by Daye, Elissa
“Well, I’m sorry you feel that way. They are much like the clothes from my previous life, my lord. I am most comfortable in them. I came from humble beginnings, my lord. If this is a problem for you, perhaps you should have come to meet me before you had another man proxy for you at your own wedding.” Not that it could really be considered a wedding, at least not the wedding Malinda had always hoped to have.
“Relax, Malinda, I only meant to point out that we should rectify your wardrobe situation as soon as possible. And call me Grant.”
“If we are on the topic of wardrobes and you are feeling so generous, my lord—I mean Grant—then perhaps we can discuss Sophia’s wardrobe as well.”
Grant’s golden eyes narrowed on her. “And what do we need to discuss about that?”
“The fact that her current clothing no longer fits her, the poor child! Her nursery is a mausoleum, as is her bedroom. She is more afraid of the world around her than any child should be at her age.” Malinda was desperate to keep her tone controlled. She did not want to overstep her boundaries, but someone needed to stand up for the girl’s rights. If it had to be Malinda, so be it.
“Excuse me? Funds were set aside for those purchases. Her nursemaid was to be responsible for them. And what is this you say about her nursery and bedroom?”
It was clear to her that Grant was in shock at her outburst. He seemed genuinely perturbed with her words. “Ms. Everheart has left the premises, as of yesterday morning I believe. As for responsible, well, I am certain she is responsible for quite a bit. I’m just not sure any of it is something she should have bragging rights to. Come down to breakfast, my lord.”
“Grant.”
“I’m sorry. Grant, please come down to breakfast. I’m sure Sophia would enjoy seeing her father.” Malinda did not miss the haunted look that quickly covered his face. She should hate him for his neglect, but it was clear to her that he had never intended for Sophia to become what she was right now; a lost, lonely, frightened child who felt much more like an orphan than a well-loved little girl. “Are you coming?” She offered up the sweetest smile she could conjure and waited for his response.
“I will join you as soon as I finish my morning routine.”
Chapter 10
Grant rose slowly from the bed, his thoughts racing, all of them settled on Malinda Grier, or Timberlin, his unexpectedly beautiful wife. She was not at all what he had thought she would be. He knew that she had come from humble beginnings and, really, he desired someone uncomplicated that could take care of Sophia. When he had met with the matchmaker, he had stressed the importance of finding a woman capable of being a warm and loving mother to his four-year-old daughter. He had specifically asked for a country girl, hoping that she would not be a haunting beauty like his first wife. Her memory still tortured him to this day. He pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind, knowing that he could only punish himself so much longer for the last years of her life. One day he hoped to put it completely behind him, but not until Seamus Finnigan was made to pay for his sins against his family.
After dressing in his dark brown trousers, a white woolen tunic, and his doeskin calf boots, Grant inspected his image in the mirror. He ran his fingers through the blond locks that waved furiously around his head. Even if his hair was shorter it would still be difficult to tame into a more appealing style. He stared decisively at the beard growing around his face. He had not been growing it purposefully, he just had not cared about taking the time required for the upkeep of his appearance. Why should he care what he looked like?
“Get a grip, Grant. She’s already your wife.” The admonition left his mouth before he could get control over his thoughts. The truth of the matter was that he was nervous and he had not felt this way since he was a young lad, perhaps when he had seen his Maria for the first time; but there was more to fear than just his wife. What if Sophia was scared of him? It had been months, maybe even a year, since he had last seen his daughter. When he had come back to meet with the matchmaker her nursemaid had said she suffered with a small cold and recommended that she stay in bed. He had never thought to question her further about the situation.
