Page 63 of The Beastly Earl

Wallis squeezed Louisa's hand once more and gave her an encouraging look before she hurried out of the room. Confused by her cryptic words, Louisa stared after the woman in bemusement. As Wallis disappeared, a small spark of hope flared inside Louisa. If Ewan's aunt could change his mind about sending Ross away then he might let her stay, and remaining at Argaty Keep would give her time to fight for Ewan's heart.

The thought of staying made her gasp in dismay. She'd been so wrapped up in her own despair she'd completely forgotten about the boys. Louisa looked at the small watch pinned to her dress. The boys would have finished their riding lessons more than an hour ago, and she was certain that free of any supervision they'd be neck deep in mischief.

With a vicious shake of her head at having been so caught up in her own affairs, Louisa hurried out into the corridor in the direction of the schoolroom. The memory of Wills engrossed in his examination of Ewan's mechanical limb made her wince.

Louisa had repeatedly instructed her youngest not to question Ewan about his prosthesis simply to ensure Ewan wasn't made to feel as if he were a specimen for Wills to poke and prod. Ewan was as sensitive about his handicap as her sister Patience was of the scars she'd received in the fire at Westbrook Farms. He did his best to hide his artificial arm from her or others. His angry reaction at how difficult it was to open his study door emphasized his frustration.

Now she wondered if her efforts to curb her son's curiosity had done more harm than good. Did Ewan think she'd curbed Will's inquisitive nature because she found his injuries repulsive? Louisa dismissed the thought without blinking. No, last night she'd shown him that his injuries were of little consequence to her.

Yet it wasn't simply his handicap that troubled him. There were other demons buried deep inside him. Last night she'd been jerked out of sleep by Ewan crying out in horror while asleep. She'd only been able to imagine the terrible scenes provoking his low cries and mumbling of orders clearly given in battle. For several minutes, she'd gently stroked his head and whispered reassurances to him until he grew quiet. She wanted to help free him from those demons, but in sending her away he was refusing to let her.

As she reached the schoolroom door, she hesitated as she realized how difficult it would be to tell Ross that she and the boys were leaving tomorrow. At least she could break the news to Ross gently. In his current frame of mind, Ewan wouldn't think to take care with his words if he informed the child of his decision. As she entered the schoolroom, she saw the three boys crowded around one of the large maps she used for their geography lessons.

"Have the three of you finished your schoolwork." Immediately the children whirled around at her soft inquiry.

"We finished what you gave us this morning, Mama."

Charlie's cheerful grin swiftly faded when her gaze focused on him, and she didn't smile in return. Aware that he was still in disgrace, Wills bowed his head.

"I am terribly sorry, Mama. I didn't mean to tell his lordship about us." The remorse in her son's voice made her wince. It would not take Wills long to believe he was the catalyst for their being sent away because he'd told Ewan he was the son of a viscount. The remorse he felt now would be multiplied many times over even though she knew none of it was his doing.

"Wills, Charlie, you may go straight down to dinner. I will speak with you afterward. Ross, I would like a word with you." The surprise on all their faces made Louisa flinch, but she maintained a serene expression. Slowly walking toward the door, Charlie stopped at Louisa's side.

"Are we leaving, Mama?" The whispered question startled her, and she jerked her gaze to meet her son's eyes that were so like his father's. Charlie grimaced slightly. She studied him quietly for a moment. It wasn't the first time she'd considered her oldest boy had the an dara sealladh. When he didn't expand on his intuitive question, Louisa bent over to kiss his forehead then gently pushed him in the direction of the door. As her children walked out of the schoolroom, Louisa's gaze fell on Ross.

The child was studying her with a small measure of dread on his face, and Louisa's heart twisted painfully in her chest at what her words would do to him. Quickly blinking back tears, she caught his hand in hers, and led him to the window seat that overlooked the moor where Ewan had rescued her from weeks ago. The light had faded as dusk settled over the landscape. It had been gloomy all day, and the emotions ravaging her were as bleak as the view from the window.

"Is everything all right, Mrs. Morehouse?" Ross's voice was as calm and composed as his expression, but Louisa saw fear flicker in his gaze.

"I think that depends on how one looks at things," she said softly as she choked back tears and took his hands in hers. "You're about to have a wonderful experience."

"I am?" Ross frowned and grew still as a mouse waiting for the cat to pounce.

"Yes, I've told Lord Argaty about how well you've been doing, and he's decided you would be best served if he sends you off to school."

"School? But you're my teacher. I don't want another teacher."

"There's only so much I can teach you, Ross." Louisa swallowed the knot that had formed in her throat. "I'm certain you'll like school."

With a sharp tug, Ross pulled free of Louisa's grasp. His expression had reverted back to the stoic look he'd worn when she first came to Argaty Keep.

"This means you're leaving."

"I'm afraid so," she whispered, uncertain how much longer she could hold her tears in check. "The boys and I are to leave tomorrow."

Ross's features were devoid of emotion as he quickly stood up and gave her a quick bow. Her heart breaking, Louisa watched how easily the child retreated into the shell he'd been hiding in when she arrived. Damn Ewan for doing this to the boy.

"I'm glad you have been my teacher, Mrs. Morehouse…even if for only a little while. May I go now?" The question was as emotionless as his voice, and impulsively, Louisa leaned forward and pulled the boy into her arms.

"Oh Ross, I wish I didn't have to go. I will miss you terribly. You have been a wonderful pupil." The boy didn't reply, he just stood rigidly in Louisa's embrace. Tears welling in her eyes, she slowly released him from her embrace and turned her head away from him. "Go along now, I'm certain Mrs. Selkirk is keeping your dinner warm."

Without another word, the boy walked away from her, and as the schoolroom door closed behind him, Louisa burst into tears. Did Ewan have any idea what he was doing to the boy—to her? How could she bear to leave Argaty Keep and it's master? By the time her tears and sobs had subsided, it was completely dark, and the only light in the schoolroom was from the fireplace.

She looked around the dimly lit room and remembered how Ross had blossomed in recent weeks. The child deserved more than being sent off to school as if he were being punished. Christmas was next week. Ross's excitement as the holiday approached had grown with each passing day. The thought of him being denied the festivities planned made her heart ache. It wasn't difficult to imagine how alone he would be with Ewan either locked up in his study or gone from Argaty. Tears blurred her vision again.

Her mind was chaotic as one thought after another rolled through her head. The idea when it first announced itself almost slipped her notice. But it stubbornly took root until it tugged a small gasp from her. In a quick, sharp movement, she sat up straight and stared around the schoolroom. She would take Ross home with her and the boys. Surely, Ewan wouldn't be so cold-hearted as to refuse to let the child go with her.

Scrambling to her feet, Louisa started to run toward the schoolroom door before she came to an abrupt halt. Ewan hadn't just thrown her out of his study today, he'd literally carried her out. His expression had warned her not to enter his sanctuary again. She would have to entrust Asadi with a note and pray Ewan would at least read it.