Talek was on the verge of changing his mind, when Amelia noticed him loitering and waved him over. As he approached, he realised the choice of asking her to stay was not his to make. Amelia had beaten him to it.
‘Besides,’ said Amelia, lifting her teacup, ‘you can’t possibly go to London with your hair like that.’
Miss Kellow self-consciously touched her neck, her fingertips searching to reaffirm the length of her hair. She barely touched it, before quickly withdrawing her hand and thrusting it beneath the tablecloth. The reminder had embarrassed her, just for a moment, but then she quickly rallied. He had caught a glimpse of vulnerability, but it had been so fleeting that he questioned if he had really seen it at all.
‘I see no reason not to go,’ she countered.
‘Why, you will be a laughing stock,’ replied Amelia, aghast. ‘Aren’t you afraid to be different?’
‘Sometimes one has little choice in the matter.’
Talek shook his head at the chair offered to him, preferring to stand. ‘My sister understands that more than most.’
Miss Kellow looked horrified at her faux pas. ‘I didn’t mean—’
Amelia came to her rescue, as he knew she would.
‘Talek is teasing you. He enjoys provoking people. I ignore him. I suggest you do the same.’
‘Your brother is not easy to ignore,’ muttered Miss Kellow under her breath. She hastily picked up her cup, but the tea was scalding and she was forced to return it to the saucer.
Amelia did not hear her last comment and busied pouring herself another cup of tea. Talek, on the other hand, had heard and found himself unsure how to reply. Was it a compliment or an insult? Miss Kellow’s complexion had reddened and she had developed a keen interest in the blooms beside her. He decided he didn’t want to know — for now.
Amelia put down the teapot. ‘So what do you say, Grace? Please stay with us for a little longer. I need a companion. Talek is too busy to keep me company and I know that he would preferto have his office returned to Bothick Mine, where he can keep an eye on things. It would be so nice to have a friend again.’
Talek could see her mind whirring, as she tried to think of a suitable excuse. Perversely, despite his earlier reticence, he found himself wanting her to accept. He comforted himself that his sudden change of mind was for her family’s sake. Perhaps a little provoking would rile her impulsive nature into accepting?
‘I think you should not make Miss Kellow feel obligated to stay, Amelia. I’m sure she would rather be on her way. You said that you were intending to visit London. This delay must seem tiresome when the city is waiting for you.’
‘I don’t feel obligated and the delay has not been tiresome.’
‘I’m glad to hear it, Miss Kellow, but now the delay is over.’
‘Indeed it is.’
‘Then you are leaving this morning?’
‘No. I accept Amelia’s proposal.’
Talek smiled.
‘That is wonderful,’ beamed Amelia. ‘Although I think Talek should call you Grace from now on. Referring to you as Miss Kellow, only makes him sound pompous and stilted.’
His smile faltered as Grace looked at him, attempting to hide a smile of her own. ‘I think . . .’ he inclined his head slightly ‘. . . that I must insist thatGraceshould inform her parents of her change of plan and that she has taken up a position as your companion. They will continue to worry if they have not heard from her.’
Grace’s eyes widened, reminding him of the moment he had found her hiding behind the curtain.
‘How do you know they are worried?’ she asked. ‘Have you seen them?’
‘Yes. I felt it was my duty to inform them that I have their daughter under my roof. I visited them shortly after we returned yesterday.’
Grace’s body stiffened beneath her serviceable gown. ‘You’ve no right to inform them where I am,’ she said, her voice like cut glass. He noticed her heart beating beneath her gown, like a fluttering bird trying to escape. Talek dragged his eyes away from her.
‘I disagree,’ he replied, crisply, confident it had been the right thing to do. ‘They have already suspected me of murder and I did not want a charge of kidnapping brought to my door too.’
‘What did they say?’ Her question was barely a whisper. He almost felt sorry for her. She looked quite concerned, even frightened.
‘They thanked me for informing them.’ He would say no more on the matter. Now was not a good time to explain their arrangement. He had the distinct feeling that if she knew about it, she would leave on the first train available and, strangely, he realised he did not want her to go — for Amelia’s sake. ‘I have to be on my way. I’ve neglected the mine for too long and am eager to see how things are. You are right, Amelia, I do prefer being on site, although I suspect Henry will not be too happy to have my company so much more.’
