“I will return to my life in London—I will serve the poor with Papa and look after the church.”
“And what of your future?”
“I do not know yet. I only know that it is better this way,” I said.
“You’re wrong.”
“How can you say that? We are opposites in every way. I hate London; you love it. You enjoy sport, and I prefer to read—not only novels, but also the newspaper. Particularly political columns.”
A reflexive frown puckered Ollie’s lips, but then he smoothed his face into a neutral expression. “A lady improving her mind is not a bad thing.”
“I am a bluestocking through and through. What you desire is an accomplished young lady who should like to go with you about Town.”
“You make me sound like a peacock whose only goal in life is to be admired.”
“That was not my intent. I only meant to say that we are different, both in what we enjoy and what we hope for in the future. We would make each other miserable.”
“It isIwho will be miserable withoutyou.”
“Don’t say that.” I touched his arm, meaning to comfort him, but he flinched away, and I withdrew my hand. “You will not. Not forever. One day you will meet a beautiful young lady, and she will make you exceedingly happy.”
“Is there not anything I can say to change your mind?”
I shook my head. “I am sorry, Ollie.”
Ollie rose from the bench. “As am I.” He silently assisted me onto my saddle, then mounted his own horse.
We walked them safely down the tor toward the ruin.
The rest of our company had just arrived. Captain Bromley led everyone through the largest of the remaining arches into the space where the chapel would have existed if the church had remained.
It was sad that something once so beautiful, so strong, had been reduced to crumbling stone. I glanced at Ollie. Is this what would become of our relationship?
Captain Bromley’s voice carried through the dilapidated abbey as Ollie and I approached the courtyard. “It is said that this abbey is the birthplace of Christianity in England. For thousands of years, pilgrims and seekers came to this sacred site for spiritual renewal . . .”
“Your brother and sister-in-law should be just inside,” Ollie said. “I will wait to make sure you are safely with them before I ride back.”
“Will you not also come inside?”
“It is better if I return to the manor.”
My emotions felt as if they would crumble. I hated to part in this way, but there was nothing I could say in this moment to bring him consolation. With time, I hoped we could rebuild our friendship, but like this ruin, I worried that our relationship would never be what it once was. I directed my horse toward the sound of Captain Bromley’s voice.
“Unfortunately,” our host continued, “the church had more money than the king. As you can imagine, this was a considerable political obstacle for King Henry. An obstacle that he remedied by dissolving the monasteries and destroying many churches.”
When the rest of our company came into view, I glanced back at Ollie. He gave me a curt nod and rode away toward the stableyard.
Damon and Lady Margaret were right behind Captain Bromley, and I doubted they even noticed me as the rest of the company continued through an arch to another part of the ruins. But Henry and Georgiana were situated in the back and walked their horses to where I waited on mine.
“Is Mr. Jennings unwell?” Georgiana asked when the three of us were alone.
“In a matter of speaking,” I said, my voice weak. “I have denied him.”
“Denied him?” Georgiana stared at me. “But why? He is a fine match. Possibly your only. You must ride after him! Take back your refusal. Tell him you were only surprised.”
“No.”
“Hannah, if you do not accept Mr. Jennings, you may never have another opportunity to marry,” Georgiana said. “You must know that I only want for your happiness. To see you settled. It is obvious Mr. Jennings cares for you. He is a good man and a handsome one too.”
