Tilly was in no mood for Sunday talk. ‘You are not wanted here, Drake. Tell Sir Robert you can’t help and leave.’ She stepped forward and for the first time he saw anger in her eyes. ‘Why are you raking over old coals, Drake? Don’t you think your leaving was painful enough?’
Had Evie confided in her? ‘How much do you know?’ he asked.
‘She told me nothing, she didn’t have to, but I’m her maid, I have eyes. She’s older now and not a foolish girl thinking herself in love. She can see what you really are. Not good enough for her to step over.’
Her scorn took Drake by surprise. ‘Tilly!’
Exasperated, Tilly turned and walked briskly away towards a door that looked as if it might lead to the servants’ quarters. She paused at the threshold.
‘Why did you not want what was in front of you, Drake?’ she asked wearily. She half turned her head, preferring to stare at the door frame rather than turn around to look at him. ‘Why do you think I walked with you to Perran every other Sunday?’
He could only see the profile of her face, her back remained turned to him. He frowned at her odd question.
‘I thought you were visiting your sister.’
Tilly let out an exacerbated sigh. ‘My sister lives in Redruth, Drake. I visited no one. I only said that so I could walk with you.’
‘What did you do with yourself?’
‘I sat in the graveyard waiting for you to leave . . . so I could walk back with you.’
How had he not realised? ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to lead you to think—’
‘Oh you didn’t. We both know that you only had eyes for someone you could never have. You are a fool, Drake, a fool. She is over you now so it would be best if you go. Best for all of us.’ She stepped into the darkness beyond the door, leaving Drake alone in the hall with his growing self-doubt.
‘Sir Robert is ready to see you now, Mr Vennor.’ Drake did not move. I should leave. Now, before she arrives. ‘Mr Vennor?’ prompted the butler, lifting his hand to indicate the way.
Drake lifted his head and looked towards the voice. The butler, stiff in his uniform and manner, was waiting patiently for him to follow. ‘Love consumed and controlled me,’ his mother had said, ‘it frightened me and made me want to run, at other times it made me feel as if anything was possible.’ Anything is possible. Drake understood what she meant.
‘Thank you,’ said Drake. ‘Please, lead the way.’
* * *
To Drake’s surprise, Sir Robert was not alone. Mawgan rose from the chair to greet him, unfurling his legs like a cat disturbed from his resting place. It was the first time Drake had seen Mawgan Pendragon, face-to-face, since their encounter all those years ago. The memory of being the butt of his joke still remained vivid. He did not expect Mawgan to remember him, but to his surprise, he did.
‘Drake Vennor,’ said Mawgan, reaching out his hand. ‘The boy gardener.’
‘No longer a boy,’ said Drake, taking his hand. They shook as their faces drew level. Drake saw the look in his eyes that he remembered so well. Curiosity, scrutiny, that lingering look that had judged and unnerved him as a boy. At the time he had felt like a specimen being examined, but now he was a man and the feeling of inferiority no longer clouded his judgement. He had seen that look somewhere before. He let his hand go.
‘I am surprised you remember me,’ replied Drake.
Mawgan smiled. ‘I have a good memory for faces. Something I discovered during my travels. Brief encounters made in busy cities can reap benefits if one can only recall their names.’
‘I don’t doubt it.’ Their gazes remained locked, each man trying to work the other out. It was Sir Robert who broke the deadlock.
‘My nephew has been touring the Empire. I was beginning to wonder if he was ever going to come home.’ They shook hands. ‘I am glad you are here, Mr Vennor. You were recommended to me by my head gardener.’
‘You mentioned this in your letter.’
‘I have land—’
‘The north-east field. I know it. Good soil but the land is flat and the drainage poor.’
Sir Robert looked pleased. ‘Of course, you would know it well having worked here once.’
Drake nodded. He glanced at the closed door.Where was Evie?
‘We could take a walk out there and discuss your ideas,’ suggested Mawgan, his smile broadening. Why does he still smile, thought Drake? Has Evie confessed everything to him? Is she now embarrassed by her childish crush? Is Mawgan Pendragon finding the whole situation rather amusing?
