing to her brother or if Malcolm was essentially being set up. The thought made her giggle.
“He will adore you, my lady.”
Lady Elizabeth’s grin widened. “Do you think so?”
Phoebe laughed. “I know so, I truly do.”
Lady Elizabeth turned her face to the sun, closing her eyes and basking in the warm rays. She hoped so, too. If all went as hoped, she would be related to Lady Agatha and they really would be sisters. The thought pleased her tremendously.
“I am also very pleased that I was able to come to the castle to visit. Mother and Father have been trying so hard to match me with someone, even though it is not currently the social season. They believe it is necessary to keep looking at socializing no matter what time of year it is.”
“I must say I do agree with them, my lady,” Phoebe said, softly. “They are looking out for you in every way possible.”
Lady Elizabeth glanced at her companion, nodding. “I do believe that, yes.”
“They do love you, Lady Elizabeth.”
The sober nature of her companion’s voice drew Lady Elizabeth’s attention back to her. She gazed at her with a neutral look on her face. “Yes, I know.”
Phoebe sat forward slightly, speaking in a low, soft voice. “They may not have spent a great deal of time with you, but I know they love you because they speak of you so fondly. I hope you will not think too harshly of them when they begin to dictate.”
Lady Elizabeth shook her head. “I think no negative thoughts about Mother and Father, Phoebe. Whatever could have given you such a thought?”
Phoebe pulled in a deep breath and sat back. Lady Elizabeth thought her face looked regretful and began to wonder if something had been said she should be worried about.
“Oh, Phoebe.” She grinned. “There is no need for me to worry about such things when I have you to worry for me.”
Phoebe returned her grin, giggling softly. “Yes, my lady, I do not mind taking on your worries.”
“You are a good companion, Phoebe. I will have to tell Father what a good job you are doing.”
“That is very kind of you to say.”
“Perhaps while we are at Thornwall Castle, you will meet a nice young man for yourself.”
Phoebe shook her head. “It would be nice to meet a young man, my lady, but I have no time for such things. I have a job to do and I am dedicated to helping you find the right husband for you.”
“Well, I want you to be happy, too, Phoebe. If there is anything you need, you must not hesitate to ask. Am I clear?”
Phoebe lifted her eyebrows, looking surprised. “My lady!” she cried. “I could never ask you for anything! It is not my place. I cannot imagine what your father would say if he found out I requested anything from you.”
Lady Elizabeth smiled. “He would not be able to say anything if he did not find out. And who would tell him? Certainly not I. You must promise me that you will inform me if you are in need of anything or want something, say, a different room to sleep in with a better view of the landscape or a few extra pillows on your bed. I want you to be comfortable, too.”
“That is very kind of you.” Phoebe returned her lady’s smile. “I will let you know if I am in need of a different room with a better view.”
Lady Elizabeth laughed, softly. “The landscape around Thornwall Castle is said to be some of the best in all the county! I am so excited to see it!”
“We will be there soon, my lady. I am excited as well.”
Chapter 2
Lady Elizabeth’s eyes widened when she saw the castle in the distance. She waved her hand at Phoebe excitedly. “Oh, Phoebe! It is so beautiful!”
Phoebe leaned forward and looked behind her at the castle they were approaching. She gasped, which gratified Lady Elizabeth’s feelings about the grand sight they were approaching. They were flanked on both sides by a long row of fir trees.
The trees ended at a cobblestone arched bridge. At the beginning of the bridge before the side walls were two tall iron lamps. At the top of the lamps, flame shaped glass frames pointed up toward the sky.
They rumbled over the bridge with Lady Elizabeth practically hanging out of the window, gazing around her with wide eyes. It was much different from her mansion back home and the house they stayed in during the London season.
Four wide, round towers rose up to a peak, topped off by a cross on each, reaching into the sky. Each was connected to the main portion of the castle, which rose up majestically made of dark brown stone. Crystal-clear windows were scattered here and there across the walls in an asymmetric pattern.
Lady Elizabeth narrowed her eyes and saw a row of symmetric holes that ran all the way around the front of the castle. They were for archers and artillery. Lady Elizabeth felt a chill run through her. She would ask Lady Agatha about the history of the castle, as she would surely know. It would be so interesting to find out if those turrets had ever been used in a time of war. Certainly not during Lady Agatha’s life, but long ago.
