Jack stood and gazed down at her. “I’m not sure. I have to find him first. He’s been away from London for several weeks visiting his factory, according to Lady Caindale.”
Althea rose to her feet, her eyes sad. “Of course, you must act as you see fit.”
He sighed. “I’ll treat the man fairly. But there will be others who may not.”
Distress rumpled her brow. “I’ve decided to leave for my home in Oxfordshire tomorrow.”
Jack raised her hands to his lips. “Godspeed, sweetheart.”
She shook her head. “I hope that one day…”
“Perhaps, sweetheart, one day.” A promise he knew he must not keep. His work for the Home Office, and the difference in their ranks, prevented any happy ending. God willing, in time, he’d come to accept it.
Jack turned and left, aware he faced a lonely future.
*
Erina had chatteredall the way to their destination, her eyes returning again and again to her husband. She took in the jaunty angle of his hat, his bronze-green coat obviously made by a Bond Street tailor, his relaxed fingers on the reins—a nicely shaped hand, his narrow, hard-looking thigh in his buff trousers as he rested his polished boot on the footboard. Nothing she heard herself say was particularly remarkable. Mostly, it was a flowing discourse about the wedding. That stuffed bird on Mrs. Jeffrey’s hat. Had it been a real one? If so, how would it have died? Had there been enough food for everyone? What a blessing her aunt had been. Such a pity Cathleen could not have been there.
“Perhaps the bird died of old age?” Harry said, laughter in his voice. The wedding breakfast was enough to feed a small army. Your aunt was wonderful, and yes, it was a shame your cousin could not attend.”
Erina looked at him and sighed. Would he never take her seriously?
“You have a good heart, my love,” Harry said, his eyes softening. And of course, she instantly forgave him.
Erina fell into silence, deep in thought. She must write Cathleen a long letter, describing every detail. How she knew when dancing with her new husband that he meant every bit as much to her as Mr. Leahy meant to Cathleen. Erina’s breath hitched, and she took several deep breaths and tried to think. Oh, yes, she must tell Cathleen how good it had been to see Captain Ryder again. A tall, handsome gentleman, but there was an element of danger about him that intrigued but unsettled her. She must ask Harry what he’d been like during the war.
“Not far to go now.” Harry grew silent, his attention fixed on his pair of grays, the horses’ heads bobbing in unison in front of them. Finally, after she’d resorted to a one-sided discussion on the changes in the scenery, the curricle pulled in through a large set of gates bearing the name Virginia Grove.
“Here we are.” Harry smiled at her. “You must be tired, my love; it’s been a long day.”
Erina was too nervous to be tired. At the end of the driveway stood a magnificent, three-story apricot brick mansion set in a park and extensive gardens. “How charming,” she murmured. It certainly was, but her voice sounded thin, and she drew her lip through her teeth.
“I’m pleased you approve.” Harry pulled up the horses. A servant rushed from the direction of the stables to take the reins while another came through the tall front doors. Harry helped her down. Erina smoothed her skirts and, climbing the few steps, entered the airy hall lit from above by a towering arched window. She allowed Harry to lead her across the marble floor to where a middle-aged woman dressed in black with a crisp, white collar waited, her hands clasped in front.
The woman bobbed. “Congratulations on your nuptials, sir.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Lawson. I’d like you to meet your new mistress, Lady Erina Feather.” He turned to Erina. “Mrs. Lawson is our very efficient housekeeper. She has been with us for some years.”
“Allow me to offer my felicitations, my lady.” The housekeeper sank into a curtsy. “I hope you had a pleasant journey. Your trunk has arrived. As you have not brought your maid, I trust the housemaid, Merry, will be satisfactory for the time being. She’s a well-behaved girl. But should you wish to interview a replacement for the position, I shall be happy to arrange it.”
Erina was more than happy with the arrangement as at home their upstairs maid, Lucy, had helped her since her lady’s maid had left to marry the vicar, and then her father had begun economizing. “I’m sure Merry will be perfectly adequate, thank you, Mrs. Lawson.”
Harry took Erina’s hand and drew her through an arched doorway. They entered a long, elegant room, with a fireplace at one end and a row of French windows opening onto a terrace along one wall. The drawing room was furnished in varying patterns and variations ofgreen with a fine, crimson Turkey rug covering the floor. Beyond the windows, the lawns rolled away through the gardens and impressive park of established trees.
Erina walked over to the windows. “The grounds are magnificent. I can’t wait to see more of them.”
Harry stood at her shoulder. “I look forward to showing it to you.”
She turned to him. “Have you ever lived here?”
“This is where I grew up.”
“I didn’t know.”
“I haven’t lived here for many years.” Harry’s gesture drew her back to the view. “Look, Erina.”
A groom led a bay horse across the lawn below the terrace. Erina shrieked. “Jessie!” She opened the doors and rushed out, crossing the terrace and down the steps to stroke her mare’s glossy flank. The groom greeted her, and Jessie neighed in recognition. Erina swiveled to find Harry grinning at her. “You always intended to bring her here and didn’t tell me?”
