Cedric nodded and then guided Regina from the room. Once she was out the door, she turned and crumpled against his shoulder. "Oh, Ceddy, will she be all right? She seemed so much better when she awakened. But what did she mean?"
Cedric held her close, stroking her disheveled hair. "She's been through a great deal. Give her time. We'll get her back to London and have Tom give her a thorough examination. I'm certain, in time, she'll be just fine. She did suffer quite a severe knock on the head."
"Yes, of course." Regina nodded. Her eyes were red from crying and lack of sleep. "That must be it. I expected too much. I'm afraid I'm greedy. After the last days…" Her voice broke, and she looked up at him, seeking the truth in his eyes. "You do believe she's Elyse?"
Cedric sighed heavily. He had seen a resemblance when the child had awakened. "She has your eyes, my dear. I never met Anne..." He was fumbling badly.
"No, you didn't. She was so lovely, with hair that same color." Her voice trembled. "James loved her so. And he was so proud of Elyse. They couldn't wait for me to see her." She turned and gazed wistfully at the closed door, as if she couldn't bear to leave for even a moment, but Cedric firmly guided her down the stairs.
They sat at the small trestle table in a corner of the inn. Katy had brought them tea, and cakes she'd proudly boasted that 'ermamhad baked. Then she'd gone back upstairs to watch over Elyse. Every so often, Regina's gaze darted watchfully to the door at the top of the stairs. It was now two days since the child had awakened.
After eating a small meal, she'd slipped into a deep, restful slumber, sleeping for almost sixteen hours. During that time, Regina remained by her granddaughter's bed, fearful that she might yet slip away from them. But with each passing hour, the child seemed to grow stronger.
Sadly, there was no trace of another survivor. Lady Regina Winslow accepted the truth and turned her strength and determination to ensuring Elyse's recovery.
She announced that they would return to London immediately, as if she couldn't bear to remain at Land's End a moment longer. Earlier that morning she'd gone alone to the bluff.
Cedric hadn't asked why; he'd understood. Now he watched her from across the table. She'd donned a clean gown of deep aquamarine that set the color in her eyes to dancing. Her dark blond hair, faintly streaked with gray, was elegantly styled atop her head. The deepened lines at her eyes were the only outward signs of her grieving.
He was again reminded that Lady Regina Winslow was a very beautiful woman. He'd been aware of that for almost forty years, and strongly suspected it was the reason he'd never chosen to marry. There wasn't another woman alive to compare to her. And for twenty-two of those forty years she'd been married to his closest friend.
Cedric rummaged in the pocket of his elegant charcoal jacket, then replaced the cigars. Regina looked up from her tea, a ghost of a smile playing around the corners of her mouth.
"For heaven's sake, Cedric, go ahead and smoke your cigar. You know very well it doesn't bother me. I rather like it. Richard used to smoke them all the time." She spoke fondly of her husband.
"If you're certain?" Most women were given to a case of the vapors or to swooning spells at the first whiff of smoke.
He took out a small cigar and twirled it thoughtfully between thumb and forefinger. He'd hesitated to tell her during the days of the child's recovery, but now that they were returning to London, he knew he could delay no longer.
"We've had news from London," he began thoughtfully, wondering if she was strong enough to hear it now. He preferred she hear it from him rather than one of her household staff upon their return.
"What is it?" Regina reached out and patted his hand. Ceddy had always been such a dear friend, always trying to shield her from life's little unpleasantries since Richard was gone. Her faint smile faded before his silent and somber expression. He seemed to be searching for the right words. She'd never known him to be at a loss to express himself.
"What is it?" she whispered, fear congealing around her heart.
"It's Felicia." He spoke slowly, wishing he could spare her this.
"What's happened?" Regina's voice had a small desperate edge to it as she thought of her dear friend.
"Mr. Quist brought back word... "He hesitated. "I know you were very close."
"She's dead, isn't she?" Regina voiced what he seemed to be having such a difficult time saying.
Cedric nodded.
"Somehow I knew," she replied." She was sick for such a long time, and so very unhappy." She breathed a ragged sigh, no more tears left in her. "She was like my own daughter after her parents died. Her marriage to Barrington was arranged, and, in spite of appearances, not the happiest. She was in love with someone else, but she never spoke of it, not even to me.
"My poor, dear Felicia," she continued. "She was a true friend. I hope she's at peace now." Regina sighed. So much sadness. So much loss. When did it happen?"
"The evening of the fifth," he told her. "The night the ship went down. According to Mr. Quist, within the very same hour."
Regina only nodded sadly. If the coincidence registered at all, she showed no sign of it.
Katy interrupted them, jauntily coming down the steps. "I swear that wee child has two hollow legs, she does. Why she eats more than me brother, Simon, and he's five goin' on six."
Regina smiled, heartened by the good news. "Katy, you've been a godsend. I can't think what I would have done the last two days without you. I've been considering something." She hesitated. "How would you like to come back to London with us? You could help me care for Elyse."
"London? Me? What would I do there? Me mam says the place is dreadful wicked and there ain't a job to be had." She jerked her thumb over her shoulder toward Harry the innkeeper. "Ole Harry might not pay much, but it's steady work. Men is always wantin' their ale."
