by Sahara Kelly
All I feel now is a smidgen of pity and I have trouble recalling their faces on the rare occasions when I attempt to do so.
Real love - the kind that lives not in the mind but in the heart and soul - that kind of love will never go away.
Chapter Twenty-Two
As Adalyn had predicted, Giles was of a reserved mood when he arrived to keep her company at breakfast the following morning.
“Giles, I’m so glad to see you,” she smiled. “I have many questions ready for you.”
“Ah,” he said, pouring tea for them both. “I see I must sit and answer them then.”
“Please…” She gestured to a chair. “But before anything, I feel I owe you an apology.”
“No you don’t.” He sipped his tea.
“Yes I do,” she insisted. “I spoke before thinking. I outlined ideas that I had not earlier presented to you, and yet they involved you, and that was wrong of me.”
He sighed. “My Lady, you are the Lady of Wolfbridge. You may say and do as you please. My duties are to ensure the smooth running of the household and the wellbeing of its mistress. Therefore, nothing you said or did yesterday was wrong.”
“Humph.” She snorted. “That’s all well and good, Giles, but I volunteered you to be a young woman’s guardian. That is surely above and beyond your Wolfbridge duties…”
He sighed. “We should not be arguing about whether what you said was right or wrong, Lady Adalyn. It is done, and now we must discuss our options from this point on.”
“You are cross with me, aren’t you.” She pouted and looked down at her tea.
His sigh was even louder, and she thought she heard his eyeballs rolling in his head. Peeking at him from beneath her eyelashes, she managed to make her lower lip tremble a little.
“Oh for…” His cheek twitched and a grin carved lines each side of his mouth. “You are a minx, my Lady Saucy.”
“I’m forgiven.” She fanned herself with one hand, grinning at him. “Thank you Giles. I’ll try not to be such a minx in the future.”
“Well, I’ll not hold you to that, but perhaps running ideas past me before you announce them might help?”
“I will do my best,” she answered, knowing that he was right.
“However, since you did say what you said, I have given it a lot of thought. And last night I penned letters to a couple of acquaintances in London.”
“You did?” She leaned forward. “Giles, that is so splendid of you.”
He held up a hand. “Well, wait. It might all be for nothing. If Miss Fairhurst has no legal candidate in her family who can assume guardianship, then I will put myself up for that honour. If she approves, then it would be formally approved, and that’s that.”
Adalyn leaned back in her chair. “And then we can protect her. This is wonderful, Giles.”
“It hasn’t happened yet,” he cautioned. “But the other letter I wrote was to two very good friends I have not seen in more years than I can remember. We have kept in touch with letters now and again, and for the last couple of years they’ve been living in London, just off Belgrave Square.”
“Oh my. A lovely part of town.”
“Indeed. Sir Lancelot Sydenham and his wife, Lady Maud, have a delightful home, but lost their daughter to an illness some years ago.”
“Oh no,” Adalyn leaned forward. “What a terrible thing to have happen.”
“It was,” he said quietly. “Knocked them completely sideways for quite a while. But they have, as people do, managed to recover and move on. A few months ago they wrote that a friend stayed with them for a little while. A young woman. And now she has married and left, they’re alone again.”
Adalyn’s eyebrows rose. “You’re thinking about Judith? Would this be a fortunate and happy arrangement if they were to invite her for a visit?”
He nodded. “I believe so, yes.”
“Giles, you are a genius. As a matter of fact I’m more and more inclined to believe you to be the reincarnation of Merlin, for you produce magic worthy of that reputation…”
“Sometimes one can be lucky to have the right thought at the right time, Lady Adalyn.” He gazed at her, his smile wry. “Had you asked me before Miss Judith’s visit, I could perhaps have told you all this and you wouldn’t have had to take a very big gamble.”
“I realised that yesterday evening, Giles. Kept me awake for a while, I can assure you.”
“Good.” He rose. “Don’t do it again.” He touched her shoulder lightly and then walked from the room, leaving her with a rueful smile on her face.
