Annie struggled to remain upright on her unsteady legs. Despite Leo’s demand, she opened her eyes and focused her gaze once more on Myddleton’s familiar roofs. Meanwhile, the numbers went by in her head, unspoken.
“Twenty,” she whispered at last, and stopped. She’d given Leo enough time to get away. Besides, she’d spoken true when she said she had no desire to follow him. Bracing herself against the wind, she remained in place, consumed by a fading sense of shock, a euphoric sense of relief, and a horde of unanswered questions. If any fear remained, it now rested solely in the mystery of this unknown truth.
When Northcott has deserted you, which he surely will…
Why would Julian desert her?
I care not who you are…
What did that mean? Was her father guilty of something nefarious? Had some crime been committed in the past, perhaps? And how, under God’s great sky, might she begin to ask Hattie and Janet about whatever it was? She had no idea how to proceed. To question them would surely result in them questioning her, and she balked at the thought of confessing her encounter with Leo. She wasn’t sure why. Perhaps because he was a potential complication, one that might be used as a diversion to the exposure of this mysterious truth. If thereeven was a mysterious truth hidden somewhere. For now, at least, Leo would remain unseen and unheard. As if to support her rationale, more of his words came back to her.
Seek and ye shall find.
After one last look at Myddleton House, Annie turned and regarded Ferndale Grange, now seeing it through different eyes. Questioning eyes. Before she stepped through its door, she needed to gather herself and show no outward sign of distress. Hattie, after all, could read her like a book. She lifted a shaky hand to her hair as she briefly pondered the whereabouts of her bonnet. Miles away by now, no doubt. Easy to explain its loss, given the weather. In an attempt to calm the tremble in her hands, she clenched and unclenched her fingers several times. To settle her racing heart, she filled her lungs and exhaled slowly; once, twice, thrice. Then, dropping her shoulders and lifting her chin, she set off back, already making plans.
It wasn’t till she got to the woods that she remembered Ruffy’s earlier reaction. Is that where Leo had been hiding? Had the dog sensed his presence? Annie knew she’d never pass the woods again without thinking about being watched. A shiver ran down her spine as she hurried on her way.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Lancelot hailed dawn’sarrival in his usual, unmelodious fashion. Annie was already awake. Caught up in the aftermath of the previous day’s shocking events, she’d slept little, her dreams bizarre and nonsensical. This new day now lay ahead. A day for finding answers and solving mysteries, if such things even existed.
Annie’s return to Ferndale the previous afternoon had raised a few questions. Her disheveled state and the loss of her bonnet had drawn a comment from Hattie but, given the weather, had not required an explanation. As for the frown, Annie hadn’t realized it was even there till Hattie mentioned it. She replied that a headache had taken up residence while she was out on her walk. Not a complete lie, as it happened. Hattie had immediately attributed it to the weather as well. The headache had then conveniently lingered on into the evening, giving Annie an excuse for her genuine lack of hunger and a reason to go to bed early. Surprisingly, Ruffy had gone with her, curling up at Annie’s feet as she settled down for the night. He’d never done that before. Annie was simply glad he’d come home safely.
Lancelot cackled a second time. Ruffy stirred and jumped down to scratch at the door. Annie let him out and then snuggled back beneath her covers, where she intended to remain for the time being.
Soon, Hattie and Janet would be going to church, leaving Annie by herself for a couple of hours. On previous Sundays, Annie spent those hours in a variety of ways; her nose buried in a book, embroideringher sampler, or cleaning the brass and copper to name a few.
She would be doing none of those things this morning. This morning, as soon as Hattie and Janet left, Annie would begin searching for something. What that something was, or where it might be found, or if it even existed, was unknown.
A soft tap came to the door and it creaked open. “How are you feeling, pet?” Hattie asked. “Has the headache gone? Did you manage to sleep?”
“Yes, the headache has gone, and no, not much,” Annie replied. “I might have a bit of a lie-in this morning, actually.”
Hattie approached and touched the back of her hand to Annie’s forehead. “Hmm, there’s no sign of a fever, but yes, stay in bed if you’re not feeling well. You do look a bit peaky. Would you like some tea? Could you eat something? You hardly touched your food last night.”
“Some tea would be lovely, thank you. But nothing to eat at the moment. Later, perhaps.”
Hattie frowned. “Maybe I should stay home with you this morning.”
Annie flinched inwardly. “No, Hattie, there’s no need for that. I’m sure I’ll be fine.” She managed a smile. “Truth is, I actually enjoy my Sunday morning solitude.”
Hattie’s brows lifted as she folded her arms. “Do you, now?”
“Yes.” She winced. “No offense.”
“None taken,” Hattie said. “And far be it from me to spoil your peace and quiet. I’ll be back in a while.”
Two welcome cups of tea later, Annie heard Hattie and Janet’s voices in the hallway, followed by the sound of the front door closing. Shortly after, she heard the clip-clop of Tulip’s hooves on the road, the sound fading into the distance.
Annie sat up, threw the bedcovers back, swung her legs over the side, and took a breath. Apprehension soured her stomach as did alarge helping of guilt. She was about to pry, to disrespect the privacy of those she cared about, Janet in particular. Part of her hoped she would find something to justify her actions. Another part of her dreaded doing so. Heart heavy, she rose to wash and dress.
A while later, she entered the small study which contained Janet’s writing desk. She’d used the desk herself when writing letters to Archibald Mason, though not for a moment had she considered opening any of the desk drawers or poking around in the cubbyholes.
Even now, it wasn’t an easy undertaking.Seek and ye shall find, she reminded herself. Chewing on her lip, Annie bent to open the left side drawer, startling when the door to the study creaked open. She straightened and spun around.
“Oh, Ruffy,” she said, pressing a hand to her chest. “You scared me.”
The dog whined and wagged his tail.
