“Take that with you and stomp the ground with it then you will not need to worry.”
Livia took in a shaky breath, then rushed up the stairs only to return with the stick her brother had carved for her.
“Are you ready?” Caroline stood by the open door.
Livia hesitated and looked out, then exited onto the terrace. They started to walk away from the house, toward the kitchen gardens but Livia stopped, shaking her head. “You go on, Mother.” She then thrust the cane at Caroline.
“It is not important that we inspect the gardens today,” Caroline returned. She could instruct a servant to do so.
“We should visit Lady Wyndham,” Livia suggested.
“Why is that?”
“Because she must be sad, like you.”
Caroline frowned. “Why are either of us sad?”
“Because the earl left.” Livia blinked up with her innocent answer.
“Perhaps she is, but she has another visitor now,” Caroline answered. She’d met Elliot Wynd last evening when they had arrived for dinner. Apparently, his ship had arrived after Sterling’s had sailed, or so she assumed. It was a shame since Sterling was on his way to visit his brother before he returned home.
Then again, perhaps they’d seen the other at the docks and Sterling was able to visit with Elliot and alter his plans before sailing.
Not that it mattered to her since Sterling was gone and she would likely never see him again.
“Is he like the earl?”
“How so?”
“Nice.”
“Much nicer,” Caroline answered. Elliot Wynd was very likeable and he was relaxed and laughed and shared stories from his childhood which made Lady Wyndham smile. Maybe his visit would help with her disappointment in Sterling leaving.
Again, none of that was her concern. The Wynd family had nothing to do with her. Her father and brother were employed by them and they were nothing more than servants even if Lady Wyndham tended to treat them more like family or friends.
“Then come along.” Livia tugged on her hand.
“We should not intrude,” Caroline insisted.
“But I want to meet him.” Livia let go of Caroline’s hand and rushed ahead and was inside before Caroline could catch up and stop her.
Livia darted into the sitting room then stopped and turned around.
“Are you looking for something, dear?” Lady Wyndham asked.
“I thought you had a visitor and I wanted to meet him.”
“I am so sorry, Lady Wyndham. I will do better in teaching Livia about our different stations.”
“Why start now?” Lady Wyndham chuckled. “She is as welcome here anytime she wishes, as are you, just as my sons are.”
While it was a relief and comforting to hear those words, Caroline did need to remember her place. Maybe she would not have fallen in love with Sterling had she. Even if she had still been forced to accompany him to their various locations, she would have done better at guarding her heart.
“Where is he?” Livia asked.
“Do you mean my son, Elliot?”
“Mama did not tell me his name, but yes, him.”
