“I do not, but I ceded the merit of one night at the tables. I won, as Haynesdale guessed I might, and while it was not a fortune, the gains were sufficient to see me embark upon my purpose. To aid in that, he insisted upon renting Southpoint to me, declaring that he had need of a reliable tenant. He is a most accommodating friend, to be sure.” He sobered at the realization. “And now I owe him again, for this journey will have been costly one, as well as futile.”
To his surprise, Eliza touched his hand. “Do not despair as yet, Captain Emerson.”
“Odds are long for a happy ending, Mrs. North.”
“And yet, I will hope for one until we are certain. I ask only that you do the same.”
He met her steady gaze and his heart swelled at her conviction. She did not foolishly insist that all would come aright but hoped for the best. He admired her practicality and good sense, as ever he had. “You must not blame yourself,” he said softly, turning his hand to give hers a gentle squeeze.
“Perhaps not, but I will, just as you will blame yourself for a battle gone awry.” She smiled as the carriage halted. “No doubt the view will improve by the morning.”
Nicholas could only hope as much. He stepped out of the carriage and offered his hand to her, nodding to Tupper. Eliza paused, her hand yet resting on his, to scan Haynesdale Manor with satisfaction and Nicholas watched her. She was at ease with this house in a way that he never could be and he saw that she felt she had arrived home.
Simply standing before it made him keenly aware that he was just the boy from Southpoint, the one the duke permitted to play with his youngest son for there were no other boys of an age. Nicholas did not doubt that Damien being the third and youngest son, and thus considered unlikely to ever inherit, had been part of that choice.
He watched as Eliza strode to the door with purpose and the butler bowed before her.
“Welcome back, Mrs. North.”
“It is lovely to be at Haynesdale Manor, Farrell, even in such trying circumstance. I trust you received my note?”
“Of course, my lady, and all the preparations have been made. A cold supper has been laid for you in the dining room, though Mrs. Farley says there is a hot soup if you would like it. She was uncertain of your appetite at such an hour.”
“A hot soup would be fortifying and welcome, Farrell. Please thank Mrs. Farley for the suggestion.”
“And your usual room has been prepared for you, my lady.”
“Excellent, Farrell. You are always so thorough.” She smiled at the butler who beamed with pleasure. “I will visit my room before dinner,” she said, removing her gloves as she climbed the steps to the house. The staff were lined up to greet her and either curtseyed or bowed as she passed. “I assume you have readied a room for Captain Emerson, as well?”
“The blue guest room, my lady.”
“A perfect choice, Farrell. The Captain has no valet and I, no maid.”
“Arrangements have been made, my lady.” The butler gestured and a young woman stepped forward, as did a young man.
“As organized as ever. It is lovely to come home, Farrell.” Eliza turned to survey Nicholas, her expression inscrutable. “Captain? Does that meet with your approval?”
“How can it not?” he said with a smile for the butler and the boy who would act as his valet. “All is always admirably arranged at Haynesdale Manor.” He glanced back at Tupper but the older man spoke before he could ask.
“I will send a pair of stablehands on to Doncaster this very night, Captain Emerson, in the hope that there might be tidings there.”
Nicholas bowed. “Thank you, Tupper. There truly is no place like Haynesdale.”
Eliza heard a bellow just before the dawn, one so loud that it awakened her from a deep sleep. She sat up, heart racing, only to hear it again.
Nicholas!
She flung herself out of bed and seized a robe, not even troubling with a light in her haste to reach him. She knew every inch of this house, even in darkness. She waved away a disheveled Farrell at the summit of the stairs and hesitated only an instant outside the door to the blue bedroom. Nicholas groaned from within, his anguish so acute that she dismissed formalities and opened the door.
He had his nightmare again.
She had to console him, somehow.
Eliza had followed convention for years, but on this night, she would dare to defy it—and she would do as much for Nicholas.
Heart in her throat, she stepped inside. The drapes were open and moonlight streamed through the window panes to illuminate the room.
Nicholas thrashed in the great pillared bed