His days had been filled with dark thoughts lately; thoughts of Maria and her unexpected ending, thoughts of his child being raised in a home that had become empty, thoughts of the war that had broken out between those that believed in peace and those that craved too much power. His last thoughts were of the guilt that ate at his soul. He had been so busy fighting the war raging across the countryside that he had not been home long enough to spend any kind of quality time with his daughter. Grant was sure his new wife would have something to say about that as well, and it irked him that he might have to face even more judgment in her eyes. Malinda seemed to be attached to his child already. He should have been happy about this, and most of him was. It was the distaste in her eyes when she spoke of how his daughter had been mistreated that sat heavily on his shoulders. Malinda was right to look at him like that. He was her father. Grant should have made more of an effort to be there for her, but having failed to protect her mother he felt completely inept when it came to caring for his child. He had done the only thing he knew how to do, protect what was his own by preventing the Lair from spreading his evil across the land.
When Grant made his way down to the dining room he found Malinda sitting next to a quiet little girl. The breath he had just inhaled stuck in his chest when the blue eyes of his child looked up at his. She was the spitting image of Maria, from the top of her mousy brown hair down to the pink pouting lips. When he saw the fear in her eyes he almost hesitated in his approach. He cleared his throat and moved forward. “Good morning, Sophia.” He went to tousle the little girl’s hair, but stopped when her wary eyes turned to fear.
Grant nodded at Malinda and sat at the end of the table. He watched as the two ate quietly and decided that perhaps now was not the best time to push a relationship on either one of them. He let his eyes move across the room as he took in all the changes that had happened since he had last eaten in the dining room. When his eyes made it to the top of the fireplace and noticed the missing painting, his heart skipped a beat for just a moment. “Where is the painting?”
Malinda looked up at Grant and did her best to not sound intimidated by the gruff sound of his voice. She let the question linger in the air. She gathered her courage around her because Grant looked like a blustery bear. “That painting was scaring Sophia. I had it taken down and put into storage. I’m sorry if this upsets you, but I will not have it hanging anywhere that terrorizes my child.”
Malinda could barely make out a smirk on his face when she finished her attempt at being brave before him. She looked over to Sophia and saw her lips starting to tremble. “There, there little one. Your father was just asking a question. He did not mean to startle you. Perhaps if you smiled at her, Grant, she might actually stop trembling.” She knew she may have crossed a line, but she was so furious with this man. She hated the fear in Sophia’s eyes.
Grant cleared his throat. “So what are your plans for the day?” He did his best to smile at both of them, but his thoughts had turned dark again. Her rebuke reminded him again of his failures. He would have to try harder to do right by his child, but it would take time to make the changes he knew she required.
Malinda put a hand on Sophia’s. “We are going to enjoy some time outdoors, I think. Would you like to join us?” She felt the frightened grip on her hand. She turned to Sophia and sent all the soothing energy she had into the child’s hand. When mystified eyes looked up at her, she smiled down at Sophia.
“I have things that I have to check on today. Make sure to stay within Wickford’s walls. There are some miscreants in the countryside and our walls are well protected.” Grant had not missed the terror on Sophia’s face. He would have to follow Malinda’s lead with his own child, and while it irritated him that he did not have the faintest clue where to begin with Sophia, at least it would allow him to get a chance to
know the woman he had married. He had thought that marriage would be difficult to tolerate, that he would be married to some sow’s ear and have to go through the motions of marriage. The fact that she beautiful, coupled with the fact that she was a fierce champion for his child, made him eager to pursue something much deeper with her. It might not be the same relationship he’d had with Maria, but his eyes were opening to the possibility and the bulge in his pants reminded him that there were many things to pursue with her.
Malinda could sense the hesitation in the air. It was clear that Grant felt guilty for how Sophia had been raised, but he also looked uncomfortable in his own skin. She would have to do her best to bring the father and daughter together, but she had to make sure that Sophia trusted her first. It would take a little time, but she was sure that she could manage it.
“Grant?”
“Yes, Malinda?” His eyebrows rose questioningly.
“Will we be able to go on a small trip soon?” Since he was being amenable, it was time to test the waters. He had questioned her own wardrobe earlier, so perhaps they would be able to find something for her and for Sophia.
