“I don’t like mysteries. And the children are very upset.” Andrew glanced up at the painting of Catherine over the fireplace.
“You are ready to put the past behind you and take a chance on love,” Raymond said. “You considered marrying Greta, but she was not right for you. Perhaps Miss Harrismith is? The children love her. And even if you’re not ready to admit that you love her too, at least go and see her.”
“I don’t see that such an action would serve. Not without a very good reason.” Andrew turned again to the letter. “Have you ever come across a Walter Judd in York?”
“No, can’t say I have, but I’ll look him up if it will be of any help to you.”
“I’d be grateful if you would, Ray. I want to be sure in my own mind that she’s marrying a decent fellow.”
“And if he is decent?”
“Then I shan’t take things any further.”
“Not like you to be a quitter, Andrew.”
A smile lifted his lips. “Go to London, Ray. I need time to think.”
Raymond headed for the door. “I’ll write if I hear anything of interest.”
Andrew nodded, lost in thought. When he raised his head, the door had closed on his cousin. He pushed back his chair. Best to check on the children, who had become unusually submissive and alarmingly quiet.
The agency hadacted swiftly. Two days later, Andrew had approved a new governess’ application. She was to arrive next week. He’d had success with William’s tutor too. Henry, brother of Andrew’s friend, Daniel Cowper, had accepted the appointment while he was studying for a doctorate at Oxford. So he expected life at Castlebridge to settle down again, which was what he wanted wasn’t it? But he wished he didn’t feel so hollow. Try as he might to put it behind him, Jenny’s going had left him confoundedly unsettled. Raymond accused him of being in love. But he’d been rocked by the vulnerability he’d felt when he found Jenny unconscious. A deep well of fear had swept through him, a sense of loss that scared him. He didn’t want to be that susceptible again. But not to take a chance on love was living a half-life. And his plan to marry a woman who hadn’t claimed his heart had been cowardly. He had to admit that he’d come to care deeply for Jenny. But he was not about to turn her life upside down if she’d truly found happiness.
