“Leaving Tylwyth Teg all but desolate? In ruins?”
Caleb sighed. “Close to it.” He looked at Elinor. “But there is mention at the very end of the book about a Howell rediscovering the property and rebuilding. I found out, to my surprise, that he was a cleric as well as a Howell…”
“Oh, is he the one who gave it the designation of Abbey?”
“That’s the one.” He grinned. “It was sold, repurchased, rebuilt a little, excavated, and generally messed around with, for a few hundred years until it landed on my branch of the Howell family tree.” He wrinkled his nose. “All of which probably explains why the cellars leak so badly.”
Elinor heaved a sigh. “That is an amazing tale, Caleb. Truly amazing.”
The clock in the hallway struck the hour, reminding him that he had probably overstayed his welcome. He stood and held out his hand to Elinor. “I must go before I’m chastised by your parents.”
She took it and squeezed his fingers. “I know. But I don’t like it.”
“Neither do I. Come visit if you can? When you can?”
“I will. I promise.”
He kissed her hand, holding tight for a long moment. Then he turned and walked to the door, opening it for her. “My thanks, Lady Elinor. I believe our discussion has brought several matters to light that I must further explore…”
Benson was ready to show him out, and as he left, Elinor sighed. She just didn’t feel complete anymore if she wasn’t with Caleb. She waited at the door until he’d left, then turned back, lost for a moment in her thoughts. Reaching into her pocket, she felt the edge of the note she’d forgotten, still waiting…
She didn’t notice her mother peering around a door jamb at her, nor did she see the slight smile that curved her lips.
Chapter Seventeen
Unfortunately, Elinor found herself swept up in the confusion caused by the return of her parents, leaving no time at all for her to continue her investigations into the paper.
Of course there were so many boxes to be unpacked, souvenirs to be admired, and one or two gifts that both touched and pleased her.
“Oh, Mama,” she breathed, as she opened the velvet box and stared open-mouthed at the glorious necklace lying inside.
“It’s quite lovely, isn’t it? As soon as your Papa saw it in the window of a jeweller in Vienna, he said it was made for you.”
Elinor stared at the delicate gold setting, so fine as to look almost like thread, and the magnificent bluish green jewels that made up the petals of the flowers trapped within the golden web. “What are these?” she asked, tapping one with her forefinger.
“Diamonds, darling,” replied her mother. “Quite rare, I’m told.”
“Diamonds? Good God…” she nearly dropped the case. “I…I don’t know what to say…”
“Your father told everyone that they are the colour of your eyes, Elinor. He was quite delighted to have found them.”
Elinor sucked in a ragged breath. “Where is he, Mama? I must go and thank him immediately.”
Lady Molliney grinned. “Well, he’s not unpacking his suitcases, so…”
“He’s in the stable?”
“Good guess.”
A good portion of the rest of Elinor’s morning was spent in the stables with her father, trying to thank him for his wonderfulgift, but realising she didn’t have all of his attention, since there were several of his favourite horses eager to welcome him home.
“’Tis only a gewgaw, my dear.” He brushed her words aside .
“No, it’s not, Papa.” She stopped him. “It’s something very precious that I will treasure for the rest of my life.”
Lord Molliney shot his daughter a quick glance. “Well, I suppose it’ll make a nice piece to pass along to a daughter,” he said thoughtfully.
“Er…” Elinor fought for composure. “I’m sure it will, should that ever happen.”
