Disgust painted the servant’s face as he gazed down at the lad. “I beg your pardon—”
“Tillis, it’s me. Norman.”
The butler gasped. His mouth dropped open as he clutched the boy’s shoulders to look at his face closer. “Oh my… Itisyou.”
Trevor blew out a grateful breath, relieved his instincts had been correct. His heart lightened as Norman hugged the butler, then ran into the house calling for his parents. Happy and surprised shrieks came from the family as they gathered around Norman, crying and holding the boy.
Smiling, Trevor was glad he was able to find the boy’s family. But would he ever find Louisa’s? And if he could, wouldhe discover he’d been wrong to assume she’d been the terrible person Norman had told him about?
Chapter Twenty-Six
Louisa awoke earlyin the morning with a stretch and a yawn. She hadn’t slept well last night, mainly because Trevor had been gone all day and she feared the worst. The more she remembered about her past—and told him about it—the more he withdrew.
Then again, she’d been withdrawing just as much. She wasn’t naïve enough to believe that he’d marry her and they would live happily-ever-after as in some fairytales she’d read to the children. She’d done too much in her past; made too many mistakes, and Trevor had every right to throw her out of his home and never see her again.
Rubbing tired eyes, she climbed out of bed. She doubted the twins would be up this early, but she still needed to get herself ready for the day.
Although she loved those children dearly, they deserved better than her as their nursemaid. They deserved a woman who hadn’t stolen from wealthy people—and turned around and taught other children to do the same. They deserved better than a nursemaid who was seriously contemplating stealing their grandmother’s jewels.
Dejected, Louisa slugged on weary legs to the water basin and splashed water on her face, hoping it would bring her mind awake so she could think of a way out of this turmoil. But by thetime she finished dressing, she hadn’t thought of anything that would help her dire situation.
With a heavy heart, she knew there was only one choice to make. She must force her memory to return. If she could do that, perhaps she’d know where to go when she left Trevor and the twins. Tears pricked her eyes and a lump formed in her throat. She didn’t want to leave, and thinking about that day was almost unbearable, but she couldnothave Macgregor torturing them, either. When that man made a promise of punishment, he always followed through.
She hurried out of her room and checked on the twins who were still asleep. It wasn’t healthy to stand beside their beds, watching them this way, because the pain in her heart grew and she wanted to cry and hold them tight. She’d do neither.
Quietly, Louisa left their room and searched through the house until she found Mrs. Smythe. The housekeeper was in the kitchen talking with some of the staff. When the older woman saw Louisa, she smiled.
“Good morning, Louisa. I have been hearing good things about you lately.”
Although Louisa didn’t want to know—or care—happiness still lifted her heart, if only slightly. “I’m pleased to hear such a compliment.” She swallowed and stepped closer. “Mrs. Smythe, could I have a word with you? In private?”
“Indeed, my dear.” The older woman excused herself from the others and stepped into the dining room. “What is it?”
Taking a deep breath, Louisa twisted her hands against her middle and prayed she could convince the other woman for help. “I have had some confusing memories of late, and I feel I need to force myself to remember. I need to return to the place I had been when Lord Kenbridge hit me with his curricle.”
Worry etched the housekeeper’s brow as she patted Louisa’s hands. “Are you certain this will help?”
“I’m hoping it will, which is why I need your assistance. First, I need to have someone care for the twins while I’m gone.”
Mrs. Smythe nodded. “I will fetch my niece, Horatia. She has helped Mrs. Jacobs from time to time.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Smythe. That would be most kind.”
“What else is it that you need?”
“Well,” Louisa hesitated, clutching her fingers until they turned white, “I need to know where exactly I was when His Grace hit me.”
The housekeeper frowned. “I don’t know the exact location, but I do know where the wooded area is located.”
“That would be wonderful.”
As Mrs. Smythe explained to Louisa, apprehension grew in her chest. From the terrible memories she’d discovered already, she didn’t think she wanted to know more. Yet, she must. This was the only way to help Trevor and his children.
“Thank you again, Mrs. Smythe. I truly don’t know what I would do without your help.”
The kind woman smiled. “I’m just happy I can be of some assistance.”
“Before I leave, I must tell His Grace where I’m going.”
