“There was no harm done. You were simply concerned. I can appreciate that. It means a lot to know you worry about me that much.”
“Still that doesn't mean I can just ask whatever I like without considering your feelings.”
She nodded. “Yes, but, it isn't like you meant any harm. Besides, well, why don’t you sit down. I suppose it might be nice to talk to someone.”
“Are you sure? I wouldn't want to put you out or keep you awake when you need your rest.”
“Believe me I'm sure. That's why I offered.”
She lit up. “Of course, your grace! If you are sure I wouldn't be prying I would be happy to talk about whatever you like.”
Daisy was sitting down on one of the waiting seats before Veronica could even say a word.
She chuckled at the younger girls’s eagerness. It was like she thought Veronica would have exciting gossip from the latest ball rather than the tale of her spending a night trapped in a cabin in the middle of no where.
Veronica took a moment to pick at her food as she collected her thoughts. Daisy stared up at her with eager wide eyes. Veronica took a few bites of her food to buy some more time before she started to speak.
“I had my reasons for leaving. Id rather not get into it too much, but the short of it is that I thought the estate would be better without me here.”
“That could never be true!”
Veronica smiled. “It makes me happy to hear you say that, and you don't need to worry, Christopher helped me to understand. Id like to think we both helped each other to understand.”
She nodded.
“But that wasn't what I want to focus on at the moment.”
“Then what is?”
Veronica paused taking a deep breath. “It gets dark fast in the forest, far faster than I had expected it to. I was too far into the forest to turn around and so I needed to keep going. I didn't see any other choice. When I was out there, I realized too late that something was following me.”
“Goodness!” Daisys hands flew to her mouth, concern covering her face. “How terrible! What was it?”
“I can’t say for sure, but I think it was a wolf.”
She gasped. “Then I am so glad he was there and you are safe now! Oh goodness! I can hardly bare to think about what could have happened without him.”
“Me too,” she nodded. “It was too close as it was. The rest doesn't bare thinking about, but to get away we ended up in the river. I must say, I thought we would dround. Well, I thought I would, but then he jumped in after me as if it was the most natural thing in the world.”
“Of course he did. He’s you husband, and he cares about you. He always has.”
Something in Daisy’s words made her frown. “What do you mean he always has?”
She shrugged. “It’s just what the other maids say.”
Veronica sighed. “You must be careful repeating such gossip.”
“It isn’t just gossip! Seeing the two of you together, I know it has to be true.”
Veronica faltered. “I don’t know what you mean.”
She smiled. “The pair of you act just like my parents did.”
Veronica froze. “I see. That’s- that’s kind of you to say.”
Daisy smiled, getting to her feet. “Well, I should get back before Mrs. Carter is looking for me. I will come back later to get the tray.”
“Yes, that sounds good. Thank you.”
