“I hope your master was not too angry with you for letting a trespasser cross his lands.”
“I can assure you, Lord Connally was pleased to allow it, Miss…”
“Oh, where are my manners! My name is Miss Bingley. I am a guest of Mrs. Gilbert Hurst who lives over at–”
“At Fairclough, yes. I remember.”
“And what is your name?”
Theo froze. He did not want to give away his identity. “Hodge. Mr. Oliver Hodge,” he finally answered.
“A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Hodge. I must be going now, before my sister notices my absence.”
“Of course. I bid you good day, Miss Bingley.” He tipped the brim of his wide hat.
She nodded, before hurrying to catch up with the others.
Chapter 4
While Beaujean went to see his lady at The King Richard, Oliver decided to visit the bookshop next door.
As he emerged from the shop a while later, he saw a familiar blonde, sitting on a bench outside the inn. His heart pounded at the sight of her.
“Miss Greenbough!” Oliver exclaimed, taking off his hat to bow to her. “I was unaware you had returned to this area.”
She turned her head and smiled. “Mr. Hodge. How wonderful to see you again! I only now arrived on the afternoon stage. We came in ahead of schedule, so I am waiting here until my uncle comes to collect me. I am glad to see you have returned also. When we last met, you were preparing to journey to Ireland. Did you have a pleasant tour?”
“Very pleasant. And how long will you be staying at Ravensclough?”
“I will be here the whole summer. Will you be here as well?”
“I have no plans to depart anytime soon.”
Miss Greenbough nodded. “Excellent! Then I shall hope to see you again soon. I bid you good day.”
“Good day, Miss Greenbough.” Oliver bowed. He contemplated inviting her to walk along the pier with him, but as she was unchaperoned, it might be deemed improper. He settled for having a drink while he waited for Beaujean to conclude his meeting with his lady-friend. He was surprised to find Beaujean at the bar, already dipping rather deep in his cups.
“Was your friend not here, Beau?”
“Oh she was,” he answered. “But she had no time for me, I am afraid.”
Distracted in comforting his friend, Oliver forgot to mention his encounter with Miss Greenbough.
S
“What were you doing back there?” Louisa demanded as the ladies neared the carriage.
Caroline shrugged. “Whatever do you mean?”
“You stayed behind to speak to that gardener. What business could you have with him?”
“Oh, nothing much,” Caroline lied. “I only wanted another look at the orchard. It will be beautiful in a few weeks when it blooms, will it not?”
“Who cares about an orchard? Did you manage to learn anything else about Lord Connally? Did the gardener say something to you?”
“No. But I did learn his name is Oliver Hodge. Is that not the young man whom you spoke of earlier, Mrs. Bird, who traveled to Ireland with Lord Connally?”
Mrs. Bird’s lips tightened. “Yes, that is him.” She forced a smile.
