“Yes, my lady.”
She moved into the parlor, and he joined her. She smiled at her friend, so very grateful that he had come to work for her after Lloyd’s death. If not for Stuart, her late husband’s staff would have driven her away.
“I need you to do something for me.” She smiled.
He bowed. “Anything, Lady Kentwood. I will always be at your beck and call.”
She laughed. “Well, I certainly won’t take advantage of you.”
“Of course not.”
“But I need you to ride to my family’s cottage and deliver something to my mother. She and Olivia need money to buy new gowns. Make sure you give Mother the money, and not my father or brothers.”
“Indeed.” Stuart arched an eyebrow. “Your father and brothers are not to be trusted.”
She moved closer and took his hands, squeezing gently. “You are a godsend.”
His cheeks grew red. “Actually, my lady, you are. I thank the Lord daily for your job offer.”
She moved to her writing desk, withdrew the hidden key underneath the tray, and opened the locked drawer. She kept a little money in the drawer, but didn’t want the other servants to know about it.
She withdrew some money and handed it to Stuart. “Also, tell Mother and Olivia I love them and miss them.”
He nodded. “I’m certain they feel the same about you.”
“Thank you again.”
As she watched him walk out, she frowned. She prayed Collin would be all right with her staying at the estate and living as she had been doing since Lloyd’s death. She didn’t know what she would do with Stuart.
But Collin she could live without.
*
Collin dared leavehis bed bright and early the next morning. The throbbing in his skull had lessened, but his confused mind wouldn’t let him rest another moment. Off and on throughout the night, his memories opened. He now recalled his family, and his cousin Lloyd. His heart wrenched when he thought about his dear cousin’s demise. Collin had known Lloyd’s drinking would eventually be the death of him, but he never suspected his cousin would drown. As lads, they’d swum several times in the pond on his father’s estate. Apparently, Lloyd had been so far into his drink that he didn’t think to swim to safety when the boat capsized.
Other memories made their presence as well. He remembered meeting Cass—the nickname he had called her.My sweet Cass.He also recalled how his heart had burst inside of him during their very first kiss in the thicket of trees during heraunt’s masked ball. Cassandra had been so incredibly lovely that night wearing a deep blue and black gown and her matching mask. It had thrilled him the way she wanted to learn about passion. He recalled wanting to be the one to teach her and looking forward to the opportunity to make her melt in his arms.
Of course, by now she would have learned all of that from Lloyd. The one thing Collin did remember about his cousin was that the man loved women—and in turn, the women loved his attentions. Lloyd knew how to use his words to charm them to do his will. There were several times Collin had wished he had his cousin’s talent for wooing the ladies.
He pulled on his trousers and shirt, but that was all. He knew he would be back in bed later this morning, since he still felt weak. But right now, he needed to see the manor in hopes that his memory would completely return. Yesterday, Cassandra had mentioned that this place was his now. He wished that memory would return. It seemed nobody knew why he had come during the terrible rainstorm.
As he moved down the hall, he thought about the conversation he’d had with Cassandra yesterday. Why did she say they weren’t friends any longer? If only he could remember how Lloyd ended up marrying Cassandra when Collin was the one who had wanted her. In fact, Lloyd had warned him against the Featherstones’ eldest daughter, even though Collin didn’t believe a word his cousin had said.
The corridors were empty as he moved from one floor to the next until he reached the bottom floor. There was a music room with a shiny pianoforte, and immediately, he recalled how he loved to play. He also remembered that Cassandra shared the same love for music. Although the urge was strong to sit on the stool and play a tune, he put it aside until he had eaten something and gained more strength.
A heavenly fragrance drifted in the air. It was the scent of scones and—he inhaled deeply—ham. He smiled, happy to remember the smell of that delectable meat. His stomach rumbled, making him hungry for breakfast.
The housekeeper, Mrs. Thompson, was the first servant he saw. When she noticed him, her eyes widened, and she hitched a breath.
“My lord, you should not be up.” She hurried to him as though to help him, but apparently changed her mind, because her hands dropped to her sides.
He lifted his hand to stop her from coming any closer. “I feel well enough to be up, I assure you. However, I am quite hungry.”
“I shall fix you a tray and bring it right up to your room.”
He shook his head. “I would like to eat right here in the dining room.” He pulled out a chair and sat.
“As you wish, my lord.” The older woman turned around and hurried into the kitchen, causing the brownish-gray bun at the back of her head to bounce.
