Harold reclined in his chair and then nodded. “Of course, my mother would not truly send us off, completely on our own, without having a means of observation.” And then he laughed. “It is simply not the Prescott way.”
“I didn’t realize the extent of her… intrusiveness.”
They both heard some shuffling outside of the door and shook their heads at one another. They had each been speaking softly, so most likely no one had overheard their conversation, but their suspicions were solidified.
They would need to be doubly careful.
First, in their playacting to convince her grace of Harold’s miraculous recovery, and second to be on high alert as to what they said regarding the plan to fake Harold’s death.
For the ten-thousandth time that day, Sophia wished Dev were here.
“The first thing I’d like to do when we reach Priory Point…” She spoke loudly and cheerfully. “…is seek out the beach. It’s been ages since Mr. Scofield took us to Brighton, and I absolutely love to swim.” If the servants overheard her wishes, it would seem natural then, when she and Harold explored the cliffs and caves. She’d already informed Harold that she wanted to see this secret cavern they’d discussed.
“You enjoy swimming?” He seemed genuinely surprised by this information.
She did, in truth, love to swim, although she’d only swam in the ocean a few times. She’d learned the skill initially in the still waters of the lake near Mr. Scofield’s country home.
A footman stepped forward to refill Harold’s wine glass. At the same time, Harold reached a hand forward and covered hers with it. “Anything you wish, my dear. And I’ll take you walking by the cliffs. We’ll take picnics, and our bathing costumes, and enjoy our time together before the rest of the family arrives.”
“Just the two of us?” She fluttered her lashes at him.
“Just the two of us.”
The footman stepped back, and with a nod from Harold, left the room. Harold drew close and whispered in her ear. “Stewart can divert your maid. We should arrive tomorrow around noon. I’m beginning to feel anxious about the cave’s condition. Did Dev tell you when he thought he might arrive?”
Sophia giggled, as though he’d whispered something flirtatious.
“No, I didn’t know we would be traveling alone until after he’d left me. But I cannot believe he would dawdle.” She reached up and pushed a lock of hair out of his eyes. “Penny thinks Stewart to be quite handsome.”
At which, Harold chuckled. “All the ladies do, Sophia.” And then he shocked her further by leaning in and whispering again. “But he’s mine.”
* * *
The weather continuedto cooperate the next day, and as Harold had predicted, they arrived at Priory Point just before nuncheon.
It was a most impressive estate. The steep and winding road that led to the ancient castle was narrow and more than a little harrowing at times. Sharp white cliffs and rocky formations made for breathtaking scenery unmatched by anything Sophia had ever seen. Occasionally, she got a glimpse of the beach below. She was anxious to explore and swim. If only this really was a simple holiday.
The castle itself had been built over two centuries ago but had been renovated and modernized often. The Prescotts were not a family to allow their properties to fall into decline, Harold explained. Foundations were continuously inspected, as were roofs, windows, and exterior coverings. The estates’ budgets required these items to be in constant repair, and if any was left over, only then could the interiors be improved upon.
The Prescotts were a diligent family with what they’d been given.
As they entered, Harold introduced Sophia to some of the staff, and then the two of them made arrangements to go exploring. She was to enjoy a quick lunch, change, and then meet her husband in the downstairs foyer. Stewart, Harold had told Sophia earlier, would keep an eye on Penny. He would make certain she did not get anywhere near the caves.
And so, shortly after they arrived, Sophia, in half boots and one of her older dresses, and Harold, wearing well-worn riding clothes, set off together, hand in hand along a well-tended path.
This footpath led to the main beach. It descended gradually, she could see. But Harold veered her off it onto a trail, if one would even call it such. She could never have found it on her own. It climbed steeply, before leveling and then descending behind what appeared to be a huge pile of rocks.
“Watch where you place your feet, Sophia. The rocks can be unstable.” Harold stepped a little tentatively himself.
She could not see the ocean, but she could hear it.
And then, “Over here, Soph. We piled rocks around the opening so others wouldn’t find it.” He bent over and moved a few smaller ones, and then together, they rolled back one of the larger rocks.
Cool, humid air wafted from the opening they’d revealed. She couldn’t see much inside, but when she peered in, the sounds of water splashing below sounded ominous.
Sophia shivered.
She couldn’t imagine why any sane person would ever have any desire to explore such a cave. The thought of being trapped inside could give a person nightmares.
