Ava
Chapter 23
“I must leave immediately,” I reported to George, finding him in the palace stables. Searching for him wasn’t hard; it was early in the morning, and the only people bustling around were the help. It was too early for anyone to go for a ride or run an errand, by a Lord’s standard. I’d noticed the Lords that occupied the castle were lazy and didn’t wake up until after noon, still drunk or weary from the night before. In Bampshire, men were up before the sun, working and getting their days started. Brushing his prized stallion, George peered over his shoulder at me, letting his brush fall to his side.
He raised his eyes heavenward. “Ava, if it’s about Garr, we talked about this. I told you that he isn’t going to marry her.”
“This isn’t about him. Look!” I shoved the letter I received moments ago from Mrs. Reynolds at him. Opening it, his eyes quickly scanned the message as he read. My stomach was in knots, my anxiety heightened at the contents. She reported that Papa was very ill and the doctors in town weren’t sure how to get his fever down or keep him from retching up his food. He’d been doing it for over four days.
He drew in a deep breath. “Did you just receive this?”
I nodded. “Yes, I came to you right away.” Throwing down his brush, he placed his hand on my back, pushing me toward the exit of the stables.
“Go get some clothes packed, and I’ll get the coach ready for you immediately.”
“Lucy and Miranda are already doing it.” I halted, turning on George. “Do you think it’s serious? I can’t bear the thought of—”
George placed a hand on my shoulder. “Don’t think like that. Your father is a strong man. He just needs a doctor who knows what he’s actually doing. Now, go make sure they are getting together everything you need.”
I hurried off quickly. This was never going to end. My life was never going to pan out. Now fate wanted to take not only my freedom away, but also put my father’s health at risk. My brain was exhausted from its constant racing and pondering of the future. When I got to my room, Lucy and Miranda were finishing up, throwing a few random outfits in a small travel bag, along with odds and ends.
When they finished, I hugged them both, telling them I would be back as soon as I could. They gave me well wishes for safe travels as I carried my two small bags. Crossing the grassy field to the stable, I watched as George drove a small carriage hooked to four horses toward me.
“I don’t want you traveling on horseback; you’re still getting back all your strength,” George stated, jumping down to load my luggage.
I didn’t argue. From my lack of sleep and eating, I didn’t have the energy to ride aside my own horse for four days. Movement to my right caught my attention, as four large men approached. I recognized them instantly; they were half of the Elite Eight.
I turned and looked at George. “No,” I snapped. George gave me a questioning stare and followed my gaze.
“You didn’t think you were going alone, did you?” he asked, eyebrow raised. “You know better.”
“Don’t you have other men that can come with me?” I scowled. It could be anyone else. I didn’t want to use Garrett’s men, nor did I want any more of his help.
George put his hands on my forearms. “He doesn’t know…yet, that I borrowed them.” Pulling me into his arms, he hugged me tightly, placing his chin on top my head. “The men are going to report to me when you stop for fresh horses, to let me know where you are. Once you’ve checked in on your father and are settled in, write me at once. I will be sending a doctor behind you. I’d feel more comfortable if one of my physicians takes a look at him.”
“Thank you,” I mumbled into his chest.
“Try and get some rest on your way there. Don’t trouble yourself too much. Your father will be fine, Ava.” After giving me one last squeeze, he released me, holding out his hand to help me into the carriage.
Settling into the black leather seats, I took a deep breath. George was issuing out orders to the men while I clasped my hands for strength, faith, and peace for no thoughts of Garrett.
∞∞∞
I arrived in Bampshire, safe and sound, thankful that the weather had been warm and sunny the whole way. It lightened my dampened spirits and made me determined to enjoy my visit home while nursing Papa back to health. Mrs. Reynolds greeted me with tears rolling down her cheeks as she ushered me into the house.
Leaving my two pieces of baggage at the door, I went up to the second floor to see Papa. I hesitated before opening the door, taking a deep breath and mentally preparing myself for how my father would be on the other side. Each inhale was attempting to pull inner strength from somewhere within me, to prepare for the worst. Setting my hand on the doorknob, I turned it enough to poke my head through it. The itchy squeak of the door caused my body to tense, hoping I hadn’t disturbed Papa.