“It depends. Where did you have in mind?”
“Well, Tir Marquette is not too far from here. From what I’ve heard from the ladies here there are quite a few shops for clothing and things that we need in the household.”
Grant sighed loudly. “Well, I suppose, but only if Lady Sophia would like to go with us.” He stifled a chuckle at the wide eyes that looked up at him. She apparently was not used to being addressed by anyone. “I can clear some time in my schedule for next week.”
A big smile covered Malinda’s face. She hoped that a week would give her enough time to make some great changes in Sophia’s life. “I think a week would be perfect.” She pushed her chair from the table and stood up quickly, before her nerve failed her. She went to kiss Grant on the cheek, but did not expect him to turn his head. She felt his soft lips graze hers, and her heart skipped a beat. She tried to turn away from him quickly, but the damage had already been done. The blood coursed through her veins, and the images of the two of them entwined raced through her mind. “Come on, Sophia…time to find Mule.”
Grant watched Malinda and Sophia leaving the room, all the while wondering what or who was this Mule.
Chapter 11
Malinda found Mule waiting at the bottom of the stone steps when they exited the back door of the manor. The large mastiff’s head rose slowly as if to gauge whether or not he should come closer. Mule was well trained and he could sense Sophia’s hesitation. He had always been good at reading when people were afraid of him and had been extremely patient with the children around Tinley Faire. “Mule, come.”
Malinda felt Sophia gripping her hand, but she did not squeeze it nearly as hard when Mule approached them. “Sit, Mule. Sophia, if you put out your hand like this, Mule will make friends with you quickly.” Malinda showed her how to cup her hand just below his nose to let him sniff. The little girl looked up at her with huge blue eyes. “Go on, Sophia.”
Sophia raised a tentative hand, just as Malinda had shown her, and cupped it below Mule’s nose. Mule sniffed the hand curiously, before his long tongue licked the tiny fingers. Sophia giggled in surprise, but continued to hold her hand up. She looked up at Malinda, a small smile lighting up her face. “Nicely done, my dear. Now this great oaf will be your friend for life. Do you know what Mule loves the best?”
Sophia’s head shook from side to side in a slow solemn motion. Malinda patted her on the head. She hoped that one day soon, the child would open up enough to verbalize her thoughts, but for now, at least she understood her. “He loves to be scratched right behind his left ear, like so.” Malinda ran her fingers behind Mule’s left ear. As she scratched, his hind leg started to kick up and down in the air, so fast he looked like he was trying to tread water right there on the ground. Another carefree giggle filled the air.
“So now that you know his big secret, perhaps you will feel comfortable playing a couple of games with us.” Malinda held her hand out to Sophia and waited for her to grab on. They started to walk down across the small hillside behind the manor with the large dog ambling beside them. When they reached the apple orchard, Malinda picked up an apple and turned to Sophia.
“Sophia, watch and learn. This is one of Mule’s favorite games and I’m sure he would love to play with you too.” Malinda patted Mule on the head and gave him a great big scratch behind the ears to catch his attention. “Mule? Are you ready boy? Fetch!” Malinda threw the apple as far as she could manage and watched the mastiff dash after it. He almost tripped over his legs when he stopped, for when the big dog picked up momentum, it was sometimes difficult for him to stop quickly. He grabbed the apple in his mouth and galloped back to them. “Drop it!”
“What do you think, Sophia? Do you want to play?” She watched the little girl closely, worried that perhaps she might be pushing her too far, but Sophia grabbed the apple swiftly from her hand. Sophia pointed at Mule as if to get his attention and his eyes instantly focused on her. The little girl threw the apple as far as her little arm would allow her and the dog jumped away to get it. He did not have nearly as much distance to travel since Sophia was not strong enough to lance it far away from them. Mule brought it back to Sophia and waited with the apple still sitting in his mouth. Sophia pointed to the ground and Mule dropped the apple at once. Malinda was astounded at how well Mule seemed to understand Sophia.
