“Perhaps you would like to join me for some refreshment?” asked Mrs. Kingsley, motioning for her to follow. “You look frozen through, and some tea and cake would be just the thing.”
But Felicity shook her head, stepping towards the door. “My thanks, but I ought to be on my way.”
More like she needed to be on her way before her strength gave out and she turned into a weeping mess. It was one thing to have such a vulnerable moment in front of a friend, but Felicity could not handle doing so in front of a mere acquaintance. Besides, if Mr. Finch did not wish her company, she would not force it upon him.
Before allowing Mrs. Kingsley to make any further protests, Felicity hurried out the front door and into her waiting carriage. The door latch snapped shut, breaking the last of her composure. Tears flooded her eyes, and Felicity embraced the agony that flowed through her veins and made her heart burn.
She would conquer this. It was not the first nor last time she would be forced to bear such burdens, and Felicity would face them as she always did. Tears were a necessary part of life, and they would flow for now, but tomorrow, she would square her shoulders, face the pain, and find a way through it.
Even if the heartache was all the more acute because she’d hoped that for once, she’d not have to bear it alone.
Chapter 24
Standing at the threshold of Avebury Park’s stables, Mina breathed in the mix of horse and hay. Not that the stench of horseflesh and muck were pleasant on their own, but so many happy thoughts, feelings, and memories were associated with it. Her marriage had first blossomed here. Those morning rides with her husband had been the flint with which they’d lit the embers that now burned bright in both of them.
Her dear Simon.
Even with the nip in the air warning her that this afternoon would be a bracing ride, Mina was thrilled at the prospect of going out once more. The fields were still icy enough that they did not wish to risk their mounts (or their necks), but the roads had cleared in the past few days.
Footsteps sounded behind her, and Mina knew who it was before Simon threaded her arm through his. They meandered together through the stables, visiting each of the animals in their stalls as the grooms prepared their mounts.
“Are you certain you are not put out by Finch accompanying us?” he asked in a low voice.
Mina glanced at Simon. “I will always prefer to ride with you alone, but I do not begrudge his presence.”
“You would tell me if you felt otherwise?”
“Certainly.” Though Mina had spoken with utter honesty, Simon’s brows remained furrowed, his expression not relaxing until he noticed her watching him.
“I promise this won’t be a regular occurrence,” he said, reaching up with a gloved hand to rub at the bump on his nose. “Finch has been so out of sorts the last few days, and he needs something to lighten his spirits. I fear I’ve abandoned him too many times during his visit.”
Mina clutched his arm, reveling in the faint warmth that leached through the layers of cloth and wool. Even if she despised Mr. Finch, she would welcome his presence for Simon’s sake. Besides, his behavior seemed more amenable and courteous of late, and his flippant remarks had grown fewer, which made him a far more pleasant houseguest.
Yet there was something in his demeanor that made Mina uneasy. As though his ready smiles and wit were hiding something. During one of their visits, Imogene had mentioned Miss Barrows’ theory that Mr. Finch’s demeanor was nothing but a thin facade, hiding some sadness beneath it, and the more time she passed with him, the more she thought Miss Barrows might be correct.
They stopped before one of the occupied stalls, and Banshee stuck her head out to greet them, so Mina released Simon to rub the horse’s nose.
“I think he and Miss Barrows have quarreled,” said Mina. “She came for a visit yesterday, but Mr. Finch wouldn’t see her. And she was seen in the company of another gentleman yesterday in the churchyard.”
“Miss Barrows spends quite a lot of time away from her duties at Buxby Hall,” said Simon with a frown. “It is a wonder Lady Lovell allows it.”
“I’ve told you, she isn’t a companion. I don’t know why Mr. Finch believes differently, but she is simply visiting her great-aunt,” said Mina, but when Simon’s frown deepened, she waved it away. “It doesn’t matter anyhow. What ails him is likely the same thing that was ailing her yesterday. Miss Barrows made a good show of being at ease, but she was distraught over something. It broke my heart to see him turn her away.”
Simon puffed out his cheeks, his gaze drifting to the side. “It’s a shame. I’ve never seen Finch show interest in any woman before, and Miss Barrows seems a good sort. She would make him a fine wife.”
Stepping back from the stall, Mina took Simon’s arm once again, and he cast a glance in her direction, his smile tightening.
“Not that I find her remarkable,” he said.
Mina wrinkled her nose. “That is an odd thing to say, Simon.”
He swallowed, his lips pinching together as his gaze darted towards her and away again. “I only mean to say that though I admire her, I do not hold her in special regard. She seems a good sort for Finch. That is all.”
“I knew exactly what you were saying before, but I am at a loss now.” Mina gave her husband a puzzled look to match her tone.
Simon drew her to a stop and turned to face her. “You are lovely, my darling.”
Mina’s brows pinched together, and she stared at her husband and the determined manner in which he complimented her. Yet again. While his incessant gift-giving had faded some, honeyed words now filled that void.
