“You’re a fool, Cuthbert! He’s obviously her lover!” She sneered.
Cuthbert eyed his wife coldly. “He’s a board guardian and a man of property, Elspeth. We don’t go against him. Why you are so bent against the girl? I’m starting to think he’s right. People are jealous of her.”
Elspeth glared at him. “So we just—”
“’Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,’” he quoted scripture to her. Matron huffed audibly. “We do as we are paid to do, wife. We keep to our own business and the business of the workhouse. Leave Ms. Wakefield alone. Her mother and sister will be here soon. If she’s been wandering out and about, her mother will most likely rein her in.”
Elspeth watched her husband leave the room and narrowed her eyes. She would leave Audrey Wakefield alone for the time being, but she would keep a watchful eye on her, nonetheless.
The next several weeks flew by quickly for Audrey. The classroom was running much smoother, and she was making little strides. She practiced patience and kindness with the children, and except for a few outbursts here and there, her students seemed to be reciprocating her energy.
She had checked on the cottage twice since the night she had almost been fired, and it was looking quite attractive. A new coat of paint and a good cleaning had done wonders for it. She had spent several evenings pulling weeds and making sure the small yard of roses would be ready for her mother, as she liked to have something to look at. Her mother and sister would arrive the next weekend, and she was looking forward to seeing them.
She felt the stays at her lower back and arched to relieve the tension. Not for the first time, she thought of Henry Ryland. She had not seen him since their last meeting when he had promised he would fix the mess he had made, and he had kept his promise.
He had also kept his second promise, and because of it, she had not seen him again. He was at the workhouse for meetings, and once, she had caught a glimpse of him striding down the hallway, but before he had seen her, she had turned the other way. It wasn’t that she didn’t want his friendship and his help, but she didn’t want the gossip and the ugly rumors.
Her father would have been ashamed to the core if he had been alive to hear about her visiting a hotel with a man. Never mind the hotel had a tearoom and she had been in sight of all the diners and staff the entire time there. She would not allow herself to be gossiped about like some doxy.
She stepped inside the little cottage and looked about it. It was a perfect little place for her mother and sister to live, and not for the first time, she felt a sense of accomplishment. She was providing for her family with her skills and education. It was a good feeling.
“Hello?” a voice called out, and she came to see Levi standing in the doorway.
She gave a little wave. “Hello, Levi.”
“Nice little set up here.” He motioned around him vaguely.
She surveyed the garden with satisfaction. “Isn’t it? I think my mother and sister will like it very much.”
“I came looking for you. Hand-delivered note came for you.” He handed it to her.
She took the note and noticed the handwriting from before. It was in Theodocia Ryland’s hand.
“You should come down to the pub with us,” he told her for the hundredth time.
“I can’t,” she said, scanning the note’s contents. “I’ve received an invitation to take tea with Ms. Ryland.”
Levi shook his head. “One day you won’t be able to refuse my offer.”
“What offer is that?”
“Some cod and chips, good ale, and a handsome man for company.” He winked.
“Oh? Is Joseph coming?” she teased him.
“Cheeky thing!” he said, walking with her back towards the workhouse.
She smirked at him. “Don’t worry, Levi. One day I won’t refuse.”
Audrey was shown into the parlor of the grand house by the River Yare. She admired once more the lines of the house filled with wooden beams, sloping lines, and gorgeous wooden parquet floors.
“Audrey, my dear,” Theodocia said when she entered the room. “You’re very prompt.”
“I could hardly refuse tea with you,” she said.
“You could, though I can’t imagine why. I’m good company and I serve excellent tea,” she reasoned.
“All of that is true.”
Tea arrived, and the small sandwiches and scones looked especially delightful to Audrey. Though the workhouse staff was fed better than the inmates, the food was bland. The meals consisted of gruel, cooked meat, vegetables, soup, bread, and cheese.
Audrey took a sandwich and savored the flavor of the bread and the creaminess of the cucumbers. Then she took a scone and relished the flavors of cranberry and lemon.
“You’ve lost weight, my dear,” Theodocia told her suddenly.
Audrey swallowed. “Have I?”
“I believe so. And that black makes you appear all the more slender.”
“It isn’t because I’ve tried to. The workhouse food is very bland and not at all appealing,” she told her.
Theodocia studied her. “You’ve not had an easy time of it. Have you?”
“I’m doing better. The schoolroom is becoming more familiar, and my family is to join me soon.” She brightened just at the thought of having her family with her.
Theodocia perked up. “Indeed?”
“Yes. Your son was very helpful. He—” She stopped.
“Yes?” Theodocia asked.
Audrey pressed her lips together. “Nothing. He was helpful.”
Theodocia frowned and then offered, “Why don’t you stay for supper?”
Audrey shook her head. She had no desire to run into Henry. She preferred keeping a distance from the cool man, and a meal with him was not what she had in mind. “I’m afraid I can’t.”
“I’m all alone this evening. Henry had to travel to London earlier in the week. He won’t be home until tomorrow.” She shrugged.
Audrey’s mouth watered at the thought of a well-cooked meal. “Thank you. That’s kind of you. I’d like that.”
