From the society of papers of one Lady Prudence DeLessops. 27 May 1825
The infamous Hollyhead ball is drawing all of the glittering ton out of London and into the countryside. Finally, after nearly two months of waiting, we are being introduced to the most mysterious duke of this generation. There will, of course, be suitors of every age and rank, including the Earl of H. who was hastened home by his matchmaking mama. Besides handsome marriage prospects, it would seem that the manor house is also on the menu. One would think that a very determined Lady C.N. will not let that go easily, but unless she has one more trick up her sleeve, rumor has it she will only consider gentlemen with deep pockets… perhaps deep enough to snag the manor right out from under the Blacksmith Duke.
Which leads one to wonder if the recent thaw brought about by a handsome stranger taking over her family’s estate has been put back on ice. Only time will tell… and, dear reader, after tonight’s ball I plan to reveal all.
Justin hardly slept. He’d not had nightmares this bad in years, but all of the images of the past month—Cordelia in her men’s clothing, the sun setting over Hollyhead, the sculptureknocked over and beheaded—were beginning to blend in with scenes from his early childhood. He’d woken in a cold sweat, feeling nauseous.
In life he was strong. He knew how to cut deals and bully contractors. He knew how to make good jokes and charm women. He knew how to finish a project well and design something that would last a hundred years. But there were times, especially after a bad dream, when he would feel himself ripped back to the fear of being that starved little boy.
The sun was a suggestion on the horizon when he made his way to the kitchens.
He’d hastily pulled on some wrinkled trousers and threw a jacket over his shoulders, but he was barefoot and unshaved. Justin was sure he would have given anyone a fright.
Yawning, he hoped that Dolly had left out the coffee. He’d need his wits about him today; he was hosting a ball and sending the woman he loved, who he thought loved him, into another man’s arms.
Justin took it as a bad omen when he could not find the coffee grounds anywhere. He sat down at the worktable bench, holding his head in his hands.
He nearly jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder.
“I also couldn’t sleep,” Alice said, placing her candle holder beside him.
“Did you hear me wake?” Justin asked.
She shook her head. Alice was always an early riser, a leftover habit from her days as Hollyhead’s scullery maid. But even this was early for her.
“Mothers have a sixth sense when it comes to their children. I’ve had the distinct feeling that you’ve been unsettled, my love,” she whispered, brushing his hair back from his forehead.
“Wouldn’t anyone?” he sighed.
“Let me make you something to drink,” she suggested.
Alice moved around the kitchen with a deft efficiency he hadn’t seen in years. Eventually the Nicholses gained enough money and status to hire help, but before then Alice put her training to use. Once again, he was transported back to the early days, but those memories did not sting as much. Watching his adoptive mother build up the fire and hang a pot to boil filled him with ease.
“Dolly will be chastened when she finally arrives,” Justin mentioned.
Alice shrugged. “I don’t mind at all. Doing something useful calms my nerves.”
“Doesn’t it?” Justin commiserated.
Once the water was hot enough, Alice mixed the water with the grounds, using a press to strain the coffee. She poured it into a teacup for him, pushing it across the table with toast and marmalade.
“How long has it been since we’ve had a proper breakfast together?” she asked, smiling.
“I was drinking a warm glass of milk,” Justin replied, blowing on the hot beverage before taking a sip. “Really, too long. When I’m back in London, I’ll make more of a habit of it.”
Alice’s mouth turned down. “You’ve decided not to keep Hollyhead? It is your birthright, you know.”
Justin scoffed. “You think I’m suited to this?”
Alice shrugged. “Well… truth be told I was worried about you having to return. I wasn’t sure how you would feel about being back on these grounds after… after all that happened to you. But over the past few days I’ve noticed a change in you. I haven’t seen you so invigorated in your work in years.”
Justin heaved a sigh. “You weren’t here at the beginning.”
Alice narrowed her eyes. “Why don’t you tell me then?”
Justin laughed. “Do you have all morning?”
“I have time,” she said, adding, “Your letters have been rather cryptic as of late.”
