He squinted at me. “You convinced her to come into church when she insisted she would never set foot inside. That is nothing short of a miracle, believe you me. I am everything that is grateful, Miss Rowley.”
“I was glad to help.” And I meant it. Seeing Olivia come into the church after our rather one-sided conversation had sent a spark of satisfaction through me. “Truthfully, I was surprised she listened to me. I haven’t any knowledge or understanding of children, I’m afraid.”
“We shall have to hope that your mysterious suitor is better suited to family life, then,” he said mischievously.
His words caught me like a fishhook, and I glanced about to see if anyone nearby had overheard. I was so unused to anyone knowing about Edward that to hear Lieutenant Avery speak of him in such an offhanded manner was unsettling.
“You needn’t worry,” he said. “I am not so careless as my sister.”
“Quite thankfully too,” I managed. But I did not want to discuss Edward with the entire town within earshot, even if the lieutenant seemed certain we would not be overheard. I turned the conversation back. “In any case, I intend to bring Olivia every last tart I promised her. Where is she now?”
Lieutenant Avery nodded to his left, to a group of young girls all on the brink of womanhood. I recognized several of them from Juliana’s school. Olivia lingered a few steps away, eyeing the girls with ill-concealed suspicion.
“I suggested she try to make friends,” he said. “Clearly, that worked as well as my attempt to bring her to church.”
I did not know what to say to that. I had no words of wisdom or life experiences that could lend him any understanding. I always made friends easily, and though I had lost a parent at a young age like Olivia had, I still had Mama.
And yet . . .
Seeing the group of young girls sparked an idea inside me. I turned to Lieutenant Avery. “Might I ask what sort of situation you are seeking for Olivia? A governess or a tutor, perhaps?”
He clasped his hands behind his back. “A governess, ideally. I’ve begun searching, but I imagine it will take some time.”
“Would you, then, be opposed to a school?”
He squinted. “A school? I cannot say I have considered it. I worry about leaving her to fend for herself, especially the way she is now.”
“But if she could make friends, stay close to Linwood Hall?” I pressed. “Then perhaps you might entertain the idea?”
Lieutenant Avery glanced at Olivia, now examining the roots of a nearby elm tree while the group of girls tittered away. “Please tell me you know of such a convenient situation. If not, I shall be cross with you for teasing me so.”
“And I certainly do not want that,” I said. “If you are bringing plum pudding after next week’s services, I must stay in your good graces.”
“You are very firmly in my good graces, Miss Rowley.” He spoke matter-of-factly. “You needn’t fear on that account.”
He was not standing particularly near me, yet somehow, he felt too close. I could feel his warmth, and my nose caught a hint of his soap, fresh with a bit of spice.
“So, do you?”
I coughed. “Do I what?”
He looked at me as if I had forgotten my own name. “Do you know a school nearby that might have space for Olivia?”
“Oh. Yes. That is, I hope so.” Juliana’s school was new but quite popular, and she rarely had openings. “My sister-in-law, Juliana, runs a girls school in Millbury. She teaches a wide variety of curricula with the belief that girls should be taught the same subjects as boys.”
He appraised Juliana where she stood beside William and Mama across the churchyard. “Does she, now?”
“I have little doubt Olivia would have the best care and attention.” I nodded at the young girls. “Many of those girls attend the school, and Juliana hires the most qualified teachers and staff. Olivia could even live at Linwood while you are there and board at the school if you are ever away.”
Lieutenant Avery focused on me once again. “And you believe she might be happy there? Find a place?”
I could not predict what would make Olivia happy. Was I giving him false hope? But it was as good an idea as any, and I could not help but think Olivia would improve more being surrounded by girls her own age. “I think there is a very good chance she could be happy there,” I said softly.
He nodded. “And I think you are right.” His shoulders, though not precisely tense, softened. “In fact, I think this could be the solution I’ve been searching for.”
