The sparrow piped another shattering song into the stillness. Xander pulled himself to his feet and froze. The nicker of a horse drew his attention to the near woods as Jett gave a low growl.
A trespasser?
With a whispered caution to Jett and a tug on his halter, Xander quickly led him out of sight behind the main house. In seconds, Laurent rode into the courtyard atop a sleek sorrel horse Xander had never seen. He turned toward the stable and rode inside. Xander heard the thud of his boots hitting the ground as he dismounted.
Long minutes passed. Xander remained hidden, awaiting Laurent’s next move. Thus far he was keeping to the stable.
What was afoot?
Selah smoothed her new coif with its lace edge and stepped onto the portico in anticipation of Xander’s homecoming. Her first day at Rose-n-Vale left her glad but guarded. But for Watseka, she would have reveled in her tasks, her newsurroundings. Widow Brodie was a thorough teacher, acquainting her with the dependencies and their workings as well as every corner and crevice of the main house itself. She confessed herself only too glad to give the burden of management to Selah, as she hadn’t the strength of years past. She much preferred to sit with Candace, sewing and conversing, for they had much in common at their age and station in life.
“Come, Daughter, and join us.” Candace set aside the linen shirt she was making and gestured to a chair. “You’ve been on your feet all day.”
Selah obliged, taking in the river and landscape of late afternoon. Each hour gave Rose-n-Vale a different glow, a different mood. Now in the throes of midday, all was dry and sweltering, a bit testy.
“I’ve not seen Nurse Lineboro for several hours.” Widow Brodie looked up from her knitting. “’Tis not like her to be away so long.”
“Nurse has no charge to tend,” Selah answered, taking a cup of leftover wedding punch from the tray Izella brought. “Factor McCaskey mentioned he’s teaching her to ride.”
“Oh? I didn’t think she cared much for horses.” Candace took her own cup. “But I suppose we’re all at loose ends, what with the fire and Oceanus being away.”
“Rather bored, she is. But the factor can hardly spare the time for riding lessons, can he?” Widow Brodie’s face fell. “Not with so much rebuilding going on with the barns and the like. And then the ongoing search for Watseka.”
“I suppose everyone needs a reprieve from their labors.” Candace brightened. “Might another romantic attachment be at hand beneath our very noses?”
“Nonsense!” Widow Brodie shook her head. “Not between the nurse and factor, surely, though I did spy her dancing with Helion Laurent at the frolic more than once.”
Selah listened without comment. She’d seen the same, but the physic had danced with several women that night, just not herself. As for the factor and Electa Lineboro, Selah had sensed a softening of late in the nurse’s regard of him. But with all that was happening, she’d not given it much thought.
“Her tenure here is at an end.” Though Widow Brodie kept her tone light, Selah knew she’d had several run-ins with the nurse. “Alexander has sent for a Scots tutor. His arrival should coincide with Oceanus’s return from the Powhatans.”
“You showed me the schoolroom this morning, down the north lane nearest the spinning house.” Selah’s mental map was quickly taking shape. Rose-n-Vale was expanding before their very eyes.
“The tutor’s quarters are upstairs. Quite cozy and smelling of sawdust, ’tis so new. Alexander regrets his own lack of learning as a boy, being largely self-taught.”
“Such a self-made man has little need of books, surely, and even less time to read them,” Candace replied.
“I believe the library is changing for Oceanus’s benefit.”
“I can attest to that.” Selah recalled her surprise as she’d unpacked two crates of books but an hour ago. “The shelves now bear primers, fairy tales, and fables.”
“How glad I’ll be to have the boy back again.” Widow Brodie’s gaze settled on Selah. “And I trust he shall soon have a brother or sister. Twins run in the Renick family, did Alexander tell you?”
Selah’s eyes rounded. Twins? “He did not. Perhaps he wantsto surprise me. Thankfully, I have many hands to help with any newborns, including yours and Mother’s.”
“How delighted your father would have been.” Candace continued to smile despite the sheen in her eyes. “Perhaps, if it’s a boy, you shall name him Ustis.”
“Don’t forget the cradle in the attic.” Widow Brodie was equally delighted. “With the new wing we have plenty of room. Surely Shay shall stay on as well rather than return to Hopewell Hundred. He is but a boy yet, after all.”
“His father’s death shall make a man of him.” Candace lost her easy air. “Xander spoke of sending word for him to return to us. But he won’t be told the sad news till he gets here. We shall tell him.”
Wise, that. No need to burden Shay on the long journey back to them. Let him learn the hard facts surrounded by their love and care.Lord, let it be soon.Selah’s gaze strayed beyond the portico again, wishing Xander back, restless when he was away. The taint of smoke still hung in the air, the heavy odor of burned land surrounding them. Faint hoofbeats grew louder. Her heart rose like a lark in anticipation.
“How is your arm, my dear?” Widow Brodie inquired. “I overheard Alexander say to expect the physic from Mount Malady. Might that be him now?”
Her answer came as the factor rounded the house on a borrowed mount. He reined in before the portico. “Good day, ladies.”
Widow Brodie asked the obvious. “Where on earth is Nurse Lineboro?”
