Page 54

He smiled to himself. It was going to be very interesting to watch how she would bloom, now that she was no longer required to be as invisible as possible.

CHAPTER 9

They traveled at a good speed, but the winter days were short and it was dusk by the time they arrived at Tremayne House. Casey studied the house, which was prosperous and imposing. A cheerful wreath made of greens and scarlet ribbons decorated the door. “Do you live here or have separate rooms?”

“I’ve thought of getting my own place but I travel a fair amount so it hardly seems worth the effort of moving. Besides, I like living here. The food and the company are first-rate.” He handed her the reins and swung out of the carriage. “I’ll get someone to bring in our luggage and Gentleman Jack. I’m sure he’ll be glad to get out of his prison.”

A loud MROWP! from behind their seats confirmed that. Cameron climbed the steps and gave several hard raps with the knocker. The door swung open almost immediately and he exchanged a few words with the person who opened it.

The man who followed Cameron back to the carriage was tall and dark and not wearing a servant’s livery. Cameron offered his hand to help Casey out, saying, “This is the oldest of my brothers, Caden Tremayne. Cade, this is Casey Harris, who was vital in saving the life of Sir Samuel Bentham.”

His brother’s brows arched. “I want to hear more about that!”

Gentleman Jack yowled again as Casey lifted his box from behind the seats. “A new gifted person and a cat!” Caden said with a friendly smile. “I definitely want to hear more about what you’ve been up to, Cam.”

“Later,” Cameron promised as he removed their bags from the carriage. “Are Rhys and Gwyn having tea now?”

Cade nodded. “Yes, in their private parlor.” He swung into the carriage and took the reins. “I’ll see you after I return the carriage to a livery.”

Casey and Cameron climbed the stairs and entered Tremayne House, he with their few bags and she with her cat. He closed the door behind them. A cheerful garland of greenery and scarlet berries twisted up the banister of the stairway on the left of the foyer. “I’ll leave the bags here so we can go right to my parents. You might want to leave Gentleman Jack in his box till we get there.”

Since a large gray tabby had entered the front hall and Casey could hear feline growls, she said, “Lead on, Cameron!”

He took the cat box from her. “I’ll carry Gentleman Jack. He’s heavy.”

“He does like his food.” Casey was trying to keep her voice light, but she was knotted with nerves.

Cameron led her through a long passage toward the back of the house. He stopped at a closed door and gave a couple of quick knocks, then entered. The pleasant study overlooked a quiet winter garden behind the house. “Rhys, Gwyn, let me introduce you to Casey Harris, who saved Sir Samuel Bentham’s life.”

Lord and Lady Tremayne were attractive people of middle years and dressed with quiet aristocratic elegance, but what struck Casey most was her sense of how connected they were by love and shared purpose. There was a kind of invisible glow between them. From what Cameron had said, they’d dedicated their lives to helping gifted children and young people who had been shunned and abandoned by the families that should have loved them.

People like Cameron, his brother Cade, and now her. Casey felt their penetrating gazes on her and wanted to retreat, but she wouldn’t allow herself to turn coward.

“Well done, Cam!” Rhys said as he rose and shook his son’s hand.

Gwyn also stood and moved toward the newcomers. She had a warmth that filled the room. “And this is surely Miss Casey Harris, not Mr. Harris. Is Casey your preferred name?”

Casey hesitated. “Once I was Cassandra and called Cassie, but I prefer Casey.”

Gwyn extended her hand. “Welcome to Tremayne House, my dear Casey.”

Casey took the older woman’s hand and felt warmth spreading through her. “You remind me of my mother,” she managed to say.

“Gwyn is mother to us all,” Cam said quietly.

Casey dissolved into shocking tears. Gwyn’s arms came around her, and she began crying even harder.

Gwyn said softly, “You’ve had a long, hard road, my dear girl. But you’re safe now.” She drew Casey down to the sofa, still holding her.

Casey wasn’t sure how long she cried but it seemed like a very long time. When she straightened up, Cameron tucked a handkerchief into her hand. After blotting her eyes and blowing her nose, she said unsteadily, “I’m sorry. Cam has been telling me that I’d be welcome in Tremayne House, but … I didn’t expect to dissolve into a watering pot.”

“We’re glad you’re here,” Rhys said as he reached for the cord that hung by the fireplace. “I’ll ring for more tea and something to eat.”

“Thank you,” she said, glad her voice was steadier.

Cam had released Gentleman Jack from his box, and he now landed on her lap with a solid thump. She began petting him. “Cam also said that cats were welcome. This is Gentleman Jack.”

“And a very fine fellow he is. When you move through Tremayne House, you’ll notice that most of the rooms have little cat doors. They also have latches so they can be closed against feline invaders,” Cameron said as he settled on Casey’s other side. He handed a folded paper to Rhys. “Here’s the official report of my mission.”