Theodocia seemed pleased with her answer. “But that’s not the reason I invited you here. I wanted to see if you would consider attending my society club. As a member.”
Audrey blinked in surprise. “Me? I’m afraid I know nothing of society women. I would be out of sorts. I wouldn’t fit in. I’m a vicar’s daughter.”
Theodocia waved that away. “It’s true that you aren’t the wife or daughter of a well-to-do, but you offer something far more valuable.”
Audrey had the suspicion that not everyone in the society would agree. “Do I? What’s that?”
“Realism.”
“Realism,” Audrey repeated the word.
“Yes, I’m afraid these society women are wrapped up in their own little worlds and it would help them and the club if they could be brought back to reality. At least every once in a while.”
Audrey hesitated. “I’m not sure. They might find me intrusive.”
“I invited you, my dear. They won’t say anything,” Theodocia assured her.
Audrey’s mouth tipped up in a grin. “How can I refuse?”
“Why don’t we take a turn about the lawn? The river is so lovely when the sun sets. Then we can return for supper, and afterwards, we can have port or tea and we’ll play Ecarte.” Theodocia gestured for Audrey to follow her.
Audrey stood and fell into step beside the older woman. “Ecarte?”
“Have you played it, my dear?”
“I haven’t. My father didn’t approve of cards.”
“Didn’t he?”
She shook her head. “No.”
“There’s no sin in cards if you aren’t betting. And even if you do bet, as long as you don’t lose your shirt,” Theodocia said.
Audrey bit back a smile. “Or on
e’s petticoat.”
Theodocia winked at her. “Spirited girl. I like that.”
Chapter Thirteen
Supper had been delicious. Roast turkey with broccoli, along with citrus ice for dessert and a slice of fancy cake with coffee. Seated before the fire, Theodocia had two brandies poured out for them as she taught Audrey how to play the card game.
“Your home is so inviting. I felt the same when I came here the first time. You have made it remarkable.”
“All that you see here is Henry’s doing,” she said proudly. “He purchased the land. He found the architect to draw up the plans. He supervised it all. All I did was hang some curtains here and there.”
Audrey glanced around at all the comfort. “He has a fine eye.”
“Doesn’t he?” Theodocia said mysteriously but said no more.
After several card games in which Audrey lost more than she won, she stretched. “I should head back.”
“Why don’t you spend the night?” Theodocia asked. “It’s quite late. We have more than enough room here.”
At that moment, the clocked chimed the hour, and Audrey was shocked to realize it was midnight. “I can’t believe it’s so late!”
“Come.” Theodocia stood and motioned for her to do the same. “You can sleep in the room at the end of the hall. It has a lovely view of the river. I can lend you a freshly laundered nightgown. What could be easier?”
She was tired. The heavy meal and brandy had made her sleepy. “You’re very kind.”
“Nonsense. We can walk up together.”
Audrey stepped inside the room It was decorated in the same heavy wood as the rest of the house, but this room had a peach color to it. A round window overlooked the green lawn and the river, which she could barely make out in the night.
She undressed and laid her clothes out over the chair. Pulling on the borrowed shift, she sighed at the coolness against her skin. It was heaven as she slipped into the bed. She fell asleep almost at once.
Henry came into the stillness of the house. The gaslights had been turned off, but the fireplace was still burning low in the parlor. He poured himself a whiskey. His business in London had been tiresome, and when he was away from Norwich for any length of time, he longed to return there.
He settled himself on the large sofa and stretched out. He stared into the fire, remembering the last time he had seen her.
I’ll make this right, he had told her. And so, he had. But in return, she had kept her distance from him and made good on her promise.
We can’t keep meeting like this. People will talk.
He sighed, downing the drink in one gulp.
People will talk. People will talk. People will talk.
He closed his eyes as he listened to the stillness of the house. The creaks that were so familiar to him in this house he loved so much. He felt himself drifting off until he came awake suddenly. Creaks on the stairs. His mother must be up.
He turned his head to see her, and what he saw was a white gown floating down the stairs. He blinked and then looked down at his glass. How many bloody drinks had he had? He shook his head again. In the dark, the apparition had left the stairs and was coming this way.
His heart skipped a beat. It was a ghost. A ghost inside his beloved house. Impossible! His body tensed as he waited to pounce on the ghost. He would be damned if he would allow a ghost to roam his house.
When the ghost entered the room, he sprang up, yanked her into his arms, and slammed her into the sofa beneath him. “I’ve got you!” he said triumphantly.
The breath left her body in a rush, and her small fists connected with a chest. “Let me go!” she hissed.
“Be still!” he told her quietly.
“Henry.” She said his name for the first time ever. “Henry, it’s me. Audrey.”
Henry looked down at the figure he held and knew he was dreaming. Under him, in his arms, was none other than Audrey Wakefield, her blue eyes luminous in the firelight and her slim body flush against him. It wasn’t possible. There was no earthly reason why she would be in his house floating about like a phantom. It was a dream. A delicious dream he never wanted to end.
“Audrey,” he whispered.
