Chapter Eleven
Finn walked into a scene of confusion, and although it took him aback, he was relieved to see none of the participants were known to him. Perhaps he’d have one day’s freedom from sharp-eyed mothers and their blushing daughters.
Then more voices sounded and two women entered, encumbered with bags.
They were blonde. They were twins. And their eyes settled on him with the accuracy of a falcon about to catch a fish.
There was an older woman, leaning on Frank. The lad was having a rapid indoctrination into the business of being first footman, but he seemed to be holding his own. The soldiers’ code worked.
“These ladies agreed to accompany me on my journey,” she said, her voice tired. “Hestia and Phoebe Tisdale. They found their way to me through Sir Paul DeVoreaux, Viscount Purlieu.”
Hecate nodded. “My sister-in-law’s brother.”
The blondes curtseyed in unison. “Sir Paul is so thoughtful,” said the one in the blue cloak. “He and Lady Harriet suggested we accompany Lady Augusta down here.”
“That is most kind of you,” began Hecate.
“Not really,” said the one in the maroon cloak. “You see we were having a spot of bother with a gentleman in London. So it was decided that we should probably leave for a time.”
“Ah,” said Hecate. “Well then. It all worked out quite satisfactorily then, didn’t it.”
Clearly she was as confused as Finn, but he had faith she’d work it all out. Her competence had been put to the test several times recently and she’d not failed yet.
“I have letters,” said Lady Augusta, reaching into her reticule. “Perhaps they will help explain our situation.” She passed the folded papers to Hecate.
“I shall read them immediately, of course, but I think we should settle you all. I assume you’re staying for a little while?”
“If it’s not inconvenient.” The words were hesitant, almost as if she expected to be turned away.
Hecate looked at Frank. “If you could bring in Lady Augusta’s luggage and anything else the Misses Tisdale might need; I’ll ask Winnie to take the ladies to their rooms.”
“I can help,” said Finn, walking to Hecate’s side. He smiled at the older lady. “Lady Pierpoint.” He bowed over her hand. “I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting you, but I do recall seeing you at some event or other in London a couple of years ago.”
That courtesy elicited a tired smile. “How kind.” She blinked at him. “Are you a relative of Miss Ridlington’s?”
“Finn…that is, Mr. Casey…is recuperating here. He was injured recently and suffered a debilitating illness. But I’m happy to say that he is on the way to a complete recovery.”
“If you are in the need of a healing touch, Lady Pierpoint, then you are absolutely in the right place.” He took her hand and placed it on his arm. “If you will allow me, I will escort you upstairs.”
He was pleased to see a little of her colour return as one of the Tisdales took her cloak.
“The two guest rooms at the end of the corridor, I think, please Finn?” Hecate knew they were tidy, and that the chimneys worked. “I’ll have fires lit as soon as possible.”
“We’ll take care of her, Miss Ridlington,” said the other Tisdale. “Phoebe and I have come to know her quite well. She’s an interesting lady and we’re learning lots of things from her.” She leaned toward Hecate and lowered her voice. “But she’s got a bad case of the megrims. Very bad. So we tried to keep her spirits up on the way here.”
Finn caught the conversation, his gaze turning to Lady Augusta. She had also heard, but just shook her head. “They call it the megrims, Mr. Casey. I call it a shattered soul.” She glanced over her shoulder, “They have no idea. But they’re good girls.”
Hecate nodded as Winnie hurried in and took over, encouraging Frank to guide the girls upstairs behind Finn and Lady Augusta. With the extra set of hands, he was able to see them into their rooms with little fuss, and gratefully turned away, knowing they were all where they were supposed to be. For the time being, anyway.
Returning downstairs, he found Hecate sitting on a small side chair, reading her letters.
“It looks like we’ll have a house full for dinner,” he remarked. “And where is Dal? He should know about this development.”
Hecate waved her hand absently. “Just a minute…let me finish this…”
A few moments later, she sighed, folded the letter and looked at him with sadness in her eyes. “Lady Augusta does indeed need our help, Finn. She’s just miscarried a child.”
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