‘I wanted to thank you, Grace. You have been invaluable to me these past few weeks. I only wish I had known you sooner. There is a powerful calmness and tranquillity I feel when you are near.’
A heady frisson of pleasure coursed through her, making her pulse dance.
Before she could respond, he lowered his head and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to her forehead.
Then, as abruptly as he had touched her, he stepped back and walked out.
Everything had changed.
She sank onto the edge of her bed, wide awake, knowing she would not sleep for a second night in a row.
But this time, it was not fear or grief that kept her mind racing.
It was hope.
With a jolt, she realized that he had seen her face without her spectacles and had called her Grace. For the first time, she dared to believe that Mr Stone might feel the same way she did. In that moment she resolved to stop hiding behind her disguise, and drop the wall of defence surrounding her heart, she decided it was time to confessher feelings.
THE NEXT MORNING, GRACEfelt jittery at the thought of facing Mr Stone in her true form. Heather and Mrs Merriweather, though surprised that Grace had come downstairs without her usual disguise, were pleased with her decision. She explained what had happened with Gibbs and recounted Mr Stone’s findings.
Hoping to find Mr Stone in the breakfast room, she was disappointed to discover he was absent. When she asked Penny of his whereabouts, she informed Grace that he had left at the crack of dawn for London, taking Taylor with him. Grace entered the study, annoyed with Penny, She must be mistaken, he did not mention this the night before.It was then that she noticed a letter on his desk, addressed to her.
Dear Miss Skye,
I trust you slept well. After our discussion last night, I felt it imperative not to delay making formal enquiries at the places I mentioned. Please feel free to use the funds in the safe, where I have also left some documents.
I place the upkeep of Skye in your trust, confident that you will continue the work we have started together. I hope to return by the end of the week. In my absence, please be cautious.
Yours,
Gabriel Stone
Grace stared at the letter, rereading the words, but they blurred before her eyes. He had left at dawn. Without a word. Without even saying goodbye. A deep ache took root in her chest, growing heavier with every passing moment. Had she imagined the moment they had shared last night? The warmth in his voice, the way he had called her Grace, the lingering press of his lips against her forehead—had that all meant nothing to him?
You foolish girl, she scolded herself. Of course, he had more important matters to tend to. What was she expecting? That he would stay for her? That he might feel the same pull in his heart that she did?
Shame and disappointment curled in her stomach. She had allowed herself to hope, and hope had betrayed her.
Grace exhaled sharply.Perhaps he wasn’t as eager as I was to see him.She silently berated herself for indulging in such foolish, romantic notions.Of course, he left. Why wouldn’t he?She was just Miss Skye to him—helpful, useful, convenient. A woman who could handle the Estate books while he chased down criminals in London. A woman he could leave behind with a short, polite note.
She scoffed under her breath, folding the letter with deliberate care. If he thought she would sit here and wait for his return like some lovesick fool, he was sorely mistaken.
Shaking off the disappointment, she occupied herself in the study throughout the morning before deciding to join Heather, who was practising with the dance master.
FOR THE NEXT THREEdays, she threw herself into work to keep her mind from dwelling on Mr Stone’s absence. She visited the tenants and, to her surprise, was nearing the end of her duties. The accounts were now up to date, every tenant had been seen, and she had even begun arranging for necessary repairs.
With a pang, she closed the ledger, realising that once Mr Stone returned, he would no longer need her assistance.
A wave of melancholy settled over her, but she refused to indulge in it. It was always going to end like this.
Needing a distraction, she decided to ride back to the cottage to check on Johnson, who had remained behind to oversee the property.
As she stepped inside, Johnson cracked a rare smile.
‘How are you, Miss Grace? It’s been awful quiet here since you left. When will you all be coming back?’
Grinning, Grace greeted him. ‘Not yet, Johnson. I was just missing this place and wanted to make sure you hadn’t burned it down!’
He chuckled. ‘I’m glad you’re back, even if it’s only temporary. By the way, I was going to bring some letters to you, but my arthritis has been acting up in this cold weather. Wait here while I fetch them.’
