“Cordelia, come quick.”
She turned to find Edward running from the direction of Nightshade. “What is the matter?”
“Ianthe needs you.” His breathing was heavy as he stopped before her.
“Lord Bentford just returned to the estate. I’m certain he can assist her.”
Edward shook his head. “We hid from him because Ianthe needs you.”
Goodness. “What has happened?”
“She needs to explain, but said you are the only one who could help.”
“Did she at least tell you what is wrong?” She needed to know if it was fear, panic or something else.
“No. Just that she’s afraid.”
“Very well.”
Edward took off running back to Nightshade and Cordelia followed. The roses parted as soon as they drew near and Cordelia followed Edward inside to find Ianthe waiting, her face stained with tears.
“Whatever is the matter?” Cordelia asked in alarm.
“It’s her. Miss Perkins. She needs to go.”
That is why Ianthe was upset? She thought the child had been paralyzed with fear or something equally horrible.
“I don’t trust her. She tried to teach me her way of the witches’ calm and it didn’t work.”
“The same practice does not work for everyone,” Cordelia offered gently.
“I don’t want her to help me again. I do not like her. She wasn’t very nice.”
“I understand.” Though she didn’t really, but it was better to keep Ianthe calm. “Why don’t the two of us practice now and when you are settled, we can discuss what is on your mind.”
“She is!”
“Yes, so you’ve said,” Cordelia stated. “Let us calm first and talk next.”
“Very well.” Ianthe heaved out a belabored sigh that was more suited for an adult.
“Shall we go to the same place?”
“Yes. I suppose.” Ianthe turned and Cordelia followed her from the bushes hiding the gate but stopped abruptly.
Near the manor Bentford was settled on a bench with Miss Perkins. The woman was smiling, Bentford was not.
She hated seeing them together, but there was little she could do. Miss Perkins was a guest in their home and Lady Chandos was hoping for a match. Only Bentford could decide if he wished to marry her. Though, in her heart, Cordelia prayed that he didn’t.
An instant later, Miss Perkins leaned in and kissed Bentford and Cordelia’s heart shattered.
Hewasa rake and rogue. How could he flirt, tease and waltz with her and then come here to kiss Miss Perkins?
She should have known better than to allow her heart to become engaged. She should have remained sensible as it was the only protection she could give herself.
Cordelia was just about to turn away when it began snowing, but just over Bentford and Miss Perkins. How very odd.
“See.” Ianthe pointed. “Did you see what she did?”