Inching toward his pine four-poster bed, the warm, stale air stuck to my skin, immediately making me start to perspire. Wiping my forehead with my sleeve, my eyes studied his blanched face. Reaching over to touch his cheek, his skin was warm while his breathing was steady. I walked over to crack open a window, allowing the warm spring air to flow swiftly through the room. Standing by his bedside again, I kissed his forehead gently, whispering that I was home and would be back up soon. Leaving his room, Mrs. Reynolds was at the bottom of the staircase, waiting for me.
“Have you been sleeping?” I asked her, noticing black circles under her eyes and wrinkles as she furrowed at me.
“I could ask you the same thing. Why do you look like they’ve been putting you to work over there?”
“I drank some bad coffee and was ill for a few days; nothing major,” I replied, forcing a small chuckle. “Just getting my own strength back.”
“I heard of that Lady being poisoned. Your father is going to be so—”
“Let’s not worry him about that,” I retort. “He needs peace and to focus on getting well.”
Holding my stare for a moment, she nodded and walked toward the kitchen. “Come, let’s go make you some dinner. You’re looking too skinny for my liking, young lady.”
I sniffed. “Being skinny is the new fashion.”
Mrs. Reynolds groaned. “These stupid, piddly little females are so senseless. What man wants a twig for a wife?”
I didn’t answer her, nor did I care what any man wanted. I wanted to leave the last week behind me. I was home and safe.
∞∞∞
George’s doctor arrived as promised in the late morning. He was a short elderly man who looked vaguely familiar. Waddling into the front entrance, he handed his belongings to Mr. Brooks, and took off his light jacket. Examining the foyer, his eyes landed on me.
“Ah, Lady Barlow,” he bellowed in a cheery mood. “Glad to see you up and around. I was one of the doctors who checked in on you. Though, you wouldn’t know that; you were unconscious most the time. I’m Doctor Norris.”
“Pleasure to meet you, doctor. Thank you for nursing me back to health.” I held out a hand for him to shake, but he bowed over it instead, and I smiled. “My father is upstairs. Would you like to see him now, or do you need to freshen up first?”
Releasing my hand, he shook his head. “No, no, we’ll see him now. I want to know how serious a case this is.” Without asking, he started up the stairs, then stopped at the top, waiting for me to take the lead. At Papa’s room, I let him enter first, watching him place his black bag down at the bottom of the bed.
Dr. Norris felt his head, examined his abdomen, and made little “hmm’s” as he went. I didn’t realize I was tapping my foot until the doctor glanced at me briefly, with squinted eyes.
“He has a high fever, possible infection, internally. He is wheezing a little, so some fluid may be in his lungs,” the doctor informed.
“What do I need to do?”
The doctor put away some of his tools. “Encourage coughing; he needs to be fed broth. Has he been up, conscious?”
I shook my head. “No.”
“Hmmm... Keep a cool cloth on his head, make him comfortable. I’m staying in the inn nearby and will stay until he is back to full health.” I took a deep breath, feeling overwhelmed. “Don’t fret, my Lady. I’ve seen this before.”
“Thank you,” I replied. Withdrawing from the room, Doctor Norris took some tea before he went on his way. Getting my mind off Papa for a moment, I made a list of things to do while being back. Sitting at Papa’s desk, I skimmed some of the papers on his desk, looking over the company’s inventory reports.
Mr. Torres.
Of course, his little spy. I really did like the man; his intentions were in the right place, I couldn’t fault him for that. But I didn’t want to be linked to Garrett every which way I turned. Deciding to speak with him tomorrow, I began to clean Papa’s desk, looking over accounts and receipts, when a soft knock sounded at the door.
“Come in,” I chimed. A well-known face poked her head around the door.
“Hi, stranger.”
“Eve!” I exclaimed, dropping the handful of papers in my hands. Walking toward her, I took her in. She wore a beautiful light blue gown that hung over her shoulders with her blonde hair pulled up and curled. Her presence took a pinch of anxiety away, knowing that she’d know what to say about what has been transpiring.
“How have you been? Let me look at you.” She held me at arm’s length, studying me. “Oh darling, what is wrong?”
“I’m just getting over being sick myself.”
“Sick?” she asked, and I nodded. “Not a bad man?”
“Oh, Femme Fatale, Eve. Does everything involve a man?”
