She spotted them on the roadside and walked over, a brilliant smile on her face. “How is everyone feeling? It’s a beautiful view, isn’t it?”
“It is, Lady Kerr,” Mrs. Williams agreed quickly.
It was the day before Ascot, and they’d left London three hours ago, stopping only now to water the horses and set up their meal. Though it was twenty miles into their journey, Lady Kerr had been adamant that they should delay their picnic until they reached the Ankerwycke Yew, a popular attraction.
Now that it was before him, Eli had to admit the sight had been worth the wait. Its great and gnarled trunk resembled a dozen trees fused and twisted together, for it was over twenty feet around. It stood on high ground, and there was enough space amongst thesurrounding greenery that one could see the river Thames below, meandering lazily in the sun.
Jane glanced his way as she descended from her family’s clarence, but made no move to join them near the blankets the servants were spreading out before the yew’s tangled branches. She turned her face deliberately away.
This was going to be a damnably awkward four days.
Though he’d crossed paths with Jane several times at society events, he’d managed to keep his distance since his ill-fated attendance at her gaming club, conscious of how unwelcome he was. That wasn’t going to be possible while they slept under the same roof.
He let his gaze linger shamelessly on the curves of her figure, drinking up the sight, while her attention was turned away from him. His eyes wanted to linger on everything that was pleasing—those striking gray eyes, the rare smile she let transform her lips, the gentle slope of her hips. Why did he have to want what he couldn’t have? It took constant effort not to stare.
“Lieutenant.” Mr. Bishop’s voice broke him out of his reverie, dangerously close to his side.He’s caught you ogling his niece.Eli had just enough time to imagine the dressing down he might receive before Bishop continued. “I hope it isn’t too late to give you these. I meant to catch you at home, but you were out when I called.”
He pressed something into Eli’s hands. The letters.
“Oh. Thank you. It’s not too late at all; I’ll send them to my solicitor once we’re back in town.”
“Don’t hesitate to tell me if you think I should change anything. It’s no trouble.”
Behind them, the wet nurse had brought Lady Kerr’s baby out for some air, and a circle of people was forming to coo while they awaited the picnic. With a little nod, Mr. Bishop went to join them, leaving Eli to read.
Jane’s letter was on top, her neat, feminine script the only mark on the unlined sheet.
To the attention of the General Register, Somerset House
I have been asked to provide you with an account of my acquaintance with Lt. Eleazar Williams. I first met Lt. Williams in April 1833 while I was staying at Ashlow Park, Devon. He was at that time a neighbor. I have compared the appearance of Lt. Williams today with my memory, and they appear to me to be physically the same person.
I hope the foregoing will be of assistance.
Sincerely,
Miss Jane Bishop
Eli read it twice, trying to decide if it was intended as an insult, or if he was being oversensitive.
She hadn’t wanted to write it; her uncle had volunteered her. He couldn’t blame her for doing a rush job. But that last part:they appear to me to be physically the same person.How was he supposed to interpret that? That he wasn’t the same person by some other measure?
The phrase seemed to invite the registrar to doubt him.
He turned to the second letter. It was a full page in length, in heavy,ordered handwriting. Mr. Bishop described his intimate acquaintance with Eli owing to his former engagement to Lady Kerr and a statement of his good character, followed by the circumstances of their meeting again in London last Thursday. It was in every way satisfactory.
It made Jane’s letter look even more horrible by comparison.
With a flash of irritation, Eli slipped the pages into his breast pocket and glanced over at the rest of his party. They were all still caught up in the adoration of baby Tommy—all except for Jane, that is, who stood back from the others, wearing the expression of a woman thoroughly underwhelmed.
The servants had set out the blankets and dishes by now, and they soon turned to their feast. Lady Kerr had provided a cold roast, a leg of lamb, a pigeon pie, at least four types of sandwiches, a basket of salad, vinegars, sauces, cheese, stewed fruit and pastry biscuits to serve together, cold cabinet puddings in molds, a pound cake, lemonade, ginger beer, and tea. It was probably too much for nine people.
They sat down to eat in two neighboring clusters. Eli’s parents took a spot next to the Kerrs, and Eli promptly steered himself toward the furthest possible point from them. Too late, he saw his mistake. He was near Jane and her family. She held herself stiffly in place at his arrival, not quite looking his way. When a footman began distributing plates, she snatched hers back the moment Eli reached out to accept the next one, as though the risk of brushing elbows was a mortal threat.You’d think I was a leper.
There was no reason it should be like this. Surely they could find a way to be friendly with one another in public, even if they were no longer confidants.
“Thank you again for the invitation.” Eli addressed his gratitude in the direction of Mr. Bishop, but his eyes slipped to Jane. “I know you didn’t plan to share your space with so many people, but we’ll do our best not to step on any toes.”
He’d hoped she might warm a bit to his peace offering, but she ignored him entirely, reaching for a walnut sandwich. “These look lovely.”
