The nurse yanked open the door and grabbed the boy and girl by the arm, whipping them out of the closet. Amanda sobbed and tried to pull away. Adam struggled and kicked, which only succeeded in making Mrs. Jacobs more upset.
“Hold still, will you.” The nurse growled and pulled Adam’s arm harder. “You little twit, listen to me,” she snapped.
When Amanda cried out, Mrs. Jacobs smacked the girl’s face. Something fierce snapped inside Louisa and she flew from her room and ran toward the three. She pushed the nurse away from the sobbing children and folded them both in her arms. “How dare you raise your hand to her?” Louisa glared. “They were doing nothing wrong but playing a game.”
Mrs. Jacobs folded her arms smartly across her chest. “They were hiding because it’s their dinner time, and they always resistwhen I try to feed them. They complain that they do not like the food.”
Louisa glanced at the two in her arms, their faces streaked with tears. She stroked each head and held them against her bosom. “They are just children, for heaven’s sake. They are going to be picky eaters.”
Mrs. Jacobs arched an eyebrow. “Do you think you can do any better? I heard you could not even help with His Grace’s dinner tonight. What use are you if you can’t even perform household duties correctly?”
Anger shot through Louisa and she pierced the older woman with her stare. “This isnotabout me, but these two darling children.”
“Listen, little missy, if you do not keep your nose out of my affairs, his lordship will hear about this.”
Louisa lifted her chin stubbornly. “I hope he does because I have something to tell him about the way you are punishing his children.”
“He doesn’t care a fig about his children.”
Blinking in unbelief, Louisa shook her head. “Would you care to wager your career on that?”
Defeat made Mrs. Jacobs’s shoulders sag. She shook her head. “As you wish, I will not say a thing.” She held out her hands for the children to take, which they didn’t. “Come along children. If you are good, I shall have Cook fix you some pudding.”
They both looked up at Louisa with questioning eyes. She smiled and motioned her head for them to go with their nurse. Hesitantly, they took Mrs. Jacobs’s hands and walked down the hall with her.
Louisa growled as she marched back to her room. She should inform his lordship of the treatment the woman showed hischildren. It was uncalled for. No wonder those poor things were scared.
From out of nowhere, a sense of dread grew heavy inside her…as if she’d experienced those frightened feelings before. Without a doubt, Louisa knew what Adam and Amanda were feeling—what fear clawed through their hearts, freezing their limbs. And especially the sadness of knowing there wasn’t anything to be done but return to the person who caused all the terror.
Shadowy scenes rushed through her head. She was young. Frightened. Her body weak. A large man stood above her, holding a whip. He threatened to beat her if she didn’t do as he said.
Tears pricked her eyes and she sank on her bed. Was she remembering something about her past? If this was indeed part of her memory, she had no wish to bring it back.
Chapter Eight
At two o’clockin the afternoon, Trevor poured himself a drink. Still too early to drink spirits, he knew his nerves needed the company only port would provide. Especially since his brother Trey and their mutual friend Lord Hawthorne would be joining him shortly for a ride around the estate.
Trevor rolled his eyes. Somehow his brother had gotten it into his head that Trevor needed male companionship. What he needed was peace and serenity. More than that, he needed people to stop pitying him.
Gossipmongers still circulated stories about Gwen’s affairs. Trevor had heard people whispering when they thought he wasn’t there. Thankfully, though, there had been no gossip about the twins. He might doubt who sired them, but he didn’t need Society following him around to discover the answer.
“Excuse me, Your Grace.”
Trevor turned his attention to the door. Hobbs stood with a solemn expression—as always—and without a wrinkle in his uniform. “What it is, Hobbs? Have my guests arrived?”
“Yes, sir. They are waiting in the drawing room.”
“Splendid.” He swallowed the last of his drink, placed it on the liquor tray, and strode out of the room. Perhaps visiting with his brother and Hawthorne would lift his spirits…more than the alcohol.
When Trevor entered the drawing room, both Trey and Hawthorne stood waiting for him, dressed in their riding clothes. Trey chose darker colors while Hawthorne wore lighter. Trevor wanted to chuckle since the two men were usually so much alike in their tastes.
“Good afternoon, Trey. Hawthorne.” Trevor bowed to both men and they returned the greeting. “Are you ready to ride?”
“Indeed I am,” Hawthorne began, “but before we go, will you tell me who that charming creature is.” He pointed out the window. “I confess I do not usually converse much with servants, but she looks familiar.”
Trevor moved to the window that looked out over the flower garden. Louisa stood with Mrs. Fitzwilliam as they plucked dead leaves from the bushes. “That is my newest servant, Louisa.”
Trey rushed between them, peering out. “Is that the vagabond Mother told me about the other day?”
