Page 21

Already? Her high spirits slipped from her grasp before she even had time to gather them.

With a half-hearted smile, she bade farewell to the Clarks—Mr. Clark’s grin also fading fast—and returned to her family’s side.

“Must we leave so soon?” she questioned.

“I’m afraid so, dear,” Mama said with a look of compassion. “Beatrice has the beginnings of a headache.”

Marianne looked to her sister, who winced. “If one more person interrogates me about whom I wish to marry, I fear I shall go mad. Why is it so difficult to believe I will marry for love, but that love is difficult to come by?” She walked toward the carriages. “I am sorry to cut your socializing short, Marianne. You may join me in visiting the Clarks this week.”

Any other day, that would have satisfied Marianne’s desires. But now, she could not help but think, would that visit really happen? She had a mind to confront Beatrice about her potential falsehood, but Marianne had promised not to tell Mama.

Together, the three of them made for the carriages, Marianne’s footsteps slow and heavy.

“Chin up, my dear,” Mother whispered, taking her arm in hers. “I’m certain things will change soon. Your obedience will bless you in the future.”

She wanted to believe Mother, but Marianne’s unending optimism faltered. Sundays kept her afloat, but what was she to do with her socialization cup veritably empty?

“Who is that man?” Mother asked under her breath.

Marianne looked up at the same time her heart dropped.

Mr. Steele was standing nearby with his eyes trained on them.

CHAPTER NINE

Dressed in the same jacket he’d worn to the cricket match, Mr. Steele stood near the gate leading from the churchyard—the gate Marianne and her family walked straight toward.

“Who is he?” Mother repeated in a whisper.

Beatrice remained silent. Marianne couldn’t say a word even if she tried. Her head spun in circles.

This did not bode well. She may have bribed the man to keep their knowledge of each other silent, but how was he to do so when he would inevitably speak with them that morning? If Mama knew, she would be inclined to tell Father. Marianne was done for.

But then, she had no reason to believe Mr. Steele would not keep her secret. Was that not so?

They reached the gate, her family pausing as they took in the sight of the large puddle that had grown to cover more than half of the pathway. Marianne glanced back to Mr. Steele, who stood beside it, his eyes still fixed on her. Is that why he stood there, to help them cross it? Perhaps he wouldn’t say a word to them.

“Might you allow me to help you cross, ladies?” he offered, removing his hat with a bow.

So much for not saying a word.

Mother stepped forward first. “That would be very kind of you, Mr….”

“Mr. Edward Steele, ma’am. Your husband hired me to carve within the library at Daffley Park.”

Mama’s look of intrigue changed to understanding. “Oh, yes, of course. My husband has been searching quite some time for someone of your caliber.”

Mr. Steele’s eyes flicked to Marianne.

Marianne glanced at Beatrice.

Beatrice watched Mr. Steele.

Did she recognize him from the cricket match? Heavens, this was turning into a disaster.

“I certainly hope I can live up to his expectations,” Mr. Steele said.

“I’m certain you will.” Mother turned with a motion of her hand. “Won’t you allow me to introduce my daughters? Miss Beatrice Coventry and Miss Marianne Coventry.”