Just because she knew Kilsyth was at Harrington Manor, it didn’t mean that he was aware of her presence at the school. After all, she didn’t even know why he’d been traveling in this direction. From what she gathered, at least what the girls had said, he knew Norbright, but he also could have only stopped because the injuries his friends suffered needed to be tended to and they needed a place to rest.
Yet, Kilsyth had made no mention of taking a trip. She would have learned if he had planned to do so. In fact, he was rarely away from his home for any length of time. Then again, she’d avoided him the last few days leading up to the ball. Perhaps he’d made arrangements then and just hadn’t mentioned it to her as of yet. Or, perhaps he had already intended to travel at this time but when a ward was thrust upon him, he could not do so. Once she was gone, he was free to go about his business once again.
Eve sat forward. In all likelihood, they may have already departed and she was worrying for nothing. She’d been so busy since the girls started becoming ill that she had no idea if the guests still remained at Harrington Manor and she could be fearful for nothing. The only fact she did know was that Kilsyth and the others were in residence a week ago. Further, it was unlikely that he remained. Though their time together was short, Kilsyth did not like to stay in one place long, other than his library, and she couldn’t imagine he’d be away from London for nearly two weeks.
Satisfied that she no longer needed to worry about her guardian discovering her presence, Eve settled back and sipped the hot liquid and tried to set aside her disappointment.
It wasn’t safe to see Kilsyth again. Her heart hadn’t fully mended, and it might never mend, but she had longed to see him, in the darkest hours of the night. She wondered, and even hoped, that he was here to find her. In the morning light, she dismissed the absurd notions, tried to push them from her mind and went about her day. But, in moments like this when she had peace, Eve allowed herself to wonder what might have been.
Except, she already knew the answer. She might love him, despite how much he irritated her, but Kilsyth would never love her and was probably happy to be free of the ward who had been thrust upon him without warning.
“Claudia, what brings you by?” Cait exclaimed in the entry.
“I need to be around females.” Lady Norbright answered.
Cait may address the countess by her first name, but Eve could never be so bold, especially when they didn’t really know one another.
“Are Lord Norbrights’ friends still visiting?” Cait asked out of curiosity.
“Yes and I doubt that they’ll leave anytime soon.”
Eve stilled and sat forward. Kilsyth was still at Harrington Manor? Why?
“I was just about to enjoy some tea with my sister and I’m certain Mrs. Wiggons and Bernadette will be along shortly. Please join us.”
Bernadette was Miss Hamilton to the students and had begun teaching history at the same time that Cait had taken a position at the school to teach literature.
“Thank you. It will be a relief to be around women for a change, instead of cranky gentlemen.”
Cait laughed as they entered the sitting room.
“Lady Norbright, it is good to see you again,” Eve greeted.
“Oh, please call me Claudia.” She glanced around. “When I am here, that is what I am to my friends.”
Except they weren’t friends and were unlikely to become so, Eve thought but didn’t voice.
Mrs. Wiggons and Bernadette glided in a moment later and a maid followed with a fresh tea service and placed it on the small table before the settee.
“Am I to understand the gentlemen who arrived a few weeks ago are still visiting?” Mrs. Wiggon’s questioned as she poured tea.
“I expect they will be visiting for some weeks,” Claudia answered. “Three of them are still recovering from their injuries.”
“How badly were they injured?” Eve asked.
“Ashford suffered a terrible head wound, and the doctor has informed him that he must stay put until he can survive a sennight without headaches or dizziness.”
“Oh, dear,” Cait muttered as a bit of color left her cheeks.
Eve knew that Cait had met Ashford this past Christmas and had developed a liking for him, though her sister had set her feelings aside. After all, Cait came from the same modest background as Eve, whereas Ashford was the second son of an earl.
“Keegan’s leg was fractured in the accident and he won’t be able to travel until it has healed a bit more.”
“What of the other two?” Cait asked. “Have they recovered?”
Claudia glanced at Eve before she answered. “Captain Pickmore suffered bruised and broken ribs and as long as he doesn’t overexert, or laugh, he’s recovering quite well.”
Pickmore? Eve had no idea the captain was at Harrington Manor. Then again, should she be surprised, as he and Kilsyth had been spending their days in each other’s company?
