“It would have been hard for a letter to arrive before he did. He took the mail coach once he docked in England.”
Hannah wasn’t a liar. If she said he hadn’t written, then he hadn’t written. Perhaps he truly had been held prisoner. In which case, Jane was a terrible person for doubting it.
“Does he ever talk about his captivity?”
“Not really.” Hannah shifted uncomfortably. “I don’t want to pry. I think he’s trying to forget it, poor fellow.”
Poor fellow, indeed.Either Eli was an utter scoundrel who’d concocted the most elaborate ploy for attention she’d ever seen, or Jane was a bitter-hearted snoop for doubting him.
She wasn’t sure which possibility she hoped for.
They walked in silence for a moment, Hannah taking in the view while Jane turned over this new information.
“How have you been enjoying your season?” Jane asked. “Is it your first?”
Hannah was seventeen, if memory served. An age where most girls were excessively preoccupied with their newfound access to society.
But Hannah seemed discouraged by this subject, hunching her shoulders and ducking her head as if to disappear. “No, I came out last year.”
“And you haven’t liked it?”
“All the gentlemen in London are horrid,” Hannah explained. “Either they don’t notice me at all, or they’re unkind. I don’t want to marry any of them. I wish we hadn’t come to Ascot.” She jumped slightly, as if startled by her own words. “Oh, I don’t mean to be ungrateful! Your family had been very generous, it’s only…”
“It’s fine. I understand what you mean.” The season could be unforgiving, especially to a girl just out, too green to have constructed any armor to protect her from petty slights like an empty dance card or an unkind word. Hannah had sparkling brown eyes and a warm smile like her brother, but the poor girl always seemed to be shrinking inward or tugging at her gown or shawl as if to hide herself. Looking at her, Jane was reminded of her own debut and how discouraging it had been not to receive an offer as her friends married off. On impulse, she said, “Don’t let anyone make you feel obliged to be pleasing to people who don’t please you.”
Hannah’s eyes widened at this. “My mother wants me to make a good impression on everyone. She’s hoping that with all the invitations coming in for Eli, I’ll secure a match this year.”
Oh dear. She shouldn’t undermine Mrs. Williams, but she hated to see a young girl thrust at a man for no better reason than to have her settled. Even if it was all too common.
“If that’s what you want,” Jane said delicately. “But you’re still very young. It’s important to be sure about such things. It’s not a choice you can take back.”
“I don’t know that I’ll ever be sure.” Hannah scuffed the grass with her shoes as they walked. “Marriage only seems to make people miserable.” They continued on in silence for a moment beforeHannah asked, “Is that why you haven’t married yet? Because you aren’t sure?”
“I suppose so,” Jane replied. She had a sinking feeling she’d already proven a bad influence on Hannah. Probably best not to reveal her wicked plan to remain a spinster forever and run a ladies’ gaming hell.
“That wasn’t a very polite question, was it? Forgive me.”
“No need.” Jane gave Hannah’s arm a reassuring squeeze. “I should like you to feel that you may speak plainly to me.”
Jane had no desire to face Eli any sooner than strictly necessary, so she suggested they pick some wildflowers for the Lindens. They continued through the meadow until the yew tree and their families fell back beyond their line of sight.
A low rumble in the distance made the air hum, raising goosebumps on Jane’s arms. The women exchanged a look. Not ten seconds had passed when the sky darkened and cold droplets began to fall upon their upturned faces.
“Well ItoldMother it might rain, didn’t I?” Hannah sighed.
Eight
“Everyone get back inside the coaches,” Lady Kerr called out. “Oh, my gown will be ruined.”
“Where have Hannah and Miss Bishop gone?” Eli’s mother squinted in the general direction of the priory.
“I’ll fetch them,” Eli offered. “You get inside where you’ll be dry.”
He snatched up one of the blankets they’d been using for the picnic as the servants raced to pack away the last few dishes. Though the priory wasn’t far, the rain was coming down in earnest by the time he reached it. It had been a comfortable temperature all day, but the storm had turned the air chill again, and Eli shivered as droplets slid down his collar and back.
“Hello?” He made a quick circuit of the ruined walls, but only his own voice echoed back at him. “Jane! Hannah!”
Where the devil are they?
