Chapter Twenty
The trip back from London was nowhere near as fun as it had been going there. With Cyrus gone and Jem back in his quiet and contemplative mood, Kaitlyn tried to keep herself entertained by talking with Sarah. After a while, she lost interest in even that and instead watched out the window as the countryside went by.
When they passed Jack’s property, she watched out the window, wondering how far it really extended and what he did, but even that couldn’t keep her attention long.
She wished she could just text Cyrus and ask him how his trip was going. She wanted to know if it looked much the same as it had compared to when they’d been there before arriving at Nellie’s immersion week. He’d told her before that it used to have a top on it, but was that when the Romans were there. Was it still up now? She hadn’t paid much attention to it then, but she was dying to know what Cyrus thought of it now.
But because she was a woman, she’d never be able to just go visit it on her own. She’d have to wait until he got back and then ask him everything.
***
Though Nellie’s country house was full, it seemed so quiet. The constant activity and events were basically gone. On Monday morning, she’d gone for a ride with Jem. Although they both enjoyed racing like they’d done as kids and they didn’t have to have a groom tagging along except for at a distance in case of any injury or accident, it wasn’t nearly as fun as it had been the first week they’d arrived and gone riding together. The newness of it all had worn away. They were just waiting for time to pass so they could go back home.
Kaitlyn kept waiting for news about Cyrus, but there was nothing. At least there was a note from Reese about what she had been up to the past few days, and one of Nellie’s servants had heard from other servants where Cora was staying. Apparently, she was having a blast and didn’t plan to come back any time soon. For a moment, Kaitlyn kind of wished she’d latched on to someone and had been invited to go with them to their estates.
When she’d mentioned to Aunt Nellie about meeting Amelia in London, Nellie had been thrilled at the idea that Kaitlyn wanted to invite her to come visit with Jack the next time he came. Nellie promised she’d write the girl a personal invitation to come visit. Kaitlyn hoped it would be soon. Jem kept taking off during the days, doing something he didn’t want to talk with her about.
“Jem,” Kaitlyn said as he arrived home one early afternoon looking pretty dirty and a little cross. “Are you heading out somewhere soon, or could we spend some time together today?”
Jem studied her for a moment, and whether he didn’t have other plans or maybe he was actually pretty good at judging when a woman needed some attention, he came over close and gave her a side hug, careful not to soil her dress.
“I’m available. What do you want to do?”
Kaitlyn just needed to be with her brother, but she knew he wouldn’t go for sitting around drinking tea any more than she wanted to. Searching her mind for something, she finally came up with an idea. “Nellie has some archery equipment. Want to try that with me?”
“Sure,” Jem said. “Just let me get washed up. Should I meet you on the far lawn? I’m sure we could get someone to set it up for us.”
Kaitlyn smiled. “I’ll go find someone to help while you get ready. Thanks, Jem. See you out there.”
Within the hour, they were set up with bows, arrows, targets, and even a small table with refreshments on it under a beautiful canopy.
“So how have you been spending your time lately?” Jem asked.
“I was just going to ask you the same thing,” Kaitlyn said as she fitted the arrow shaft to the bow. Her shot went a little wide and barely hit the edge of the target.
“I’ve been helping in one of the little village areas. It’s a good excuse to get up close and personal with all the people there. Lets me study them without them feeling like I’m watching.”
Kaitlyn nodded, but thought there was probably more to it than that. She wouldn’t doubt he was trying to spy on what Reese was doing, but she didn’t want to jinx anything with them in case she was wrong.
“And you?” Jem asked again.
“Aunt Nellie still has all her afternoons and early evenings planned with small gatherings. The close neighbors stop by to visit constantly. So I’m always in there visiting and making small talk. And man, some of these women can get a little nosy or even downright catty.”
Jem fitted an arrow to his bow. “That’s why I’ve been out doing what I’m doing. I don’t have to listen to all the gossip of the high and mighties. I much prefer the real folk.”
