For shewasbewildered.
Nathaniel took himself back down to the library, whistling as he went.
Helen looked up at him from the novel she was reading. “What has you so happy?”
His only answer was a grin.
Hudson, standing near the library window, gave the old globe on its stand an idle twirl, running his finger along the equator as it spun.
Helen watched him. “How much of the world have you seen, Mr. Hudson?”
“Oh, I saw many places in my younger days. The Cape of Africa, Trinidad, Tobago, Antigua.... I traveled with a merchant for several years before I decided to stay on in Barbados.” He looked over at her. “And you, Miss Helen?”
“Me? I have been nowhere, save London. Do you miss traveling?”
With a glance toward Nathaniel, he said apologetically, “I admit to a growing restlessness, being indoors so much of the time, and being so far from the sea. I was raised along the coast, you know. And later in Barbados, I was never far from the sea.”
She nodded thoughtfully.
“I don’t suppose, Miss Helen...” he began cautiously, as if he dreaded her answer. “I don’t suppose you can imagine life anywhere besides Fairbourne Hall?”
She looked up at the ceiling in thought. “Actually, Mr. Hudson, after my years of self-imposed seclusion, I find myself longing for a change. I don’t know if you are aware, but my first love was a sea captain. I looked forward to life on the coast, perhaps even traveling with him from time to time.”
Hudson’s eyes dulled. “I am sorry for your loss.”
She nodded. “I felt sorry for myself too. For a long while. Too long. It was a blow at the time, but it is in the past. I am ready to leave it there.”
Hudson studied her closely. “I am glad to hear it.”
“Which part?”
He grinned. “All of the above.”
Nathaniel was glad to hear it as well.
Arnold appeared in the open doorway. “That Mr. Tompkins is here to see you again, sir.”
Nathaniel pursed his lips in surprise. “Is he? Very well, I shall see him in the morning room.”
Hudson stepped toward the door. “Shall I go with you?”
“No thank you. I will see him myself.”
“Then I suppose I shall return to my duties,” Hudson said with little relish.
Helen looked over at him. “I have a few things to discuss with you, Mr. Hudson, if you wouldn’t mind staying a little longer?”
Hudson stilled. “Of course, miss.”
Helen turned toward Nathaniel. “Unless you wish me to go in with you again, like the last time...?”
Ever the big sister. “No need; stay as you are.”
Leaving Helen and Hudson in quiet conversation, Nathaniel crossed the hall. When he entered the morning room, the bald man stood, chimney-pot hat in hand. Did he not trust the under butler with it?
Nathaniel said, “Well, Tompkins. I am surprised to see you. I thought you would be celebrating your capture of the poetic Preston and spending your reward by now.”
The man smiled, but the gesture did not reach his eyes. “I have, sir. But there is still one outstanding piece of business between us.”