“I would be glad to make inquiries for you to see if Juliana might have an opening for Olivia. If you are not opposed, that is. I would understand if you are set on a governess.”
“No, I would be most grateful if you would.”
Mama waved me over then; our coach had been brought around, and William and Juliana were already ascending.
“Mama is summoning me,” I said. “But I shall let you know soon. Good day, Lieutenant Avery.” I bobbed a quick curtsy as he bowed, and then started forward. What I did not expect was for his hand to find the crook of my elbow and pull me to a stop. He stood close, his arm on mine causing a thrill to run up my back, like a current of energy in the air during a lightning storm.
“Thank you, Miss Rowley,” he said in a gentle tone.
“Of—of course,” I stammered. Curse his piercing eyes. They made me forget I was capable of speech.
I pulled away from him and cleared my throat. He’d done nothing improper, yet my body was reacting in a way that was not at all proper. I would need to have a very firm talk with my pattering heart and flushing cheeks.
Because this would not do. Not do at all.
Chapter Ten
When we returned to Havenfield, I spent the rest of the afternoon alone in my room, composing a long and ardent letter to Edward. I had to find some way of relieving the emotions I felt in his absence. It was his touch that sent my heart racing, his low voice in my ear that made my face heat.
Not Lieutenant Avery’s.
It seemed rather silly to me, the more I thought about it, that the lieutenant had such an odd effect on me. He’d said himself he was disinterested in marriage, after all. Perhaps it was simply difficult for me to believe any man of marriageable age and good fortune was not intent on a wife, but clearly, Lieutenant Avery was the exception. I should not interpret his actions as furthering such a cause. Perhaps he might tease and flirt a bit, but what young gentleman did not? I needn’t see it as anything more.
There was no harm in being his friend, as we’d decided. I simply would have to master my own body and scold myself for acting like a sixteen-year-old girl just asked to dance at the first ball of the Season.
I finished my letter to Edward, holding it up to admire the strokes of my pen. Putting my feelings to words, remembering why I so wished to marry him, made me feel vastly improved. There were many things about which I was uncertain but my connection to Edward was not one of them. He’d been the first man to ever make me realize I was ready for more, ready for a real life beyond parties and balls and matchmaking games.
The weight inside me lifted as I folded and sealed the letter. This letter would solidify our relationship, even with the distance between us.
I scratched out a quick note to Marjorie, asking after her family and again thanking her for helping Edward and me in our deception. The two of them took quite a risk in exchanging letters at various social functions and visits. If anyone ever caught them, the gossip would be horrendous. But Marjorie had been a true friend to me since our first Season out together. And thank heavens for that, or I’d never have met Edward. She was our greatest supporter, always encouraging our secret rendezvous and distracting his mother whenever she’d come in search of Edward. I could only hope she would find someone who loved her as Edward loved me. She deserved such happiness and mor
e.
I folded Marjorie’s letter around Edward’s and put it on my desk to send tomorrow, fully relieved that I’d sorted out whatever confusion lingered inside me. Then I set out to find Juliana. I’d thought about discussing Olivia during our ride home from church, but I was acutely aware of the knowing smile Mama had given me when I’d stepped inside the carriage. She’d seen me speaking to Lieutenant Avery and had looked as though she knew precisely what was happening between us. If I’d mentioned Olivia then, it would have only encouraged her thoughts of matchmaking.
So instead, I’d waited to search Juliana out, and I found her reading in the library.
After I sat beside her and explained the situation, she leaned back in her cushioned armchair, resting her closed book against her round belly. “I do have room for her, actually,” she said. “One of my students leaves in a fortnight, and I had planned to advertise the opening. But it is hers if she would like it.”
“I haven’t any idea if she would like it, truthfully.”
She squinted. “Have you asked Olivia what she might think about attending school?”
“Not yet, considering I only thought up the idea this morning.”