Underneath the bridge was a wide moat. She looked down at the rippling water. Perhaps she would have a swim on a warm day.
She giggled at the thought.
A huge gate rolled up slowly as they crossed the bridge. It was all the way up when they reached it. To each side, the moat guards were housed in small circular rooms with narrow windows allowing them to see to the front, left and right.
Lady Elizabeth saw them nod at the driver, who passed into the courtyard without stopping. She looked around her, realizing the bridge was the only way in, without taking down the walls of the castle.
Lady Elizabeth gazed around her, thinking how bustling this castle had probably been at one time. Now, there was no one there. Benches, chairs, curtains, and supplies dotted the outline
of the surrounding walls, reminding Lady Elizabeth that once it really had been lively.
She pulled in a deep breath as they approached the front of the castle. She sat back, wanting to look proper when she arrived, instead of like a gawking little girl.
She cleared her throat and prepared herself to meet Malcolm and be taken to see her dear friend.
The coach gradually slowed and then came to a stop in front of the twelve-foot tall doors that provided entry into the inner parts of the castle.
Lady Elizabeth nervously bit her bottom lip, looking at Phoebe, whose constant smile comforted and calmed her. She kneaded her gloved hands together, hearing the familiar sounds of the driver climbing down from his perch. She tapped her foot gently under the long skirts of her dress.
Too much time passed and Lady Elizabeth became impatient. She narrowed her eyes, looking out the window, aching to lean out as far as it took to see why no one had come to open the door. She knew it did not take more than a few seconds to get down and open the door.
Her heartbeat sped up as her anxiety grew.
Finally, frowning deeply, she pulled in her courage and leaned forward to peek through the window at the front of the coach. A man had stopped the driver from opening the door for her and Phoebe. He was speaking in a low tone, looking directly at the driver. He was slapping one hand with the other with the back of his fingers.
She gasped in disbelief and reached over the edge of the door to unlatch it.
She swung the door open and Lady Elizabeth stepped down from the coach. She grabbed her skirts with both hands and marched over to the two men, glaring at the stranger.
“You!” she said, stopping a few feet from the man. He had a deep scar running from his left temple all the way to the chin. Other than that, he was a handsome man. Lady Elizabeth’s ire prevented her from seeing that. She also did not notice how well-dressed he was and that chances were slim he was a servant.
So she said, “You have delayed my driver from coming to open the door. I am an invited guest and I will be treated as such. I am here to see Lady Agatha. She is my friend and I would like to see her as soon as possible! Please find the Duke of Thornwall and inform him of my arrival.”
“There is no need for me to announce your arrival, Lady Elizabeth, if that is who you are,” the man replied in a smooth, cold tone that nearly froze her nerves on the spot. “For the Duke of Thornwall stands before you.”
Lady Elizabeth wanted to melt into the ground. She gazed at him, taking a small step backwards. The grip on her skirts loosened and she suddenly realized how well-dressed he was. Her cheeks quickly burned and she pulled in a deep breath, lifting her chin.
“You are the Duke of Thornwall?”
“I am. And you are Lady Elizabeth Owens, daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Winterset. Is that correct?”
“It is. I would like to see your sister, my lord, if you are allowing her visitors. She does know I am coming. I do not wish to be sent away as soon as I get here.”
The Duke of Thornwall frowned. “I beg your pardon?”
“As I was approaching, I heard you asking the driver if he needed supplies to take me somewhere else to stay. I do not wish to leave until I am satisfied Lady Agatha has recovered from her injuries.”
The Duke of Thornwall’s frown deepened into a scowl. He was glaring at her. Lady Elizabeth noticed his jaw was set. She could see him clenching his teeth every few seconds from the bone jutting out of his cheeks. She wondered what he was thinking about her.
She could not help feeling that he was somewhat rigid and stiff. Not at all the warm, gentle creature Lady Agatha depicted him to be. This was not the kind of man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.
The Duke of Thornwall closed the distance between them, stopping when he was too close to Lady Elizabeth for her comfort. He was still glaring at her and she noticed a look of contempt on his face that made her even less comfortable.
