“My mother wished to have you here because of her concerns. I, however, wished to invite our neighbors to tea and pleasant conversation,” he assured Lynwood then looked to his mother. “There is no reason to hide within Nightshade Manor or be isolated for the length of time that we are required to be in residence.”
“Damon,” his mother warned.
“You’ve nothing to fear from Lynwood or his family,” he insisted.
“We shall discuss this later,” she warned.
He would not be taken to task and resented her attempt to do so. “You may discuss it all you wish but I do not share your concerns.” With that he stood. “Miss Cordelia, would you grant me the pleasure of your company in a stroll about the gardens.”
His mother pulled back with her mouth open in shock. Damon wasn’t certain if it was because of the near argument that he’d had, or his abrupt change in asking Miss Cordelia to walk with him.
He wasn’t even certain why he’d done so, other than he wished to rescue Miss Cordelia from his mother.
Miss Cordelia placed her cup and saucer on the table and stood. “I would like that very much, Lord Bentford.” There was no longer any pleasantness to her tone and Damon expected she was doing her best to hold her tongue.
Cordelia wasn’tcertain what to make of the conversation between Bentford and his mother, but it was clear that the purpose of the tea was not for neighbors to become acquainted. In fact, Cordelia was quite certain that the woman hated her. Had Bentford not said anything, it’s likely Lady Chandos would have warned and threatened Cordelia and Edward to hold their silence then have them removed from the property. Not even when she was a child had she been talked to in such a tone and it was all she could do not to give Lady Chandos a piece of her mind, then leave before being asked, but she’d not embarrass Adam, nor did she want to be a poor influence for Edward.
As she allowed Bentford to escort her to the terrace, Cordelia took in slow, deep breaths through her nose and blew them out through a small opening between her lips as she imagined the tone of Lady Chandos and her words evaporating, or turning into water and mist, flowing over her shoulders, down her arms and dripping off her fingers. She then settled on her center, knowing that which had happened could not be changed in the past and only reflect in the future if so allowed.
Settled, she glanced about as they stepped into the sun and was rewarded with the breathtaking sight before and around her. Cordelia took it all in as she turned slowly. To the side were gardens, brilliant in their various hues and colors from the leaves to flowers. Just beyond was a grove of trees, the ground dotted with wildflowers that preferred the shade and had an almost mystical draw. She wished to wander in and see if she might discover a fairy.
Before them were stone steps that led down to another terrace, with walks curving away on each side as well as another set of steps that led to the beach at the end of their cove. Everywhere there were bushes, flowers and grass until the land met the sandy white beach at the water’s edge.
“This is lovely,” she murmured and adjusted her bonnet to shield her eyes from the glare of the sun off the water.
“Shall we?” He gestured to the stairs.
Edward and Miss Ianthe rushed past them, and practically ran down the steps, which wasn’t such a surprise given they were children. They didn’t stop until they reached the edge of the water and Cordelia suspected their conversation was much like the day before, given Ianthe had her hands shoved in her pockets and Edward was gesturing in a rather defensive manner.
“Your brother wasn’t disturbed by the possibility that my niece may be a witch,” he said quietly. “Most don’t believe such exist.”
Was he going to try and convince her that what she’d seen with her own eyes hadn’t actually occurred?
“This is Bocka Morrow, Lord Bentford,” she stated. “Little disturbs us.”
This seemed to take him by surprise.
“The fact that theremaybe a witch or two is hardly a concern. Well, unless they are bent on evil, then it is an entirely different matter.” If he thought to challenge her, she would return the same.
“If you are insinuating that my niece may be evil, I can assure you that is not the case,” he returned with a hint of anger.
“I meant no insult, Lord Bentford,” she quickly added. “Simply stating a concern ofallresidents when someone new arrives to our village.” Would she be forced to defend herself to Lord Bentford now? He’d not taken her to task yesterday. In fact, he had seemed rather nice, and Cordelia wasn’t certain if she had misjudged him then, or now.
“I apologize for my mother’s behavior.”
Cordelia glanced up to determine if there was sincerity in his brown eyes.
“She has valid concerns and fears others might learn that a witch lives here.”
Cordelia nearly snorted.
“It’s a matter we do not take lightly.”
Even though she’d only recently learned, it was likely she was one of few who had not already possessed such knowledge. “I’m certain that you don’t.”
“Perhaps I should explain.”
Did he not think she took him seriously?
