She sighed. “In light of such things, perhaps I shall try and get some rest. It’s been a day full of disappointments and it seems to be wearing on me.”
“Of course, dear,” Mrs. Thompson said with a smile. “Some rest might be just what you need.”
Leah clasped her hands, dipping her head. “Good night.”
When Owen was sure she was gone from the room and out of earshot, he leaned toward his friend. “What was all that about?”
Jonas picked up his glass, pausing just as he was about to take a drink. “Goodness if I know.” He shook his head, then drained the glass of its contents.
“Please excuse her, Owen,” Mrs. Thompson said. “She was very much looking forward to spending the weekend with a friend of hers.”
“Of course. I understand.” Owen leaned back in his seat, placing his foot across his knee. He was still a bit unsettled by the way he had noticed her only moments ago. Then he remembered earlier that day when he saw half her leg as she mounted the horse, and then when he wrapped his arm around her waist during their ride. He shook his head, trying to rid the memories from his mind for all of eternity.
“Not to mention she was loath to see you,” Jonas said, chuckling to himself.
“Loath seems to be a strong word. Surely she does not harbor that much anger toward me.” He took a swig of his drink, puckering his lips. He quickly looked back to Jonas. “Does she?”
“She was rather adamant about leaving this weekend. And over Christmas of all things.”
Owen tilted his glass, watching the light of the fire refract into shards as it hit all the tiny cuts and angles. “I cannot believe it has been four years. How did that happen?”
Jonas leaned back into his seat. “You had school.” He shrugged.
“Yes. And I continued to work when Iwasn’tat school.” He dropped his hand and glass to his lap. “But how did time slip by me like that?”
“A man has to grow up at some point and begin a life of his own.”
Yes, he does. And Owen felt even more pressure than a typical gentleman’s son. He and his father came from a line of men who had started from the ground up. While some families were hesitant to form relationships with new money, as they called it, the Thompsons had been most welcoming.
And, unbeknownst to anyone there, Owen was going to be coming back to Carterton more permanently. And in the not-too-distant future.
Chapter 6
Leah. Morning of the second day.
Leahleaptfromherbed as soon as her eyes opened, running over to the window in hopes that the sun was out and the snow was melting. She placed her hands against the cool windowpane, her heart sinking as she watched more snow gently fall onto the heaps they already had. Perhaps it was best to let go of any plans of escape and accept her fate.
She would be staying here all weekend.
With Owen.
Leah leaned her head against the glass, pressing her eyes shut. Therewasa possibility she was being ridiculous. She and Owen were both grown now. Surely he wasn’t planning to pull any pranks during his stay. If Leah set her mind to it, she could ignore his presence and continue on with the Christmas festivities with her family. Yes. She was almost positive she could tolerate being near him without any more spiteful words. All she had to do was ignore him completely.
Her stomach grumbled, forcing her to leave the comfort and safety of her room for some breakfast. She held her fingers to the stair banister, letting them trail over the smooth wood grain as she reluctantly, and very slowly, made her way to the dining room. She could do this. She could tolerate Owen. She. Could. Do. This.
Perhaps if she said it enough times she would come to believe it.
Walking into the dining room, she glanced about at the seating arrangement. Her mother and father sat at opposite ends of the table, with the boys gathered near her father’s end and the girls gathered near her mother. Leaving, of course, two empty chairs in the middle that bordered each grouping. And, to make matters even more enjoyable, Owen sat on the outer edge of the gentlemen’s side.
She took the seat beside Rose, one chair over and opposite of Owen. This was as far as she could possibly get from him.
Rose didn’t waste a moment of time, spinning toward Leah as soon as she found her seat. “Oh, Leah. Please convince Cecily that we must go outside today. It would be such fun! But of course, she is determined to be a wet blanket as usual.” She looked over at Cecily, discreetly sticking her tongue out at her.
A servant came over, pouring a hot cup of tea for Leah. She raised it to her lips, inhaling the warm steam before taking a long sip. “Will no one else agree to go with you?”
Rose leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms over her chest with her lips protruding in a pout. “No. Graham is no fun at all and Jonas says he is too old for such games. Miranda simply said no and Cecily said she would go but only if you agree.” She sat up, gripping Leah’s arm. “So you must go! I cannot go sledding all by myself. It wouldn’t be nearly as fun.”
“I will go,” Owen said, worming his way into their sisterly conversation.