“I was not speaking to the driver about taking you to town. I am sending several servants to purchase supplies for my sister and asked if he would drive them. I do not owe you an explanation for anything that I say or do, my lady, and I would beg you not to breech that line of authority. I have the power to remove you from the premises, if I wish.”
Lady Elizabeth swallowed and took a step back. Up close, the Duke of Thornwall was much more handsome. Once she had noticed the scar on his face, she did not see it again. She was looking at him, judging his character, not his looks.
Although she would later admit to her dear friend that her brother had some of the deepest brown eyes she had ever seen. She was envious of the soft, waviness of his nearly-black hair. It was long, almost to his shoulders.
She also found him to be incredibly intimidating. She tried to breathe slow and steady. She did not want him to see how he had rattled her.
“Your grace, allow me some forgiveness.” She struggled to get the words out. They sounded hollow to her and she was not sure she meant them. “I have overstepped and I do apologize.”
“I will take that into account. My sister is not feeling well today. I do not think she will be enjoying anyone’s company today.”
Lady Elizabeth’s eyebrows shot up. “Your Grace.” She tried to control her temper. “I have come a long way. Your castle is many miles from my home in London. Please allow me to see my friend.”
The Duke of Thornwall’s eyes narrowed. “I will not allow my sister to see anyone today. She is not well.”
Chapter 3
The Duke of Thornwall stared at the insipid creature in front of him. Who did she think she was? She had no right to demand anything from him. Her assumption that he was sending her away had struck him as odd, because he had been considering sending her back to town with the servants. But he had not mentioned it to the driver, who said his name was Alexander.
“I am sorry, Your Grace,” she said to him. “But I must insist on being taken to Lady Agatha. She is such a dear friend to me and did me a kind service much the same as this one a year ago. Allow me to repay her for her kindness by watching over her as she recovers from her accident. I have been given all the details and I am quite certain it will be good for her health to be with someone who cares for her so.”
He felt a streak of resentment slide through him and opened his mouth to issue a retort when she closed her eyes and shook her head. She lifted both hands in the air, her small, white palms facing him.
“Your grace! I do apologize for the way that sounded. Lady Agatha has always spoken very highly of you and I am aware that you care deeply for her. As her friend, nay, her sister of heart, if not blood, I beg of you to let me see her for I will not leave the property until I have.”
She allowed herself to smile weakly at him.
“And you do not want me to stay if I am not welcome. I will not be a pleasant houseguest and will repeatedly bother you until you let me speak to Lady Agatha.”
The Duke of Thornwall considered his options. How could this pushy, troublesome young lady possibly relax his sister during her recuperation? She would surely delay the process.
However, Lady Agatha had spoken highly of Lady Elizabeth, as well, and had talked of her arrival non-stop for a month. Lady Agatha just might skin him alive and throw him in the moat herself, if he did not allow her to see Lady Elizabeth.
He reluctantly said, “Very well. Follow me.”
Lady Elizabeth spun around to tell Phoebe to come to her and reacted in a surprised way that her companion was standing directly behind her. The Duke of Thornwall had seen her approaching so her presence did not scare him. Her head was down but the Duke of Thornwall knew she had been listening to every word.
“Oh! I did not…” Lady Elizabeth grunted softly. “We are to go see Lady Agatha now.”
Phoebe nodded. “Yes, my lady.”
Lady Elizabeth turned back to the Duke of Thornwall. “I would like to introduce my companion, Phoebe.”
“It is nice to meet you,” th
e Duke of Thornwall bowed at the waist. He looked back at Lady Elizabeth. “Please follow me.”
He went in through the double doors and did not stop to welcome them into his home.
Lady Elizabeth followed behind him. He clasped his hands behind his back and thought about the woman coming up behind him. She was, indeed, as beautiful as his sister had described. If they were not to get along, it would be her brash attitude that kept them apart, certainly not her looks.
The Duke of Thornwall was impressed by her long, blond curls and her flashing blue eyes. He was almost taken in by the forcefulness of her nature. But he was wounded inside and the last thing he needed was a rude young woman staying in his castle.