Juliana tapped her fingers on the leather cover of her book. “It can be something of an adjustment for a girl so young, especially when she has already suffered the loss of her mother. From my observations of her yesterday, I think she may have a difficult time making friends with the other girls.”
“I had the same thoughts,” I said. “But I also cannot help thinking it would be good for her.”
She nodded. “You are likely right.”
“Might I tell Lieutenant Avery the good news, then? I am going to Linwood Hall in the morning.”
“Eager to see him, are you?”
I sighed. “Not you as well.”
“I am only teasing,” she said with a wave of her hand. “You ought to be used to that by now.”
“William is a horrible influence on you,” I muttered.
“That is a matter of much debate, I assure you,” she said. “But to answer your question, yes, you may tell the lieutenant that there is room for Olivia at the school.”
“Thank you, Juliana.” I rose to my feet and kissed her on the cheek. “He’ll be so relieved to hear it.”
And I could not deny that I was anticipating being the one to tell him.
The next morning after breakfast, I dressed in my blue riding habit, laced on my half boots, and then hesitated over my hats. My riding hat—the one Lieutenant Avery had given me—stared back at me, and my stomach twinged. But why should I feel guilty over a silly little hat? Both he and I knew the gift was perfectly innocent. I eventually settled it over my chignon. There was no reason not to wear it, after all.
Skipping down the stairs, I came to an abrupt halt on the last step. Mr. Hambley stood inside the front doors as he handed his hat and gloves to the footman, and he looked up at my approach.
“Good day, Miss Rowley.” He offered a tentative smile.
“Oh.” I took the final step down to the polished marble floor. “Good day, Mr. Hambley. I did not realize you were here.”
He cleared his throat. “Yes, I came to see your mother.”
Of course he had.
Mama stepped into the entry hall from the morning room. “Mr. Hambley, how good to see you,” she said softly, sounding truly pleased. Then she spotted me. “Rebecca, are you going somewhere?”
Clearly, I was, but why was there such disappointment in her eyes? “Yes,” I said cautiously.
“Can it not wait?” she asked, stepping closer. “I hoped you might sit with Mr. Hambley and me awhile.”
I fought the urge to step back. This meeting felt like an ambush, and a small spark of irritation lit inside me. I had not opposed Mama’s match to Mr. Hambley, nor would I in the future, but that did not mean I wished to sit in awkward conversation with the man while he attempted to woo Mama.
“I am going to visit Olivia Avery,” I said, blessing the stars I had a real excuse. “I promised her I would.”
Mama did not frown, though a line appeared between her brows. “Oh. I see.”
I turned to Mr. Hambley before she could think of a reason to delay me. “I am sorry to miss your visit, Mr. Hambley. Perhaps next time?”
“Of course,” he said, and I could not begin to read his stoic face. I gave a quick curtsy and farewell before starting off for the kitchen. What was it about him that Mama liked? Or was she simply lonely and Mr. Hambley was convenient?
I shook my head as I clattered down the servants’ stairs. That was unkind of me, to both Mama and Mr. Hambley. Mama had more respect for herself than that, and Mr. Hambley was hardly a horrible person. I knew I needed to allow him a chance. Just not today.
I reached the kitchen and claimed the basket of strawberry tarts from the cook with a kiss on her cheek. “Thank you, Mrs. Hale. I am certain these will be much better than anything I might have attempted.”
She harrumphed. “I have no doubt. Not that I would’ve let you back in my kitchen, in any case.”
I grinned. “We are both glad of that.”
She shooed me away. “Out with you before you burn the kitchen down.”
I settled the basket onto my elbow and made my way outside. Linwood Hall was but a quarter hour walk from Havenfield, but I had Stella saddled anyway and declined the company of a groom. I’d not ridden alone since I had promised William to be more cautious, but certainly a neighborly visit did not warrant supervision.
