Aunt Seraphina picked up her tea and sipped it. Charlotte took the opportunity to pour her own and prepare it as she preferred. Once finished, she sat down and took a long sip. The warm liquid traveled down her throat and calmed her. She forgot how much she enjoyed a good cup of tea because she’d been so focused on her writing. Charlotte hadn’t take the time to just sit and enjoy tea, and the time visiting during teatime. “Aunt Seraphina,” Charlotte began. “What are your days like? I mean that is…”
“How do I spend my time?” Her aunt sipped her tea again. “Most days are like this. A calm day watching as the world goes by out the window... I don’t get too many visitors. I do have a sewing circle that comes once a week. Not much happens in Peacehaven, I am afraid.”
That was what Charlotte had feared. This sleepy little town would lead to ennui. She blew out a breath. “It cannot be as dreary as you are making it sound.”
“Oh, it has its charms,” Aunt Seraphina said and then smiled. “The Earl of Frossly has returned to set his estate to rights. Seems like the lad should have done so years ago, but I don’t really blame him. Tragic what happened to his family.”
Charlotte frowned. “What happened?” He had left immediately after bringing her to the cottage.
“It’s not for me to say. Perhaps you should ask him when you next cross paths. It was so nice of him to help you the day you arrived—I recognized him when I peeked out the window. An affable young gentleman... There should be more men such as him in the world.”
The Earl of Frossly… He’d been the one to help her? She had forgotten she’d meant to ask her aunt about him. He never had introduced himself to her, but she couldn’t help being curious about him. All he had mentioned about himself was his parents had died. How did one bring up that subject with a person?Oh, by the way, what did happen to kill your family?That was quite rude. Charlotte would not ask him that. She might have to become friendly with some of the townspeople and ask them. That wasn’t quite as rude, but at least she was unlikely to offend the Earl of Frossly.
“Thank you for having me here,” she said to her aunt. “I’m sure my unexpected visit was not something you thought you’d have to endure.”
“It’s a pleasure to have you here,” her aunt said softly. There was a touch of fondness in her tone. “I am glad to have someone to visit with. It can be lonely here at times.”
Now she felt horrid. “I’m also sorry for my attitude since I arrived. I’ll aim to do better.” She had been acting like a sullen child because she hadn’t gotten her way. Charlotte would attempt to do better.
“That’s lovely, dear.” Her aunt set her teacup down. “I was wondering if you could do me a favor.”
“Anything,” Charlotte said earnestly.
“I have a package that needs to be picked up at the bookshop. Do you think you could retrieve it for me?”
“I’d be happy to,” Charlotte said. She finished her tea and then set her cup down. “I’ll go and get my pelisse and walk into town now.”
“Thank you, dear,” she said. “I appreciate it.”
Charlotte left her aunt in the sitting room and went back to her bedchamber. After she donned her pelisse, she left her aunt’s cottage and started toward town. The walk would do her good, and perhaps, when she returned, she’d try writing again.
* * *
Collin closedhis eyes and took a deep breath. The estate was far worse than he expected, and it would take months to restore it. At least one month to make it somewhat livable. The roof was in tatters. Vermin had taken residence in the kitchens and the basement area where the servant quarters were. The only place remotely serviceable was a cottage on the property. He suspected that was where the estate manager had lived until he stole from the Frossly coffers and left the country. Collin had been staying there as he inspected everything over the past couple of days. The library was probably in the best shape. Also probably because the estate manager had utilized it while he lived there. The more Collin learned, the more he hated that man.
He needed to leave, take a long walk, and consider what he should do. Maybe he’d go into town and have a meal. He certainly was not getting any food at his estate. His first task would be to hire some workers to clean out all the rot in the house, then find contractors to start the work. It would cost a lot of money and drain a good portion of the estate’s funds. Why had he let this go on for so long? He sighed and started to walk out of his family home. Collin couldn’t help hating himself for what he allowed to happen.
It didn’t take him long to reach town. He could have arrived faster if he’d ridden his horse, but he’d need the exercise and time to think. He walked past the inn where he could have found a hot meal and instead wandered into the bookshop. He couldn’t say why, but he felt the need to go in.
It was a small shop, as most little towns would boast. He supposed he should be glad that they had a bookshop at all. Not all towns did, though some did have some sort of lending library. He moved farther inside and almost ran right into a lady as she turned a corner. He reached out and steadied her. “My apologies,” he said.
She grinned. “Lord Frossly,” the lady greeted him. “We seem to bump into each other often.”
“Lady Charlotte,” he said, surprised. Someone must have given her his name. He’d forgotten to when they’d last parted. “How wonderful to see you. Have you adjusted to life in Peacehaven?”
“As much as anyone is able to in a small country village,” she said with a bit of humor in her tone. “Are you looking for something to read?”
He shook his head. “I’m not certain why I decided to wander in here. Bored, preoccupied, a little of both…” Collin shrugged. “Truthfully, I’m overwhelmed and had to find a little bit of an escape. Perhaps I do need a smashing novel to help me get out of my own head.”
“Is that so?” She tilted her head to the side. “Or maybe you need someone to discuss it all with. I’m a good listener.”
Collin met her gaze. She really was quite lovely, and he could stare at her forever and never tire of the sight. That didn’t mean he wanted to tell her what an arse he was and how he’d allowed his estate to fall into ruin. He hated the idea of her thinking ill of him. He shouldn’t, but he couldn’t help how he felt.
“I like the idea of a book better.” That came out a little curt…the smile fell from her face and made him feel like the worst sort of person. “Perhaps I can help you instead. What brings you to the bookshop?”
She moved away from him and stared at a couple books the seller had on display. He hated that his words had made her go so quiet. Collin liked her more spirited personality. She stopped and then glanced at him. “My aunt sent me to pick up a package for her. I don’t require any assistance.”
Now he really felt awful. She lost that little light in her eyes that drew him to her. “Then perhaps you’ll allow me to escort you home.”
