“That, she is.” Mrs. Burls nodded.
“Did she have many lessons as a child?” he enquired, still curious to know how a mere maid could not only sing so well, but also learn to play. She’d mentioned Lady Mathis taught her, but it almost seemed impossible. Deep in his gut, he knew Tabitha was hiding something from him, and he was eager to learn the truth.
“Oh, yes.” Mrs. Burls puffed her chest proudly. “I taught her a small amount, but the rest of her learning came from her mother and the lady they worked for, Lady Mathis.”
He took another peek in Tabitha’s direction. She’d arched her eyebrow and gave him a look that told him,I told you so.“Well, it doesn’t matter,” he said. “Your niece is one gifted woman.”
Mrs. Stiles chose that moment to come in and announce, “Dinner is ready.”
“Splendid,” Mrs. Burls cheered. “I’m famished.”
Nic stood and offered his arm to the older woman, helping her out of the sofa. Once she was standing, he turned to Tabitha and offered his other arm to her. Indecision played on her expression for a few moments, but finally she shrugged and hooked her hand around his elbow. Feeling like the luckiest man in the world, he escorted both ladies into the small dining room. Keeping in his role as a gentleman, he seated Mrs. Burls first, then turned and pulled out the chair for Tabitha. She mumbledthank youas she took the seat.
He sincerely hoped she was warming up to him. He couldn’t understand why she would act this way around the clergyman, unless it was because he reminded her of Lord Hawthorne, the man she just loved to hate.
Dinner passed with idle chit-chat, mainly between him and Mrs. Burls and Mrs. Stiles. Once in a while Tabitha said something, but not enough in his opinion. He wanted nothingmore than to stare into her eyes as the lamplight made the cobalt color shimmer like silk. Unfortunately, every time he glanced at her, she was either looking down at her plate or throwing him a glare.
It disturbed him that she would act this way, especially when he pretended to be a man of God. He also wondered if she truly knew his identity. But what hurt most was knowing that he had damaged her so much that she could not forgive him. One way or another, he had to soften her until she forgave. He couldn’t live with himself if she didn’t.
The meal had come to an end, but Mrs. Burls and her companion kept him at the table as they told stories of years gone by. He smiled politely, but inwardly, he wanted to return home. Frederick was having all the fun, sneaking out at night to spy on people. That’s what Nic wanted to do.
Tabitha excused herself from the table. He stood and nodded to her. “Good night, Miss Tabitha.”
“Good night, Mr. Woodland,” she muttered before leaving.
As he sat, he noticed Mrs. Burls frowning and shaking her head. He felt like doing the same thing but refrained.
“I wish I knew what to do about her,” Mrs. Burls said. “I thought she would be happy here, but today she has been so distant.”
“Does she still live in York?” he asked.
“Yes, but I fear she is not happy there, either.”
“Might I enquire to what she does in York? I mean, does she still work for Lady Diana Worthington?”
Mrs. Burls’ eyes widened. “How do you know about Lady Worthington?”
He could have kicked himself for not thinking first. Quickly, he thought of an excuse. “My cousin, Lord Hawthorne, told me the story. After all, he was close with Lady Worthington.”
The older woman nodded. “Yes, Tabitha did work for Lady Worthington, but she doesn’t now. Tabitha no longer works for anyone.”
Confusion clouded his mind. That didn’t make any sense. How could a maid survive if she didn’t work? “She doesn’t?”
“Of course not, Mr. Woodland,” Mrs. Stiles cut in. “She has been on her own since she discovered—”
“Mrs. Stiles.” Mrs. Burls tapped her companion on the hand and shook her head. “Perhaps we should let Tabitha tell it. My niece’s discovery is not our news to share.”
Mrs. Stiles nodded. “That’s correct.” She met Nic’s curious gaze. “Forgive me for speaking out of turn, but I should not say anymore.”
Frustration grew inside him. What was going on? What had Tabitha discovered? Did it have something to do with what happened six months ago? Nic mentally berated himself for losing touch with Tristan and Trey after he’d come to North Devon. At least those two friends would have known what happened to Tabitha. First thing tomorrow, Nic would send a letter to Tristan and Trey, and ask about Tabitha.
“No need to apologize.” He smiled at Mrs. Stiles. “I understand completely.” He now couldn’t wait to get home and get started writing that letter. He pushed away from the table and stood. “This has been a very lovely evening, but I must be returning home.”
Mrs. Burls dabbed the linen napkin to her mouth. “I thank you again for coming to dinner. Have a good evening.”
“And I hope you do as well.” He bowed to her and Mrs. Stiles before leaving the room. Just before reaching the front door, he picked up his hat and cane that he’d left on the small table. He walked outside and closed the door behind him.
The night air was cool this evening as normal for the early spring weather. He bundled the collar of his coat around hisneck and stepped away from the house. As he neared the largest tree in front of the yard, he noticed a movement. He slowed his gait and narrowed his gaze as he came closer. The image became clearer as the woman in a beige fur cloak moved from around the tree to face him.