Jeremy peered around the door after Giles had left. “May I clear, my Lady?”
She pulled her thoughts back into the present. “Of course. Thank you, Jeremy.”
He entered and began to stack the dishes. “Do you have any orders for me today?” His grin was hopeful as he smiled at her over his shoulder.
“I know I should be doing something…” She stood and stretched her spine a little. “Is it still raining?”
“I’m afraid so. Pretty heavily too.”
“Botheration.” She wrinkled her nose. “Do you think it would be too much trouble to take the carriage out? I would like to visit Mrs. Barnsley and talk to her about my thoughts on a local market here at Wolfbridge. And then I want to see Trick. It’s been too long, Jeremy. I miss him.”
He nodded. “I do as well, Adalyn. We all do.”
She walked to his side and leaned against his shoulder. “It’s as if a part of us is missing, isn’t it?”
He looked down at her. “It is. We are a unit. If one is away, the others are lessened a little.”
She glanced up, seeing the warmth in his eyes as he stared at her face. “Astute and correct. I couldn’t agree more.”
He quietly lowered his head and just touched her lips with his. “We shall pull through this, Adalyn.”
She nodded, loving his casual and encouraging caress. “I know.”
“I’ll see about the carriage,” he said.
“Give me an hour and I’ll be ready,” she answered.
“I’m not sure there’s anyone to go with you, my Lady…” he sounded a little hesitant. You should have a maid, or one of us…”
She frowned. “I know. But that kind of social protocol, while expected in London, is more relaxed here, I believe. I will have the driver. And Jane said something about being there today, so if she is, I will try to make sure we connect.”
“It’ll have to do, I suppose.” He sighed. “Giles won’t like it…”
“He’ll forgive me. He pardoned me this morning for a much greater sin.” She grinned and hurried from the room.
Slightly less than an hour later, Adalyn was bundled up against the rain and tucked into the Wolfbridge carriage. The driver was one of the tenants sorely affected by the bad weather, so he was pleased to earn a few extra shillings on the box.
Adalyn hated the thought of him getting soaked, but he had simply shaken his head when she’d mentioned it. “Don’t bother me none, m’Lady. An’ the coins’ll help us out. Well worth a bit of a wettin’, if’n yer ask me.”
Thus reassured, she asked him to drive to Mrs. Barnsley, and let him know that after that brief visit they were for Ditchley.
Mrs. B. was happy to see her, but they kept their discussion short, knowing Adalyn had another trip to make.
“I likes the idea of a little market, Ma’am,” Mrs. B. approved. “Give us all a bit of a chance to trade and barter, even if we make no money.”
“Good.” Adalyn wanted to cheer. “I will see about setting it up then, and as soon as I do I’ll make sure you have the details and we can spread the word. Do you think we’ll see many join us?”
Mrs. B. thought for a bit. “I’d say at least a dozen farmers. Mebbe even more, since a lot of folks without land still got chickens and the odd goat or sheep. Might see some good cheese and perhaps a bit of wool if we’re lucky.”
“Lovely. Just what I’d hoped for.”
&
nbsp; “Can’t be doin’ it outside though, if this darn rain keeps up.”
Adalyn grimaced. “I know. But we’ll work around it if we have to.”
“Keep your eyes open fer Jane, m’Lady?” Mrs. B. called from the doorway as Adalyn left. “She walked this morning. She’s probably bedraggled as a wet hen by now.”
Adalyn waved back in acknowledgement.
Leaving the cottage with one goal checked off her list, she resumed her carriage ride, eagerly awaiting the chance to see Trick again. It felt like years since they’d parted, but she understood the necessity of observing the proprieties. To the rest of the world, Trick was her head groom; a valued member of her household, but a servant when all was said and done.
No one should know that he was so much more to her, as were the rest of her “servants”.
The watery skies showed no signs of brightening, which was a pity for the spring had arrived and she’d hoped for sunshine to speed things along.
