“Smells divine, m’lady.” Edith offered a complimentary sniff from where she sat at the table, letting out the bodice of one of Piper’s day dresses.
Alas, she could sew more practically now, but she wasn’t as skilled with seam work as Edith.
“Is it about ready?”
Shedding her apron, Piper went to her bedchamber and removed her plain linen shirt and black skirt. A skirt of wine-colored faille was laid out on the bed for her. She pulled it on, and Edith arrived a moment later with the matching bodice she’d been sewing. A repeating pattern of looping knots and braids was embroidered on the high collar and spilled down the front panels. Glass beads wove along the design and clusters of glass bugle beads dangled from each of the knots.
The gown had been one of many made in the months before her escape from London, intended for her debut in Society. Edith had packed several when she’d been sacked afterward and followed Piper to the Grange. There had been few opportunities for her to wear any of them, but Connor had said he liked her in red, and she wanted to look pretty for him.
Tugging on her worn black gloves, she returned to the parlor where Edith offered her a short wool cape. The early autumn nights had grown colder, the green leaves taking on the hint of the glorious golds and reds she adored. Even so, the day had been clear and cool without being too brisk. “Thank you, Edith, I think not today. I have long sleeves and the walk to the manor to keep me warm.”
“Be safe, m’lady.”
With a nod, Piper set out with a basket of tarts in hand. There was much for her to consider. Not only her clothing choices. She needed to give serious consideration to her options. Some that hadn’t been viable when she was seventeen were available to her now. Or would be presented to her shortly. As soon as she was twenty-one, Piper could access the generous inheritances her father and Sedmouth both left for her without a guardian at hand. She could be in and out of London with no one the wiser and miles away before anyone knew. She could take herself off to America or the Continent, even. Anywhere she pleased.
Working her way through the sheltered path, she emerged near the stables and gave a wave to the lads working there as she passed.
Her days of hiding would be done and that person Connor might come to admire set free if she handled it all discreetly. She could take Edith with her, perhaps, or hire a companion. There’d be no reason for her to be isolated for days at a time. No reason to be lonely and alone.
She could live again. Not simply exist.
Then maybe she might find someone to fill the void in her heart and find a hint of the joy her life currently lacked.
And whose fault was that?
Connor had been spot on in his assessment. She liked to think herself strong and brave, willing to fight for the life she wanted, but what had she done to gain it for herself?
Nothing.
It was time for her to summon some of that pluck he talked about and change that.
Chapter 9
Rutledge is proving himself a fearsome man. By word and by deed. And he tried to force his kiss upon me, when it is his son he wishes me to wed! I am troubled doubly by the prospect now.
~ from the diary of Piper Brudenall, January 1893
The cramped spidery figures in the estate ledger were beginning to swim before Connor’s eyes when a light knock sounded at the door.
“Leave it on the table, if ye will.”
“Leave it? Wouldn’t you like to know what it is first?”
His head lifted at the teasing words and his eyes widened at the sight of Piper framed in the drawing room door. Blood roared in his ears with the ferocity of a lion he’d seen at the zoo in London. It thrummed through his veins with the primal need to pounce and claim his prey. Tamping back the urge, he leaned back in his chair and allowed himself a moment to properly appreciate her striking beauty.
“My dear lass, yearea bonny sight in red.”
She tucked her head, a complimentary shade rising to color her ivory cheeks. “Thank you. It’s a pretty dress, isn’t it?”
“Nae more than the lady wearing it.” Nudging the ledger aside, he rose and invited her in with a sweep of his arm. “What brings ye here?”
In truth, he didn’t care what had prompted the visit, only that she was here. Within arm’s reach. That he felt animated and alive for the first time in days. Breathless with anticipation.
“Why did nae one announce ye?”
“I begged them not to. I wanted to surprise you.”
“And so ye have.”
