That was a relief. Unless Ianthe decided to take up sailing, then he need not worry about her leaving again.
Ianthe turned toward them, and she smiled at Damon. He’d not seen her do such since before the butterfly incident. Hopefully she would now settle and accept who she was.
Damon stepped away from his mother. “I’ll see Miss Cordelia home since her brothers are already gone.”
Her mother pursed her lips again. “Do not become attached,” she warned.
Attached? He’d only just met Miss Cordelia.
“She is not for you,” his mother warned.
Damon knew the type of woman his mother wanted for him, but as he had no intention of marrying anytime soon, he wasn’t going to waste his breath arguing.
“Do be careful,” she insisted quietly.
“I will, Mother.” Did she fear something would happen to him between here and Hollybrook Park? Yes, the old woman said there was darkness, but he was not so very concerned.
Cordelia hadn’t stoodand relaxed her body and mind in such a manner in a very long time. At least not fully by going through the entire process. Instead, she chose small segments to help her through stressful moments, such as earlier today.
“Do you feel better?” she asked Ianthe.
“Yes. Thank you, Miss Cordelia.”
Together they turned to walk to where Lady Chandos was standing with Lord Bentford. Cordelia hadn’t even been aware they’d been watching.
“Can you return tomorrow, Miss Cordelia? I want to practice a few more times with you to make sure I am doing it correctly.”
“If your grandmother and uncle do not mind.”
“Of course,” Lady Chandos answered, much to Cordelia’s surprise. She was certain the woman did not like her. “However, you should come by way of this gate.”
It was a rather odd request, but she’d do so. Besides, it was a quicker walk than going by the road.
“I should return home.”
“Thank you, Miss Cordelia,” Ianthe said gratefully. “I do feel better.”
“In time it becomes habit, I promise.” She then turned to her hostess. “Thank you for inviting us to tea.” Even though that invitation had been for the purpose to chastise her.
“You are welcome to return to assist Ianthe when she needs you, and your brother is welcome to visit my granddaughter as well.”
That was another surprising comment. Cordelia didn’t think Edward was liked any better than she was. Then again, they were only welcome if it benefited Ianthe, and not welcomed as a guest to tea. That would likely never happen again.
“I will escort you home,” Lord Bentford offered.
“That really is not necessary.” It wasn’t all that far. In fact, she was currently standing on her family’s estate. Only the wall separated Hollybrook Park from Nightshade Manor.
“I insist.”
This afternoon was certainly filled with the unexpected, but Cordelia would not question such a turn of events. She was relaxed and quite content with her circumstances.
Once they’d stepped through the trees that sheltered the small clearing, they turned toward the gardens at the back of Hollybrook Park.
“What was your fear? If you don’t mind me asking, that is.”
Oh, why had Madam Boswell said anything? “Water,” she answered simply though it was far more than that.
“Water?” he repeated.
