Miss Talbot placed a soothing hand on Tabitha’s shoulder. “Now, my dear, it’ll help you more if you let it out. You can talk to me. Everyone knows I’m a good listener.”
Tabitha wanted to chuckle, but she stopped herself. She wondered where the older woman had gotten that bit of information. Not once had Tabitha heard that Miss Talbot was a good listener.
“I really appreciate the offer,” Tabitha said, “but I don’t wish to talk about it.”
“Now, Miss Paget,” Miss Talbot grasped one of Tabitha’s hands and squeezed, “you can tell me anything. In fact, by the forlorn look on your face, I think you have had your heart crushed by a man. Am I correct?”
Surprise washed through Tabitha that the maiden woman would know such a thing. But instead of being too stunned to speak, the tears fell freely once more and she couldn’t stop them. She covered her face and sobbed into her hands. Miss Talbot’s arms circled around her shoulders as a hand coaxed Tabitha’s head toward the other woman’s bosom—which seemed to have beads of sand on the material of her dress.
“There, there, my dear. Just let it all out now,” Miss Talbot cooed.
Tabitha didn’t know why she felt this way. Perhaps she just needed the comfort an older woman could bring—even if she didn’t think Miss Talbot had ever experienced this kind of helplessness.
“Am I correct?” the lady asked. “Is this all because of a man?”
Sniffling, Tabitha pulled away and gazed up into the caring eyes of the older woman. “I shouldn’t bother you with my problems.” She skimmed over the woman’s dress. “Were you digging in the sand? I don’t wish to disturb you.”
“Do not worry about me.” She flipped her hand in the air. “One of the things I enjoy doing is collecting seashells. But I’m here for you now. Please tell me what is wrong. Did a man break your heart?”
“In a way, but it’s really more than that. I’m very upset with how unfair life can be at times.”
Nodding, Miss Talbot stroked a palm down Tabitha’s arm. “I feel your frustration. Indeed, life is not fair. But we must continue on. We must pick ourselves up, lift our chin, straighten our shoulders, and keep looking for that one person who will love us forever.”
“But I think I’ve found him. It’s just…” Tabitha took a deep breath. “It’s just that Society won’t approve.”
The older woman arched an eyebrow. “And why not, may I ask?”
“Because Nic is a marquess, and I’m but…a servant.”
“You’re not a servant.” Miss Talbot looked her over once.
“Not now, but I grew up as one. It hasn’t been until recently that I discovered a family I never knew would accept me. This family gives me a yearly income so I don’t have to work as a servant anymore.”
The woman pursed her lips together and nodded. “I see. So you are worried about what thetonwill say if you fall in love with a marquess?”
“I already know what they’ll say.” Sadness clenched Tabitha’s chest so tight she could scarcely breathe. “They won’t approve. Nic deserves anoblewife. He doesn’t deserve a woman who wasthe by-product of an affair, and then worked as a servant all of her life.”
“Oh, my dear, dear, girl.” Miss Talbot shook her head. “Do you know what you need? You need to come with me and let me fix you some relaxing tea. We could sit in a room without anyone bothering us, and talk over tea and treats.”
Tabitha tried to smile, but failed miserably. “I appreciate your hospitality, but I really don’t wish to bother you, nor your sister. I’m sure Mrs. Smythe is there and I don’t want anyone else knowing about my problems.”
“Not to worry.” Miss Talbot slid her arm around Tabitha’s shoulders and urged her to walk away from the beach. “My sister is out visiting friends this afternoon. We shall have the house to ourselves.”
Tabitha glanced up the beach, but didn’t immediately recognize anyone. Of course, through her teary gaze, she was certain she couldn’t see that well, anyway. As much as she wanted to stay right here, the older woman was correct. Out on the beach Tabitha would risk the chance of running into someone—even Nic. All she wanted to do was be alone, but at least Miss Talbot offered her an afternoon to do nothing but talk out her problems. Tabitha would have to be careful not to let the other woman know about the role Nic played right now, but perhaps talking to another woman would help her feel better. The way it appeared right now; Miss Talbot was the means of an escape, both mentally and physically.
“All right, I shall come with you.” Tabitha tried to smile again, and finally managed a weak one.
“Splendid. Just this morning, our cook made a batch of the most delicious cookies you have ever tasted. We shall munch on those and sip our tea, and you will feel much better within a few hours, I assure you.”
“Thank you, Miss Talbot.”
Taking a deep breath, Tabitha wiped her eyes again. She prayed that this heartache would soon leave so that she could return to her life once again.
*
Nic wanted toleave this place. Now! Unfortunately, Frederick wasn’t here, and so Nic had to wait for his cousin’s return before packing up and leaving North Devon. At this point, he didn’t care to help his cousin catch the thief. He was certain that one day the sinner would make a mistake and get caught.
Impatient for Frederick’s appearance, Nic rushed up the stairs to his room and started packing his trunks. It didn’t take long before the afternoon ended and night crept upon the land. With nothing to do now, Nic was beside himself. He was ready to leave, yet where was his cousin?