They had rattled over the bridge, where she noted the higher water levels. The rain in the hills was adding to the endless downpours and turning a peaceful river into a bustling cascade of brownish rippling foam.
Then they were past the boundaries of Wolfbridge Manor and on their way to Ditchley. Her foot brushed the basket on the floor; she’d brought some essentials for Trick and tucked them all neatly away beneath a thick cloth.
Fresh bread from Evan, of course. Some early berries—tart but juicy—and cheese. She hoped he was well fed, and Jane had reassured her he was being treated properly in all regards.
But she worried, in spite of everything. She’d also added parchment and charcoal pencils to the basket. Perhaps he might like to sketch something—to while away what must be long and empty hours by using his talents to create his magical art.
Adalyn shivered a little as she remembered his drawings—and the one she’d planned on asking him to do of her. Would it ever happen?
If she and everyone at Wolfbridge could find more answers about the Fairhurst business, then yes, it could happen. They had to find something that would free Trick, but she felt no closer to that than she did the day he was taken.
After half an hour’s journey, she saw a scattering of small houses through the window and realised that they’d arrived.
Her driver knew where to go and within moments they pulled up at the aptly named Roundhouse, a sturdy building that was square in the front with a large round protuberance at the back.
“Here we are, m’Lady.” The driver came to the side of the carriage. “Yer goes right in there.” He pointed to the old oak slab that resembled the portcullis to a small castle more than it did a door.
“Thank you.” She allowed him to help her down. “I will be an hour at most.”
“I’ll be ‘ere, Ma’am.” He touched his cap respectfully and passed her the basket.
She walked in, her heart in her mouth, not knowing what to expect.
It was a surprise, and not an unpleasant one.
There was a desk, with papers on it, some shelves, what looked like a very large and ancient cabinet which probably housed a hundred years’ worth of records, and an elderly man rising to his feet.
“Good day, Ma’am.” He bowed, a genteel move betraying his heritage. He was a gentleman, without question.
“Good day to you sir,” she dipped her head in acknowledgement. “I am Lady Wilkerson of Wolfbridge Manor and I would be most pleased to be able to visit with my head groom, who is currently residing in your Roundhouse.”
“Ah, yes. Our Trick. Pleasant lad. It may sound a bit strange, but I have enjoyed having him here. We’ve had a few lively discussions of an evening.”
Adalyn’s tension eased a little at his words.
“Come this way, if you would…” He led her into a narrow passageway that headed away from the office area. “He’s lucky it is spring. We have yet to come up with a good way to heat this place when the weather gets very cold.”
She noticed the stone walls and understood his comment.
They reached the end and turned to the right where a barred door allowed light through into the passage.
“Visitor for you, Trick…” The gentleman called out politely, took a bunch of keys from a hook high on the wall behind him, and unlocked the door.
Adalyn stepped inside and looked around the corner.
There he was, rising with a look of wonder on his face. “Adalyn,” he whispered.
She held her finger to her lips and motioned over her shoulder with her head.
He nodded. “My Lady. This is a signal honour. Won’t you sit? I cannot say how delighted I am to see you…”
The door clanged shut as she walked to Trick.
“Call when you’re done, Ma’am.” The elderly voice sounded hollow as it echoed against the thick walls.
“I will. Thank you, sir.” She called back as she sat on a bench formed by stones at the bottom of what must be the outside wall. Trick joined her and took her hand in his, squeezing it tightly and dropping a kiss on her knuckles.
She reached out to touch his face, hesitant lest they be observed.
“Is this all right?” she whispered.
“Yes,” he murmured back. “I cannot be seen unless I move to the door area.”
She lifted her face to his. “Good,” she breathed.
He smiled then, his wicked look still intact though his face looked thinner. “Very good,” he breathed.
And kissed her.
Adalyn’s heart melted at the touch of his lips and she reached for him, sliding her hands around his neck and allowing him to pull her closer than close—almost onto his lap.