I did not want to upset the tarts, the basket tucked into the crook of my elbow, so after mounting, I nudged Stella into a walk down the shady lane, the breeze ruffling my hair and toying with my skirts. After a few minutes, Linwood Hall edged into view through the trees. I’d only ever seen it from a distance, passing on the way to town or during rides, but on closer inspection, it was easy to decide it a lovely estate. The manor rose above the nearby trees, the three stories of windows and red brick a steadying influence on the more wild appearance of the surrounding land. In the absence of a tenant, the grounds had not been kept up as they should, though I could see two gardeners at work on the hedges to the south of the house. I had no doubt the land would soon be put to rights under Lieutenant Avery’s direction.
I was nearing the house when I spotted the stables off to my left. I studied the building from a distance, my eyes expertly skipping over the solid stone walls and vaulted roof and landing on a wide archway with a dirt courtyard beyond, where a groom was leading a horse, a pretty chestnut mare. Dared I think the stables an even more attractive sight than the house?
As I approached the front door, another groom hurried from the stables. He took Stella as I dismounted, and she snorted at his touch.
“She’s sometimes uneasy around strangers,” I told the groom, who eyed my mare. “But I’ll return shortly.”
He nodded, and I climbed the stone steps to knock on the white double doors. A footman answered and bowed when he saw me.
“Good day,” I said. “Am I fortunate enough to have found Lieutenant Avery at home?”
“Sadly not, miss,” he said. “He left a few minutes ago.”
I frowned. I’d been so eager to tell him of my good news, and now it would have to wait. And I would have to visit Olivia without him. “No matter. Is Miss Avery available for visitors?”
He motioned me inside. “I shall be happy to ask the nursemaid.”
“Thank you,” I said as I stepped into the entry hall. I liked it immediately, with its bright white walls, detailed with intricate moldings, and a polished wooden floor beneath our feet. At the end of the hall, a double staircase met together at a joined landing leading to the next story, the entire space embellished by claret floral wallpaper.
The footman disappeared upstairs, and I took the opportunity to examine the entry closer.
As I walked about, my footsteps sounded far too loudly. It was quiet here, which was not a terrible thing. But there was such a careful comfort in the design and furnishings that the echoing quiet lessened it somehow. It seemed like a home that ought to be filled with laughter.
The footman returned, accompanied by Olivia’s nursemaid. “I’m afraid Miss Olivia is feeling a bit unwell,” she told me. “Just a cold, but she is resting.”
“Oh.” Was it horrible of me that I was rather relieved? “I am sorry to hear it.”
“But,” she said, “she is well enough for a short visit. I think she would be pleased to see you. Shall I show you up?”
Visions of escaping to Havenfield disappeared. “Yes, thank you. I’ll stay only a minute.” With how little the girl talked, an entire minute might be a miracle.
I followed the nursemaid up the beautiful staircase and down the corridor to an open door. Olivia was waiting expectantly in her bed when I stepped inside her room. Her cheeks were flushed as if she’d been experimenting with rouge, and her eyes were red and droopy.
“I hear you are not feeling well today, Miss Olivia,” I said brightly while her nursemaid settled herself in the corner with some mending. “Thankfully, I have something that should cure you in no time at all.”
Olivia eyed my basket. “You brought the strawberry tarts?”
Such suspicion. Was it really so astonishing that I might follow through on our arrangement?
“I did indeed,” I said instead of the slightly pert response I wished to give. “The best in Millbury, I’ll have you know.” I set the basket on the bed beside her.
Without speaking, she pulled aside the basket’s lid and peeked inside. She plucked a tart from the top and took a nibble. Seeming to find no fault in it, she then took a larger bite. “They are good,” she said as she spoke through a mouthful of strawberry. “Did you make them?”
“Oh, heavens no. Mrs. Hale banned me from her kitchen long ago.”
“Why did she ban you?”
I shook my head ruefully. “It is rather embarrassing, really. Last summer, I attempted to bake an apple cake for my mother. I must have measured the ingredients incorrectly, because the batter overflowed and set the oven ablaze.”
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