Malinda sat down on the ground underneath one of the apple trees and watched as they played several more rounds of fetch. The warm breeze in her face made her feel more peaceful than she had felt in a long time. Her eyes misted over as she watched the little girl bravely hug Mule before playing yet another round of fetch. She heard a slight rustling in the leaves above her and looked up. A large black bird sat at the lowest rung of the tree in front of her and, while most people would find this odd, it was actually a common occurrence for Malinda. She smiled at the bird and nodded her head. “A nice day for some fresh air, right, my friend?”
The bird tilted its head at her, as if it were curious at such a greeting. Its only response was a gentle caw, but there was something familiar about the golden eyes that narrowed in on her. She could not quite place where she had seen them before, but somehow she knew she should recognize them. As if he were aware of her scrutiny the bird flew farther away from her, but she could still see him. He was perched closer to Sophia now and his head was rotating from the dog to the girl. Malinda laughed at the bird. It was almost as if he were entranced by the little girl who played so carefree with the large dog that was obeying her silent commands so easily. “Don’t you worry, my friend. She may be quiet, but she has more of the world figured out than either one of us know.”
When the bird flew off at her words, she felt a little sadness creep into the air. She breathed in the air around her, wondering if perhaps the bird had sensed a message on the wind. When she did not feel any other change around her, she decided she must have imagined the sadness, for the world around them was now covered in non-stop giggles as Mule was covering Sophia’s face with sloppy wet kisses. “That’s enough, Mule. Sophia does not need a tongue bath.” She snapped her fingers, and Mule came running to her side.
Malinda smiled at Sophia. “Come, little one. It’s time for your afternoon nap. It will be dinner time before you know it.” They walked hand in hand back to the manor and Malinda relinquished Sophia’s care to Desiree. Malinda decided that she would head up to the attic to see if she could find anything that would make Sophia’s nursery a brighter place.
Chapter 12
Malinda made her way up the small staircase that led to the attic. Following Gertie’s advice she brought a lantern up with her, for while candle light covered the hallway below through the well-placed glass orbs that hung in the hall, the attic would not be covered in light. She took a deep breath as the darkness of the attic surrounded her. While the small light of the lantern
trickled into the air around her, it was little consolation against the haunting space in front of her.
“All right. Where would children’s items be stored up here?” She set the lantern down on a small table to the left and put a thoughtful finger to her mouth, tapping it in concentration. She could see a rocking chair at the back of the attic and decided to start in that corner. At the very least Sophia could sit in the rocking chair near a bright window, and she might feel comfortable enough to let Malinda read to her as they rocked together in the afternoon light.
Malinda put a hand on the chair and several images entered her head. She jerked her hand away quickly as she took in each of the pictures, but they would not stay in her mind long enough for her to make sense. There was only one thing she could think to do, so she took a deep breath and took the plunge. As she sat down in the chair the wooden legs started to move, and she found herself rocked to another time and place. She kept her eyes closed and let the images move slowly through her. Malinda saw the same chair facing a window in a brightly lit room. As it was turned away from her, she could not see who was sitting in it. She forced her mind closer to the images and was surprised to find that a man held a squirming baby with dark tufts of hair. It was easy to tell that this was Grant and Sophia. The gentle smile he beamed upon his child showed a love untouched by the darkness that now blanketed the halls of Wickford Manor, and while there was love etched deeply on his face, there was sorrow behind his golden eyes. She wondered if this had something to do with Maria Timberlin’s death.
She did not feel Maria’s energy in the chair. Had she died in childbirth? Did the past really matter? She sat there at a crossroad of emotions. Half of her needed desperately to know what happened to Sophia’s mother, why the little girl had grown up motherless and afraid. The other half would rather not know what had happened to this family. To know what had destroyed Grant’s happiness somehow made him more real, more touchable, and she just did not need the attachment. Malinda did not crave such closeness.