She whimpered a little at the delicious taste of him, a sound that generated a tremor in his body she could feel. His arms tightened and one hand slipped down her spine to find the roundness of her bottom. That touch made her gasp and she couldn’t help but press herself closer, loving the shimmering darts of pleasure his touch awoke within her.
Something clanged in the outer office and they drew apart, Adalyn darting a nervous glance at the area near the door.
“It’s all right. I believe Gerald has dropped his abacus again.”
“Gerald? Is that his name? I forgot to ask…” She cleared her throat and gazed at the familiar features of Trick’s face. “How are you, my dear Trick? Do you know how much you are missed?”
“I am well, and yes,” he answered. “Jane has been a blessing, Adalyn. She brings me the news, keeps me up to date on everything that is happening and quite often I find something that either Evan or Mrs. Barnsley prepared, tucked into the basket she carries with her. She brings in a change of clothes as well, sometimes.”
“I am so glad to hear that. You understand why I cannot visit regularly?” Adalyn couldn’t stop touching him, running her hand down his arm, glad he wore a thick wool jacket over a linen shirt.
“I do, my sweet, of course I do.” He sighed. “This is the Roundhouse, not Wolfbridge. I wish it were otherwise, but I have learned that railing against fate accomplishes nothing.”
“Trick, I had to make a choice,” she said, lowering her gaze. “It was the most terrible moment for me.”
“Hush.” He laid a finger on her lips. “I know, Adalyn. I too know the rules of Wolfbridge. You did the right thing.”
She swallowed down tears. “My head knows that, Trick, but my heart has yet to believe it.”
“Then let me warm your heart with my words of understanding…” He unfastened the buttons of her chemise and loosened her bodies. “Let me reassure your heart that it must not ache too much for the choices you make, especially when they are the only ones available to you…” Pushing the fabric aside, he lowered his head and licked her bare skin, following that with tiny kisses down to the mound of her breast.
She groaned under her breath, loving the feel of him, the warmth and the possessive way he touched her.
“You must come home soon, Trick,” she murmured, closing her eyes. “Soon
…”
“I cannot see a way, my dearest,” his voice was low and rough, and she knew he was arousing himself as well as her.
“We are working on it. If we can pursue our inquiries…oh…” a flick of his tongue against her nipple caught at her breath, “If…if we can find out more information, we might be able to see this farce dismissed and you back at Wolfbridge.”
“I would like that,” he groaned, taking her hand and pushing it down between his thighs, curving her fingers around his thickening arousal.
She pressed her own thighs together, fighting the sensual emotions his touch was awakening.
“What inquiries are you pursuing, love?”
It took a moment for her to pull her mind from her heated loins. “Um…we want to talk to two Fivetrees servants. They left immediately after the tragedy…”
He grunted as her hand squeezed him. “An excellent idea,” he managed. “But…” with a shudder, he pulled her hand away from him. “I cannot put much faith in two servants’ versions…”
Saddened, but understanding, Adalyn let him release her breast. “We are wondering if they might have been involved, Trick. It’s not their eye witness reports we want, but their reason for leaving so soon.”
He re-buttoned her bodice and straightened her gown, his face flushed with heat. “Ah, yes. That’s an excellent notion.”
She was silent for a moment. “I know Jane keeps you up to date, but even she is not aware of this particular effort. So I will try to make sure you’re informed of how matters progress.” Daringly, she leaned to him and parted her lips, kissing him as passionately as she’d ever kissed anyone. “I miss you.”
“Need I tell you how much your sentiment is returned?” He licked his lips and glanced down at the bulge distending his breeches.
Adalyn shook her head. “No, you do not.” She smiled at him. “Just keep that notion in mind for when you return to us? I have faith it will be soon, Trick. I really do.”
“Everything all right, Ma’am?” The call came from the door.
Adalyn sighed. “Yes indeed, sir. Thank you for your inquiry. We are going over some details of our business.”