Any further conversation along those lines was interrupted by the ringing of a large bell, signifying the end of the festivities.
“And so we must leave,” Lady Hazel gathered her belongings.
“Indeed.” Lady Henrietta collected hers. “I’m sure it’s cooler outside. Here…” She handed Garrett her wrap, and turned her back so that he could drape it over her shoulders.
Cherry took a second or two to appreciate the casual care with which the son looked after his mother. He’d clearly done the same thing many times before.
How many men would do that? In a very public place, where eyes would be watching? And yet Garrett moved calmly and without any fuss or bother, offering his mother his arm once she was ready, and also casting an eye on Lady Hazel as she rose and shook out her skirts.
The conversation was casual and most of it went over Cherry’s head as her thoughts whirled a lot faster than the dance she’d just completed. Silently, she followed her mother.
“We must say good evening here,” Lady Hazel sighed as they stepped out into the cool night air. “And goodbye as well. Our carriages await.”
“A shame, but yes.” Lady Henrietta hugged her friend. “It has been so much fun, my dear. Now that we have re-established our connection, I am determined not to let it lapse.”
“As am I.” Lady Hazel’s eyes shone with a few tears.
Cherry frowned. “Will you not be visiting each other again?”
“Dear girl,” Lady Henrietta dropped a light kiss on her cheek. “Didn’t your Mama tell you I have to leave tomorrow?”
“What?” Garrett stared at his mother in surprise. “I thought you were staying longer…”
“No, darling. Goodness, did I forget to tell you as well?” She shook her head. “I’m getting old.”
Cherry glanced at Garrett. Indeed he looked quite shocked.
Lady Henrietta sighed. “I must go home, darling. At the end of next week, Higgins will be finished with our quarterly papers.You know how he gets as that deadline nears.”
“Drat. Our estate manager,” explained Garrett on a frustrated sigh. “And yes, it’s an important time which I had completely forgotten.” His gaze drifted to Cherry. “I apologise.”
They moved outside and found the throng of guests, carriages, and horses milling around in what seemed like chaos, interrupted with laughs and farewells.
She walked beside Garrett behind their parents.
“Will you be leaving, then?” The words spilled unbidden, but she could not hold them back.
He slowed their progress a little, letting the mothers move ahead. “I don’t want to.”
Something caught in her throat. “I wish…I wish you didn’t have to.”
His hand brushed hers and instinctively their fingers tangled, making her shiver. “I wish I didn’t, as well.” He tugged her to one side. “I want to know you better,” he murmured. “There’s something here, something I found with you. Something I didn’t expect…”
Cherry gulped down a huge lump in her throat before it choked her and fought for composure. She needed to stay calm and say something sensible. She wasn’t looking to find anyone, needed nobody to make her life complete.
Or did she?
“I think…I think I know what you mean,” she answered, looking up at him, and clutching his hand tightly. “I wish we had more time to explore what’s happening…”
But there was no more time. The mothers were beckoning.
“Will you write me?” Garrett squeezed her fingers. “Please?”
“Will you write back?” asked Cherry.
“I promise. Yes.”
“All right. Then…until we see each other again…” He raisedher hand to his lips. “Farewell, Miss Trease.”
