Jane raised an eyebrow. “Really?”
“Yes, really.” Elinor paced, carefully avoiding the most delicate of the fabrics. “It’s important that I present the correct appearance, as you know. Word of that…that London business may not have reached this far into the country, but if there’s even the slightest whisper, I need to be sure that I am not—in anyway whatsoever—instantly regarded as a disgraceful and ruined hoyden.”
“Who on earth called you that?” Jane’s fists clenched in her lap.
“Well, nobody directly, of course.” Elinor’s lips pursed in distaste. “But both were hinted at, and some whispers were louder than they needed to be.” She swallowed roughly. “It hurt. And I’d as soon not have such matters follow me here where I am happy at last.”
Jane was silent for a few moments, beginning to retrieve gowns from the pile on the floor, and laying them carefully on the bed. “You know, Miss Elinor, that when people talk like that, it’s usually because they are eager to make themselves look better, and others worse.”
“I certainly learned that lesson in town,” answered Elinor ruefully.
“You miss my point.” Jane walked into the cupboard and hung up a dress, fluffing the ruffles at the hem until they draped to her satisfaction. “Those people, the ones who…who pounced on you that night, are certainly no better themselves, and in fact may be worse. But they accomplished their goal in that everyone was looking at you. Not them.”
“I was convenient target, wasn’t I?”
“They must have been jumping for joy in their heads, dearie. Because from that point on, they were free to do whatever they liked, without hesitation. Those actions would be completely overlooked because everyone had something else to whisper about. You.”
Elinor made a face. “I am so glad I was able to provide them with such useful entertainment.”
“It got you home, didn’t it?”
“Oh, Jane.” She rushed up and hugged her fiercely. “You’re right. It did. It was a terrible way to do it, but yes, leaving town and yes, leaving Peter and Louise…it was the best moment I had in London. Seeing it disappear behind me.”
“Well then, let’s put all that behind us and concentrate on today.” She picked up a gown. “Now this would be perfect for tea with a handsome gentleman.”
Elinor flashed her a glance. “Don’t you start matchmaking, dear Jane,” her finger waved pointedly at the woman.
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” lied Jane, with a perfectly innocent look. “Here, try this one on. It looks lovely with your colouring.”
And after sliding the lightweight embroidered silk over her head, Elinor had to agree. The blue set off her blue-green eyes, and was modest enough with its puffed sleeves to satisfy the most critical of dowagers. Not that she was going to run into any, but still…
“Yes. Yes, you’re right. This one will do nicely.”
“There’s a matching wrap in wool in case it’s chilly, and I think I saw shoes of nearly the same shade.”
“I shall blend with the sky, won’t I?” Elinor chuckled. “Too much, d’you think?”
Jane shook her head. “Just right, dearie. Just right.” Her smile was one of sweet innocence.
Elinor didn’t notice it.
*~~*~~*
The journey to Tylwyth Teg Abbey was accomplished without incident, although it was decidedly chilly for early summer. The clouds were thick, making the day greyer, and probably threatening more rain. Which was, thought Elinor, the last thing the countryside needed.
Ironically, it was the rain that had precipitated her meeting with Sir Caleb, and thus led to this upcoming tea. Why had she said yes? Looking back at that moment, she admitted to herself that she really had no idea. There was just something, some little nudge, that had made it seem like the right thing to do.
And now, here she was in her carriage, with her maid, trying to look calm and collected. She was neither.
To distract herself, she turned to her companion. “I hope you don’t mind being dragged out on a day like this, Priscilla?”
“Oh no, not at all, m’Lady,” the girl answered quickly. “Turns out a friend of my mum’s works there, so it’ll be a lovely chance to see her again.”
“That’s nice for you. I’m glad.” Elinor smiled. “What does she do there, d’you know?”
“She’s the under-housemaid, I think.” Priscilla nodded. “Yes, that’s it. Under-housemaid. She likes it a lot, m’Lady. Says they’re all very nice at Tylwyth Teg.”
Elinor smiled as the girl’s tongue slid smoothly over the Welsh words. “I believe that has something to do with fairies and magic, doesn’t it? Tylwyth Teg?”