She placed her hands on her hips. “When you look like that, yes.”
I stepped away from her and walked back over to Papa’s desk. “I was sick. Nothing more to the story.”
“Then why are you getting defensive?”
I peered over my shoulder. “Because you’re starting it.”
“Starting what?”
“Eve…” I growled.
“I might act flighty in front of men, but I’m not an idiot. The glow is out of your eyes; you look defeated.” Eve walked over to Papa’s desk and sat in a chair.
“I’m defeated because I’ve had no sleep,” I responded.
“Because… What happened?” I sighed, then told her everything, and she waited patiently for me to finish.
“Well...you’ve been busy.”
“Too busy,” I complained.
“Are you sure it was true? The queen isn’t the most trustworthy person.”
“I believe him,” I confessed.
Eve crossed her arms. “Then what’s the problem?”
“The problem is that he’s angry at me over George and my arrangement. It’s just…the audacity that he has when he speaks to me. Like, since he has all these men protecting me, he believes I should do as he asks. He said that I couldn’t marry George. I don’t want to, Eve, but I don’t want him unhappy or in a horrid situation.”
She eyed me. “Why would he think he had a right to have any say in what you do?”
I paused for a moment, getting ready for Eve’s mouth to run a mile a minute with my next words.
“He kissed me...a few times, and I felt like…like he liked me, I guess.”
Her lips quirked at the corners of her mouth. “How many is a few?”
Narrowing my eyes, I said, “A few.”
“Then that’s where he thinks he can voice his strong opinion.” She let out a chuckle. “Over his brother, no less.”
I grumbled. “I never want to see him again. He’s impossible”
Eve chuckled. “Well, don’t swear off men forever. Lord Ashton has been inquiring about your coming back for the last few weeks.”
I groaned. “Please don’t start that again.”
“I promise you, I won’t. I’m just warning you that once he knows you’re home, he will come and call.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose. “I’ll be busy.”
“Be nice, A. He has always been kind to you,” Eve scoffed.
“I know he has. I just prefer not to be gawked at and flirted with. I’ve had enough of that nonsense for a while.”
“Lord Cranfield gawked at you?” Eve exclaimed, as she clapped her hands.
“With longing in his eyes.” I batted my eyelashes, then rolled my eyes.
“How romantic!”
I frowned. “Oh, enough of it already.”
“He was so handsome too,” Eve wailed. I tried not to think about that fact. He was wickedly handsome, especially when his eyes grew dark as he looked at me.
Mr. Brooks entered the room silently, making us both jump when he spoke. “Lady Barlow, a visitor has requested to see you.”
I frowned. “Must you scare the living daylights out of me, Brooks?”
Mr. Brooks bowed his head. “I apologize, my Lady.”
“If it is Lord Ashton, I’m busy in a business meeting.”
“No, my Lady. It is a Lord William Reddington.”
Reddington? What in the world was he doing here?
“Stay away from Reddington.” Garrett’s voice echoed in my head.
“Fix my hair, quickly,” I told Eve. Looking over at Brooks, I asked, “Can you buy me a few moments?” Brooks nodded and left the room.
“Who is Lord Reddington?” Eve inquired, tucking strands of hair in my hair pins.
I straightened my posture. “A friend from the castle.”
Eve giggled. “I can’t wait to meet this friend.”
I smiled at her. “Oh, you’ll like him.”
“Did we share kisses with this friend too?” She curled a piece of my hair with her finger.
I laughed. “I can’t stand you sometimes, Evelyn.”
“I love you too, darling,” Eve jeered. Before I could answer, the blond-haired god walked into the room. Dressed casually, in black slacks and a light coat made of blue wool, Reddington’s hair was out of sorts, falling to the right of his forehead. His sharp blue eyes made him look dangerously becoming.
He bowed deeply before greeting me. “My Lady Barlow, I deeply apologize for not sending word that I would be coming by. Once I heard of your father, I came right away, only stopping to obtain fresh horses.”
“Holy hell,” Eve murmured beside me.
“Lord Reddington,” I said with a smile, standing to greet him. “It’s always good to see you, but you needn’t have come all this way.”
He looked at me with pure concern on his face. His brows knitted together while he fumbled with his hat. “It was no trouble. I brought another of the royal physicians to make sure your father was getting the best of care. George had told me he sent one behind you, but I wanted two doctors, just to be sure.”
