Still reeling from the onslaught of such distress, Hecate shook her head. “No my dear. You were wrong. And it is time for you to set such feelings aside. You have a life to live and now you have a greater wisdom at your command.”
Augusta cleared her throat and blew her nose. “You’re right.” She took a breath. “Hecate. What did you do? I feel as if someone lifted a cloud from my heart.” She turned and stared, her eyes wide.
“I did little other than help you release your emotions,” answered Hecate. “Some say I have a gift for such things.”
“I would be one of those, then,” responded Augusta. “For you have indeed changed something inside me. Cleared the shadows. I am…well, I am amazed.”
Hecate squeezed back. “You give me too much credit.”
Augusta shook her head. “I don’t, but we’ll let it rest there.” She let Hecate go, but stayed at her side, looking out at the leaves blowing across the drive.
They remained thus, silent, for many minutes, until finally Augusta spoke again.
“I’m not sure what to do now. I have my life back, but I am loth to return to London. There is nothing there for me anymore.”
Hecate glanced at her. “Do you have property, or a home anywhere other than London?” She touched Augusta’s arm. “Forgive my impertinence in asking such a personal question.”
“No, no, dear girl. Ask what you wish.” August smiled. “I believe I may have a small home somewhere near Southampton. I know a cousin had asked to live there a few years ago. I haven’t really thought about it since.”
“Perhaps it bears looking into,” answered Hecate. “But until then, you have a place here at Doireann Vale. In fact, it is a pleasure having your company, not to mention the countenance you lend us. With Finn now fully recovered, you are functioning as both friend and chaperon. A valuable task, you’ll agree.”
Augusta thought about that. “An interesting notion, and thank you again,” she smiled. “But I will indeed look into the property matter. I have an address of a lawyer in London; one who would be disposed to assist in that business.” Her smile grew. “There are a few old friends I can rely on. But not as many as I would wish.” She shrugged. “For now, that is enough. And I believe it is time for me to find Dal. I am teaching him to play piquet.”
Hecate’s eyebrows flew up at that pronouncement. “Youare?”
“Yes indeed. And he’s very adept already. Quite the risk taker…”
Gulping down her shock, Hecate chuckled. “I confess myself astounded but also very pleased. You must go and continue to broaden his skills.”
Augusta’s step was light as she nodded and left the room, which made Hecate wonder at the unlikely duo of a notorious London Society beauty and an inscrutable and mystical Indian gentleman bending together over a game of piquet.
Winnie Trimmer poked her head around the door a few moments after Lady Augusta’s departure.
“‘Scuse me, Ma’am, but me mum’s ‘eard back from ‘er aunt ‘bout that Willows stuff. Do yer want ‘er ter come up ‘ere?”
“No, no. I shall come down to the kitchen directly.” Hecate’s thoughts skittered around in her head. “Let me find Finn. I want him to hear what she has to say.”
Winnie nodded. “‘E’s readin’ in t’study, Ma’am.”
And indeed he was. But he looked up immediately as Hecate opened the door.
“Is everything all right?” He stood, putting his book aside. “You look…excited about something.”
“Mrs. Trimmer has heard from her aunt.”
Fortunately, this obscure statement was crystal clear to Finn and he hurried over to her. “Thank goodness. I was starting to wonder if we’d ever have answers to our questions.” He took her hand without a second thought. “Come on. Let’s see what she has to say.”
Hecate allowed him to lead her from the room, realising that with him at her side, she had no need of her cane. It was as if his strength flowed through their linked fingers and into her body—definitely a pleasant thought.
*~~*~~*
The kitchen was warm and smelled of fresh baked bread and blackberry pie.
Finn’s mouth watered as he entered with Hecate, and he looked toward the pantry in case there might be something that required tasting.
Hecate tugged on his hand. “Not now, Finn. We’re here for news not food.”
“How did you…” he glanced at her then chuckled. “Oh, never mind.” She was who she was, and he had to adjust to it. There would be no getting away with much around her.
