At least she was not alone, or so Julian assumed, because Lady Priscilla was also absent.
Where she had gone still remained a question.
“There will be no Court this evening,” his aunt announced from the head of the table. “We are satisfied with the progress that was attempted today and are encouraged for tomorrow.”
“The women will adjourn to the parlor for tea and the gentlemen are welcome to join us or gather in the billiards room.”
Had Cait been present, Julian would have joined the women, but as she was not, following supper he made his way to the billiards room. Others joined him but Julian was not in the mood for conversation and crossed the room to stare out the window and at the vast landscape of his aunt’s estate.
“Cait was not at dinner,” Pickmore said as he joined Julian at the window and handed him a glass of ale.
“No, she was not.” Julian was not going to tell his friend the details of what had happened. He already knew enough.
“How was boating with Miss Hamilton?” Julian asked.
Pickmore snorted. “It could have been more pleasant if she was not so stubborn.”
“So, it is she who has wronged you.” Julian chuckled.
“I believe it to be the case but your aunt, and the Tilson sisters, claim that I am at fault.”
Julian arched an eyebrow.
“I cannot compete with the first love,” Pickmore added.
That was the first Julian learned of what may have occurred between Pickmore and Miss Hamilton.
“Bernadette claimed to have a first love, which I did not question as we all have those in the past. However, that love is still very much alive, and I saw them together after she said she would be somewhere else.”
Julian wasn’t certain how he would take such a betrayal. Trust was the most important thing in any relationship. “He may be her first love, but clearly she is not his or they would be married,” Julian offered.
“Which makes me second choice,” Pickmore reminded him. “I want to be first. Not the substitute for whom she is longing for but cannot have.”
“Have you asked Miss Hamilton about her first love?”
“No.”
“What have you said to her?”
“That I do not want her heart unless it can be true.” He rubbed a hand against his cheek. “She then slapped me.”
“Perhaps you should ask the question in a different manner.” Julian chuckled. He should not find humor at his friend’s expense. Pickmore had been a Captain in the Army and even though he certainly enjoyed female companionship, that did not mean he knew how to properly court a female since he’d been surrounded by males since he went off to Eton, then Oxford and finally in buying a commission.
Though, did he have any right to criticize Pickmore? Cait was gone and Julian did not know where she was.
“How long do you think it would take to travel to the Bristol Channel from here?”
Pickmore frowned for a moment. “By carriage, I assume three hours.”
Cait had left before supper; as it was June, there was plenty of light to travel. She could arrive there before the sun set.
He knew in his gut that is where she had gone, but that was only the beginning because she could be anywhere along the water.
Chapter Twenty
Lady Priscilla had located a lovely inn and from her chamber, Cait had been able to hear the water lapping the shore as she drifted off to sleep last night. Already she was calmer than she had been. She was also certain that once she dipped her toes in the water, if she dared, or walked the shore, the answers she sought would come to her.
“It was kind of you to join me, Lady Priscilla,” Cait said as they enjoyed a light breakfast.