“I don’t know how to thank you enough.” Eve nudged my back. “May I introduce to you my friend, Lady Evelyn Pratt.”
Reddington strolled over to her. “Very nice to meet you, my Lady.” He kissed her hand and released it. “I should have changed before I came by. I wasn’t thinking clearly.”
“Nonsense,” Eve beamed. “Ava and I don’t worry about such things. Bampshire isn’t as formal as the palace.”
“You must stay here,” I insisted.
Reddington shook his head. “Not necessary. I have lodgings at the inn being set up.”
“But—”
“Don’t fret about my wellbeing, Ava. My heavy boots striking your wood floors will startle the house, and your father needs his rest. I will be just as comfortable there.”
“How thoughtful,” Eve mused, nudging my back again.
“Then you must rest my nerves and at least eat supper here, so I can make sure you are properly fed. Mrs. Reynolds is a marvelous cook.” That earned me a large smile.
“If eating helps rest your nerves, my Lady, I will eat as much and often as you wish.”
I raised my chin, returning the smile. “It’ll ease my nerves, thank you.”
“Lord Reddington,” Eve sang sweetly. “While you are here, you must let Ava show you the empire her father built with the trading business. She practically runs half of it.”
Reddington flashed a smile. “I heard, and I would be honored to see it. Perhaps you could direct me on my business ventures. I could use a fresh mind.”
“I would love to assist. We could brainstorm some ideas and bounce things around.”
“Fantastic.” Placing his brown hat back on his head, he grinned. “I must get to my room and clean up. I feel like I’ve left piles of dirt from here to the door.”
“We’ll see you for dinner later then,” Eve reminded him. Reddington bowed his head and said his goodbyes. Eve watched him intently as he left the room, then waited a few moments before turning to me, delight shining in her eyes.
“My word,” Eve breathed, fanning her face with her hand. “He is…very attractive.” I laughed. “And why are you still carrying a torch for Cranfield when you have the blond gentleman traveling miles to check in on you and your father’s needs? I’m disappointed that you didn’t write about him. In fact”—she raised her eyebrows—“you didn’t write at all.”
I cringed. “I know, I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you.”
“Oh, you will. I want to know everything about Reddington,” Eve remarked. “And you will accompany me home, so I can pick a more suitable gown for dinner. I’m inviting myself.”
∞∞∞
“This is...magnificent,” Reddington chimed, looking over the storage unit at the docks. I watched him look up and down the rows of goods and couldn’t help but admire his lean body. Eve had come over this morning while Reddington visited for breakfast, and then suggested the trip to the docks today. I wanted to stay with Papa but couldn’t refuse the man who came all this way to help.
“I’m not telling you to throw your heart at him. But he is a great means to practice to flirt, since he is an eligible man of age,” Eve had told me.
She was right. There was a life after my short tryst with Garrett, if that’s what I’d even call it.
Reddington pushed his blond hair out of his face as he read each type of good that was stored in our unit. He turned to look at me over his shoulder. “Do you do the inventory on your own?”
“Oh no, I have a man that helps me with that.”
He happens to be Garrett’s man, actually.
I was going to speak with Mr. Torres today, while I was here, about his alter ego.
“And the negotiations?” Reddington inquired.
“I mostly handle those, but I run them by my father first. Just to make sure I am not overlooking something.”
He turned around, his eyes full of admiration. “My dear Ava, I wish you had entered my life sooner.”
I beamed and gestured for him to follow me out the back exit of the storage room. “Out here are our shipping docks. Papa wants to build two more. I’m hoping to build more trade deals by the end of this year. Spring and summer are, of course, our busiest times. Papa has an idea to build a ship with metal plates, to break the ice in the winter, so they can still drop off goods. When the crop is out of season, cloth, spices, and personal household goods are still needed.”
“I see where you get your creative mind. Your father must be a genius to behold. I can’t wait to meet the man who spawned the beautiful, intelligent Ava Barlow. How is he faring?”
“Well,” I replied, crossing my arms against the sea’s breeze, “your doctor spoke highly of father’s improvement. His fever broke, and he opened his eyes last night for the first time in days. I spoke with him for a short time, promising to be back to bring him his lunch.”
