Hecate had viewed the arrival of Lady Augusta with reservations.
She knew of the previous “association” with James FitzArden, since Letitia had been driven to distraction with jealousy when the woman had shown up, unannounced, in the middle of Letitia’s courtship.
In London, Hecate had observed Lady Augusta’s flamboyant presence on several occasions, and the gossip always ran hot when the notorious woman took a new lover.
But now, here at Doireann Vale, Lady Augusta seemed to have shed her glamour and her poise. Thin of face and pale of complexion, she bore little resemblance to the stunning beauty who had gathered men like flowers in spring, ornamenting her life with them.
How old was she, wondered Hecate? And did her age have anything to do with losing her babe? There were many unanswered questions, but being a patient woman now, Hecate knew she would wait, and let Lady Augusta sort out her own feelings before she asked any of them.
As far as regaining her health was concerned, that would probably be a matter of good food, rest and tranquillity. All of which she could offer her guests without a problem.
The Tisdale girls, on the other hand…she wasn’t sure they’d be content staying in the quiet surroundings of the country. Paul, Rosaline’s brother, had recommended them to Hecate. His brief letter lay with the others.
“Silly girls, much given to heightened passions and always on the hunt for anything in breeches.”
Hecate had to chuckle. So much like Paul, blunt and to the point.
“But Harriet believes there are honest hearts beneath their indecent décolletages, and hopes they can be persuaded to find the good she’s convinced lurks within. While I adore and love my wife beyond measure, I will hold my agreement in reserve on this matter, trusting in your sound judgement.”
She read portions of the letters to Finn, knowing he’d enjoy the contents just as much as she did.
“Your family is fascinating,” he declared, after laughing over Paul’s comments. “Do you believe his assessment of the Tisdales?”
“I have no reason not to,” she answered. “And yes, I find my family wonderful as well. Overall, that is. When they start trying to manage my life—that’s a different matter.”
“You’re the youngest. I doubt that will ever change.”
“I agree. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it. I know it’s done out of love, but still. Some acknowledgement of my adulthood would be pleasant, I believe.” She sighed. “But never mind that. What are we going to do with our guests?”
Finn stared from the window in thought. “Well. I believe Lady Augusta will need some care. She is not physically very strong, from what I saw, and her eyes are so sad.”
“I know. I saw that as well. It will be for me to see if I can lead her back into the light and away from the dark places she’s living in at the moment.”
“If anyone can, you can,” he said quietly. “I’m the living result.”
Hecate felt a blush creep up her cheeks. “That was a bit different…”
“Yes, but you found my dark places and brought me out of them.” His gaze travelled over her face. “You summoned me back into the sunshine.”
“And I’m glad I did.” She fought to keep her expression calm. No point in mentioning that it was going to lead to a great deal more than just a new life.
“But while I’m helping Lady Augusta, what on earth are we going to do with Hestia and Phoebe?”
“Let them have Frank to play with?” He quirked an eyebrow in amusement.
“Finn.”
“All right,” he laughed. “That would be cruel and unusual punishment for the poor lad. He will have to learn how to handle women soon, though. I think our Winnie is developing a bit of atendrefor him.”
“Oh good Lord.” Hecate put her head in her hands. “I can’t possibly do anything about that. It’s Mrs. Trimmer’s job to educate her daughter.” She looked up with a grin. “Although I will say she could do a lot worse than Frank. He’s bound to be promoted to my butler before long, because I’m going to need one and I have no clue how to find one.”
Finn shook his head. “Oh the problems that assail us when we least expect it.”
Hecate took a bold step. “What are your problems, Finn?”
He blinked in surprise. “Mine?” He thought about it. “I suppose trying to remember the time that I’ve lost. Seeing things now and again, in dreams or brief flashes…Ireland. I know I was in Ireland.” He shook his head. “That’s all. But it’s something…”
“Those are not problems. Those are exciting new developments, I’d say,” Hecate responded with a smile. “Time is, as I promised, starting to heal you. If that’s all that’s worrying you, then I’d say you’re doing very well indeed.”
