However, living among thetonin this new, elevated status brought its own concerns. Tabitha feared that if people became too curious or suspicious, they might uncover the truth she had worked so hard to conceal. The last thing she wanted was to become the subject of scandal, or worse, be cast out of her brothers’ lives because of Society’s judgment.
A few weeks ago, she’d realized she needed to get away from it all. She needed to be somewhere that nobody knew her, or her scandalous father. Thankfully, she and Aunt Clara had kept in touch over the years, so when Tabitha had received a letter from her aunt, she knew immediately that this was where she could relax and let the gossip die down.
The coach came to a halt, and Tabitha felt the jolt as the driver and guard moved quickly to open the door, ready to assist the passengers as they disembarked. With gloved hands, she gathered the hem of her traveling dress, stepping gingerly out of the carriage and onto the cobblestone street. The wind hit her face sharply, cold and brisk, as if it had blown straight from the ocean and carried the salty air with it, biting at her skin. She shivered, pulling her fur cloak tighter around her neck, seeking warmth as her eyes swept over the quaint nearby buildings.
Behind her, she heard the familiar voice of her maid, already in conversation with the driver, instructing him on which trunk to retrieve. Tabitha turned back toward the coach and watched as the two men carefully lowered the trunk from the roof of the carriage, the weight of it requiring both of them to handle it with care.
Despite the cold and the rush of activity around her, a small thrill of anticipation stirred within her. She was here, at last, in North Devon, ready for a reunion she had been waiting for years to experience.
Tabitha stepped beside the trunk, bent, and clutched a handle. Her maid grasped the other side. “Well, Sally? Are you ready to embark on our new adventure here in North Devon?”
Sally grinned and nodded. “I’m very excited to be here. I’ve never really traveled.”
“Neither have I. Indeed, it will be enjoyable to be away from the busy social life that my brothers live.”
“I agree.” Sally stuffed a loose blonde curl back in her bonnet. “I just hope it’s not windy like this every day.”
Chuckling, Tabitha nodded. “I hope not, too. Although I’m certain it won’t take us long to get used to this weather.” She moved her gaze toward the rolling green hills, then across to the ocean. “It’s so beautiful, don’t you think?”
“It is. I would enjoy it very much if we walked every day down toward the beach.”
“I was thinking the same thing.” Tabitha smiled. “Well, let’s be on our way. My great-aunt is expecting us, even if we did arrive earlier than expected.”
Thankfully, the trunk wasn’t too heavy. But then again, Tabitha had grown accustomed to hard labor over the years. Both she and Sally had endured their share of hardships as servants under one of the most abusive lords in the realm. It felt like a lifetime ago, though it hadn’t been all that long since her dear friend, Diana Hollingsworth—now Diana Worthington—had rescued them from that nightmare. Diana was, without a doubt, the kindest woman Tabitha had ever known, with a heart larger than anyone in England.
As she took in her surroundings, the small size of the township surprised her. For some reason, she had imagined North Devon to be larger, more bustling. But perhaps she had yet to see all of it. There were a few modest dress shops, a general store, and some blacksmith barns scattered around.
She shifted her attention toward the hillside, where a beautiful church stood, its steeple crowned with a cross that gleamed against the sky. The peaceful, almost picturesque scene gave her a sense of calm as she continued her walk.
It wasn’t long before she spotted her great-aunt’s cottage on the outskirts of town, just as Aunt Clara had described in her last letter. The details were so precise—right down to the last tree and the rosebushes framing the small stone house—that it felt as though she had already been here in her mind. A wave of warmth and nostalgia washed over her as she made her way toward the cottage, eager for the long-awaited reunion with the woman who had once been such an important part of her life.
The two-story white house stood charmingly before her, its trim painted a rich, dark brown that contrasted beautifully against the crisp white exterior. In the front yard, two large trees stretched their branches overhead, casting a generous shade over the house. A white picket fence neatly bordered the green grass and lined the walkway leading to the front door. It was a modest home, especially knowing that her aunt could easily afford something much grander, yet the simplicity of it spoke of a quiet, contented life.
With growing excitement, Tabitha quickened her pace, and Sally followed suit, both of them hurrying up the path. As they reached the door, Tabitha’s heart pounded with anticipation. She knocked, the sound echoing in her chest. Moments later, the door swung open to reveal a middle-aged woman with a warm, welcoming smile.
“Good day,” Tabitha said. “I’m Miss Paget, Clara Burls’ great-niece. She is expecting me.”
The woman’s face lit up with a bright smile, making the freckles pop out more on her thin face. “Oh, it’s so good to meet you. I’m Mrs. Burls’ companion, Mrs. Stiles. Please come in.”
The older woman ushered Tabitha and Sally inside. She waved her hands excitedly as her eyes sparkled with gladness.
“Clara has been talking nonstop about her great-niece. She is going to be so relieved you are here. But she is resting, and I don’t dare disturb her.”
“Oh, no.” Tabitha touched Mrs. Stiles’ arm. “Let her rest. She’ll have a grand evening tonight, and she needs her strength for that.”
“Indeed, she does.” Mrs. Stiles grasped one end of the trunk. “Let me help you with this.”
“No, don’t even think of it.” Tabitha stopped her. “Sally and I can handle carrying it.”
“Fine.” Mrs. Stiles stood then blew the lock of black hair away from her face. “Then follow me and I’ll show you to your room. I’m sure you’ll be pleased with the party we have planned for tonight’s event,” the older woman chattered on as she led the way.
Slowly, a smile tugged on Tabitha’s mouth and she couldn’t help but chuckle to herself. Mrs. Stiles acted like she hadn’t had anyone to talk with for ages. Tabitha sincerely hoped her great-aunt wasn’t so old that she couldn’t keep her companion entertained.
They entered a room, and she set the trunk on the floor.
Mrs. Stiles swept her hand around the spacious room. “I hope this suits you.”
“It’s perfect, thank you.” Tabitha nodded.
