“It’s not something we have to decide today,” she replied.
He nodded. The waiting was the worst part. Arthur would send a reply as soon as he read Charles’s missive. He was punctual like that. Out of the corner of his eye, Charles noted Cathryn watching him intently.
“Isn’t there a maze in the gardens?” she asked.
“Yes. Why? Do you want to go play in it?”
“I think we’re a little old for playing, but we could make it a game.”
“Or we could have a look around the greenhouse.”
“Yes! I noticed it earlier today on our walk back. I’d love to see what the gardener is doing.”
Charles nodded. “Come, let’s go check both out.”
He assisted her to her feet, and together they walked to the door. They made it to the area in the gardens where the maze began.
“Maybe we’ve found a place to have some privacy.”
“I believe you’re right. I’m used to being on my own and alone most of the time. Crowds sometimes overwhelm me, as I’m sure you’ve recognized.”
“I have,” she replied. “I can see why writing is so appealing to you. Playing piano as well. Solitary endeavors.”
“I know.”
It was a shame he had no real life before now. He was thought to be a bit mad, so others thought it best to leave him alone. Trying to learn how to live among people was going to be a challenge he would have to deal with for the foreseeable future. At least, though, he had Cathryn to help him.
He could see the tall hedges of the maze coming into sight. It seemed mazes were going to have a significance in their lives.Once they chose where they were going to call home, he would have to have a maze installed if there wasn’t one already.
If they had to install one, he would design it himself. Something people would always remember. Challenging, that’s what he wanted.
Greenhouses weren’t uncommon. The estate gardeners, he understood, had at least one where they would raise plants from seedlings, graft roses, and such. He missed being able to work in a greenhouse. Again, another solitary place and occupation.
“What about the coal mine? Are we still going to go look at it?” he heard Cathryn say.
“Yes, perhaps we can do that tomorrow. I’d like to see the operation,” Charles said.
“From what I’ve heard and read, it’s a horribly dirty and dangerous job.”
He nodded. “Yes, that goes without saying for any type of mining.”
“True,” she replied. “I would hate to be married to a miner. Not knowing if they’d come home every evening.”
Chapter Eleven
Three days later,at the urging of Arthur, Charles and Cathryn found themselves on a train headed south. The time in between the letter being sent and Arthur’s reply allowed them precious time alone. They got to know each other in ways some couples never did. Riding the estate, finding private places to make love were just a portion of what they engaged in. The mine was utterly fascinating even though they couldn’t get too close since it was dangerous, and Charles deemed it not a place Cathryn should go.
Frazier took care of all the details of the journey. From the tickets to baggage handling, and when they arrived in London, they were met by the duke’s coach. Not wanting to stay in London, the pair chose to push on to Kent.
It was dark when they arrived and were met by the butler. Arthur and Daphne were finishing up their dinner and met them in the drawing room.
“Have you eaten?” Daphne asked them.
“No, last time we ate was on the train. My valet had seen to having a hamper prepared for our journey.”
“I’ll have Cook send something up to your rooms when you’re ready,” she replied.
“So Cathryn’s parents never caught up with you?” Arthur asked with an amused smile on his face. “They certainly let us know what they thought when they arrived home.”
