Page 51 of Reforming Lord Neil

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The information revealed by the Earl of Inglewood had made Teresa’s head spin. For more than a year, she had counted every farthing, let her daughter wander about shoeless, and agonized over what the coming winter would mean without sufficient funds and food stored away. All that time, her brother-in-law had held her money and could have ended her anxieties and fears.

The man was heartless.

Lady Inglewood hurried to reassure Teresa. “Ipswich is thirty miles away. A good six hours by coach, and the same road that brought us here will take you there. It is in excellent condition this time of year. We will take you, of course.”

“I—I cannot pay a solicitor. And how will I return home again?”

Neil cleared his throat, and when Teresa looked at him, he met her gaze with tenderness in his expression. “Teresa, I cannot imagine Lord and Lady Inglewood presenting this plan to you without having thought out all of these things.”

“Indeed not.” Lady Inglewood stood. “Lord Neil will accompany us, of course, and when the matter is settled we will send you home with him as your escort. As you are a widow, there is nothing inherently improper about such a thing. And we will see to the necessary arrangements for everything.”

The gratitude Teresa felt made her eyes overflow again, and she accepted the handkerchief her mother handed to her. “But—why? You do not even know me, my lady.”

“Certainly not because Lord Neil had anything to do with it,” the earl muttered, earning a sharp glare from his wife. He cleared his throat. “I happen to be a member of Parliament, and I am uniquely concerned for our county and all who are in it. That this heinous action has been performed, and gone undetected, is an affront to all that is good and honorable. I wish to see to the matter personally.”

His wife beamed at him, then went to where Neil stood next to Caroline. “You did well, Lord Neil. Now, you had better pack your things.” Then she turned her kindly smile to Caroline. “And you. Are you Miss Caroline?”

“Yes, my lady,” Caroline said shyly.

“Lord Neil mentioned you in his letter. I have brought you a gift.” She opened the front door, and one of her liveried grooms handed a basket through to the countess.

“Mother, will you help me?” Teresa asked, taking her mother’s hand. Her head was pounding with a headache, intermingled with the news and what it might mean for their future.

“Of course, dear.” Mother went first up the stairs, at a speed Teresa had not seen from her since the cow escaped her pen.

As she walked by Neil, he lifted his hand just enough for her to touch it as she passed. It was only the barest touch, a brush of her fingers against his, but it sent tiny bits of lightning up her fingers and straight to her heart. Teresa bit her lip and hurried, rubbing her fingers together as she climbed the steps to get to her little room.

Whatever came of the journey to Ipswich, Neil’s kindness could never be forgotten.

Mother already had Teresa’s trunk open when she entered her bedroom. “I am relieved we did not sell all our best dresses.” She took out the overcoat that had belonged to Henry and laid it upon Teresa’s bed. Teresa sat down, still muddled, and pulled the coat to her chest.

“Mama,” she said, tears threatening to return. She had not called her mother that term since her marriage. “This means Henry never did anything to hurt us. He never kept any secrets.” And all the anger she had worked to hide, the forgiveness she had thought she must give, dissipated. She felt rather like her heart had been mended, too.

“Dearest love.” Mother smiled where she sat upon the floor, one hand still inside the trunk. “It means a great many things, but I do believe I am most grateful for that. You loved him so, and now his memory will no longer bring pain.”

Teresa nodded, running her hands down the sleeves of the coat.

“It also means,” Mother continued, turning her attention back to the trunk, “that you can go about finding a new love.”

Before Teresa could respond, her mother exclaimed happily and pulled a lavender frock from the trunk. It was a printed fabric with silvery vines and light pink flowers upon it.

Teresa took the dress from her mother’s hands. “This will change everything, Mother. If the ruling is in our favor.”

Mother arched an eyebrow at Teresa. “You have the full support of an earl, child. I cannot see your claim being dismissed.” Mother kept rifling around for a second dress. After they had most of her clothing chosen, Mother went to fetch a long spencer from her own trunk, along with a small bag to put everything inside. Teresa changed into a brown gown that would suit travel, the spencer, and a bonnet likely several seasons out of style.

Then she found a pair of gloves, made of soft, buttery leather. For a long moment, she held the gloves in her hand. But her eyes studied her fingers. The backs of her hands were tanned from working in her garden and outside in all weathers. She had callouses. There was nothing soft about her hands anymore.

Shaking away that thought, Teresa pulled the gloves over her hands.

She picked up her bag and the reticule. It hadn’t much in it besides a few coins, and it certainly did not match any of her clothing. But it would do.

Mother looked her over carefully and nodded. “When you arrive at Ipswich, be certain to obtain the services of a maid to do up your hair. All will be well, my dear. You will see.”

“Thank you, Mother.” Teresa embraced her. “Thank you, for being here all this time.”

“My darling, where else would I be?” Her mother kissed her on both cheeks. “Now. Downstairs with you. We must not keep Lord and Lady Inglewood waiting.”