Then with no other thought, he pressed into her and touched his lips to hers. She tasted of brandy, and he felt himself drowning. He would never let her go. If he died tonight, he would die in this dream. In his arms, he held the feisty, impossible Audrey with her fire-blue eyes and temper to match.
It was a perfect dream.
Nothing prepared Audrey for the feelings that crushed her when he kissed her. She had never been kissed in her life, and she became jelly in his arms. She couldn’t help herself. She moaned when his mouth took hers.
“Audrey.” He spoke her name again. One hand was in her hair while the other caressed her throat.
She felt his strong muscular chest against her breasts and realized just how naked she was. All she wore was a thin shift, and she was pressed against Henry, who held her securely to him. He was strong, and she could not get away from him by pushing him. It would not do.
When he leaned in to kiss her again, she bit his bottom lip and he released her on a groan of pain, giving her the chance to escape. She ran back to her room, realizing her throat was no longer dry but her heart was racing. When she closed the door behind her, she leaned against it, pressing a hand to her heart. She licked her lips. She could still taste him.
Audrey dressed in her black mourning gown and left the white shift she had worn to bed on the back of the chair. She coiled her hair at the nape of her neck with combs and steadied herself. She would admit nothing. She would tell him nothing. Let him try to bring it up, she reasoned, and she would shame him. She reached for the doorknob with a trembling hand.
Walking downstairs, she was greeted by a maid who directed her to the dining room. On a sideboard were eggs, sausages, bacon, and coffee. On the table was toast with jam.
“Please help yourself, miss,” she told her.
Audrey tried not to be greedy as she placed eggs, sausage, and bacon on her plate. As she was pouring herself a cup of coffee, she heard someone enter and turned to see Henry. She turned back to the coffee pot, her hands shaking.
Henry greeted her politely. “Good morning, Ms. Wakefield.”
“Good morning, Mr. Ryland,” she said, deliberately not making eye contact.
He helped himself to the food and coffee and sat across from her. When she looked up at him, she gasped. His bottom lip was split. She had done that last night.
“Yes?” He looked up to meet her eyes, but she wouldn’t meet his.
“Henry!” Theodocia came into the room and kissed her son on the cheek. “You came home early!”
“Yes, Mother. London is dirty and tiresome, and my business was finished.”
“I’m certainly happy to see you.” Theodocia took a seat next to her son. “Ms. Wakefield is our guest this morning.”
“Indeed.” His eyes were warm upon her, but still, she refused to meet them.
“I invited her to tea to discuss club business and she stayed for supper and then the night. How did you sleep, my dear?” Theodocia asked her.
Audrey blushed lightly. “W—well. Thank you.”
“Excellent.” Theodocia helped herself to the coffee.
“I didn’t sleep well, Mother,” Henry said.
“Why ever not, dear?”
“I think we might have a ghost here,” he said seriously.
Audrey willed herself not to look at him, but she couldn’t help it. She raised her eyes to meet his, and her heart thudded when she noticed him looking directly at her.
Theodocia scoffed. “A ghost? Henry, that’s ridiculous.”
“I think it might be so. A beautiful ghost who floats about the property taunting men.”
“Taunting…?” Theodocia shook her head. “Henry.”
“Why would a ghost taunt you, Mr. Ryland?” Audrey asked him, boldly meeting his eyes.
Henry shrugged and held her gaze. “Who knows? She likes to tease.”
She finally looked away.
“We have no ghost, beautiful or otherwise,” his mother admonished him. “It’s a new house. Ghosts haunt old houses.”
“Perhaps you’re right, Mother. I merely dreamed her,” he said.
Audrey watched as he licked his bottom lip, and her heart pounded inside her chest. After that, she refused to meet his eyes again.
Audrey returned to the workhouse and learned that Theodocia had written to the Master to tell him that Audrey had been detained at their home and she must be forgiven as it was her fault. Audrey was grateful, but her heart pounded as she remembered the night before. Henry Ryland may be a gentleman during the day, but it seemed at night, when drink was involved, he became a different person entirely.
She had already made the decision to stay away from him, and the night proved it was the best course of action. She pushed thoughts of him away and busied herself with the schoolroom and lesson plans.
After supper, she went to visit her friend Marguerite Shirley, who was humming about in her small room.
“Dearie!” Marguerite beamed when she saw Audrey’s face.
“Hello, Marguerite,” Audrey said to the older woman.
“You look like a blooming flower. Are you in love?” the old woman asked.
Audrey reared back. “Love? What? Of course not.”
Marguerite pursed her lips. “Hmmm. I’m not usually wrong about these things.” Audrey wisely kept quiet. “It’s been ever so long since you’ve come to visit dearie. Ever so long,” she repeated.
Audrey tried not to smile. “It’s been three days.”
“That’s a very long time.” Marguerite sighed. “Seems like forever.”
“Are you well?” Audrey asked.
“Am I well? Such a relative word. Well compared to what?”
Audrey could well imagine the old woman on the stage, dramatic and lovely captivating an audience. “My mother and sister are coming to join me.”
Among the Darkness Stirs Page 14