“And a sweetheart,” Reddington put in.
“Why, Lord Reddington, are you flirting with me?” I asked in a sweet tone.
Reddington chuckled. “I confess it is hard not to.” He shoved his hands into his pants pockets, and the bustling of men around us forced us closer together. “I’ve never met a woman like you, and I’m afraid I never will again.”
“Don’t be too harsh on my gender,” I scolded, quirking my lips. “Many haven’t lived the same life I have. I look at things quite oddly.”
“Quite openly,” he countered, gesturing at the docks. “You help run all this. An empire, really, of trade. It takes a unique mind and personality to have the heart to do it. I am beyond impressed.”
The sun brightened his blue eyes as he walked closer to the docks, surveying them up and down, asking questions. I answered them all, when Eve showed, looking lovely in a light pink gown, her hair curled on top of her head.
“Thought I’d join the both of you here, since I suggested it.” She smiled, her face freshly powdered and glowing.
“Glad to have you,” Reddington replied. “Your friend was just explaining her plans and answering my legion of questions.”
Eve glanced at me with a smirk before bringing her attention to him. “She loves speaking about it. Ava has worked very hard at it. Too much, to where she has to pencil me in to spend time with her.”
I chuckled. “That’s a lie.” Examining the busy docks, I curtsied. “Would you both please excuse me? I have to meet with my man about the upcoming shipments.”
Reddington bowed. “Of course. We’ll be here waiting.”
Giving him a quick smile, I turned on my heel, making my way to Mr. Torres’ office. Greeting a few men on the way, I knocked lightly on his door before entering. Mr. Torres was knee-deep in paperwork at his large desk, sorting through high stacks of papers through his small eye glasses.
Peering up at my entrance, given away by the squeaky door, he greeted me. “Ava! My dear, it is lovely to see you!” Standing from his chair, he rounded his desk, extending his arms for a hug. He gave me a light squeeze before releasing me. “How is Evan?”
“Getting better. He should be out of bed in no time.”
Mr. Torres took off his reading glasses and hooked them onto his coat pocket. Pulling out a wooden chair, he gestured for me to sit.
“How is everything here?”
“Oh, just fine,” he replied, taking his seat. “Everything is running smoothly. I’ve been keeping daily reports, so I can keep Evan updated once he feels up to it.”
“Sounds like you have everything under control, as always.”
“Ah, well, it was what you hired me to do. Keeps my mind young.”
I sent him a small grin. “And you’ve done a wonderful job…with all the things you’ve been hired for.”
“Well, thank you, my dear,” he replied. “I try.”
“Was it hard doing both positions?”
He raised a brow. “Both positions?”
“Why, yes. The one where you help me with the inventory and other miscellaneous things, and then the other, where you were hired to protect me and my father by Lord Cranfield.”
Mr. Torres’ eyes relaxed as he clasped his hands on his desk, but remained silent.
“I’ve come along some hardships with Lord Cranfield,” I continued. “We are not on speaking terms nor do I want to be in contact with him in the future. I’ve come to adore you, Mr. Torres, and I was wondering if you’d like to work for my father and I only. That would mean breaking any contract or abiding agreement you have with Cranfield.”
“Ava,” Mr. Torres began, “I didn’t mean to deceive you, or your father. I came as a job, but I’ve come to love you, and being here.”
“And I understand,” I assured him. “I have no ill will toward you and would love for you to stay with us.”
He nodded. “I would like to as well.”
“Then we have an agreement?” I raised my hand for him to shake.
“I’ll still be protecting the both of you while I’m here. That won’t be negotiable,” he put in.
I bowed my head. “All right then.”
“You have a deal then, my dear.” He shook my hand. “I will write him a letter today, and send it post haste.”
A huge weight lifted from my shoulders as I released the breath I was holding in. Walking over to him, I placed a quick kiss on top of his head.
“Thank you for understanding,” I replied. “Come to dinner tonight. You need a good home-cooked meal.”
Mr. Torres chuckled. “I’ll be there.”
Excusing myself from his office, the warm spring air felt lighter, now that I had taken another step toward releasing myself from Garrett. I didn’t need him; I had George. Closing my eyes, I listened to the hustle of the docks and the bellows of the men relaying orders.
Now, to get rid of the Elite Eight.