“Tell me about it. I tried to ignore all the stuff they’re talking about, but then I have to pretend to get really enthralled with embroidery or sewing, and I’ve never been good at that. Then I tried doing some paintings to try to make something that resembles these lovely gardens around here, but not even my classes in high school taught me enough about color or perspective to attempt it. And they are always eager to point out on how I missed so much in my education back home.”
Jem chuckled. “What do they think you’re lacking in?”
“Besides the painting and stitching failures, apparently I’m not going to find a husband because I can’t sing, I can’t play any instruments, and I don’t know how to plan a menu or how to properly host a tea.”
Jem shook his head. “I’m sorry, sis.” He sighed. “You’re gonna end up an old maid, I guess. I’m sure Mom and Dad will care for you as long as you need. Then when they get too old, you could possibly come live with me.”
“You really are the best brother a girl could ask for, aren’t you?”
Jem bowed. “That I am.”
“I have discovered one thing I’ve enjoyed on these lonely evenings lately.”
“What?” Jem asked.
“I found some of Jane Austen’s books in Aunt Nellie’s library. Reading them now is such a riot. I can practically see all she meant to add into the story, and sometimes I can read between the lines. You know. I think if I had actually known her in person, we could have been friends.”
***
The next morning Jem was gone for the day again and though she tried not to let it bother her, she felt a little slighted that she hadn’t been invited. Kaitlyn wandered the garden paths, looking at the different plants and studying the way the gardeners trained the different vines and bushes to give off the distinct look and feel they created. It was a genuine art. She felt a little of her irritation wash away as she allowed herself to enjoy the beauty of it.
As she wandered the trails of the waist-high maze, she looked out into the distance at the rolling hills. She turned down one of the paths and caught sight of the stables. Though she didn’t really feel like riding, she did want to go visit the horses. She worked her way toward the stables and breathed in the familiar scent of the barn, the hay, and the manure. It was odd how that smell seemed so normal, helping to ground her to herself more than once. Horses she knew, and they were the same no matter what century you were in.
When she opened the door of the stable, one of the groomsmen stepped forward. “Would you like me to saddle him?”
“No, thank you, John. I just wanted to come visit them. Do you mind?”
“Not at all, miss.” John nodded and stepped back, leaving her alone so she could move through the hallway of the stables. She picked up a handful of grain and moved over to the nearest mare. “Hello, beautiful.”
The horse lifted her nose over the railing and happily lipped up the grains, tickling Kaitlyn’s hand. When the grains were gone, she rubbed the horse between the eyes. Suddenly she had the overwhelming desire to be useful. She was tired of being proper.
She turned quickly, surprising the horse in the process, and she apologized to the mare. “Sorry, sweetie.” She looked for the groom. “John?” she called after a moment.
He came quickly, turning the corner and wiping his hands on his pants. “Can I help ye, miss?”
“Actually, I was wondering if it would be okay if I brushed the horses. I used to do that at home when something was bothering me, and I could sure use a little familiarity right about now.”
“But, miss, you’re not dressed for it. You’ll soil your gown.”
Kaitlyn frowned, annoyed at the fancy clothes that had once felt so wonderful. “I’ll go change. Please. Can you get me a brush and some things so I can help?”
John’s eyes showed surprise, but he didn’t argue. “Of course, miss. I’ll get it ready right now.”
“Thanks.” Kaitlyn was halfway to the door before even getting the word out. Within fifteen minutes, she was back in the stables, wearing a very plain work dress that one of the servants managed to scrounge up for her.
With the brush in her hand, she took in a long, deep breath, feeling the frustration wash away. She didn’t know how long she spent with the horses. She didn’t care that her arms would be sore in the morning. Eventually, there was only one last horse and she rested her forehead on his glossy back.
She didn’t know why she felt so emotional, but her eyes filled with tears. She tried to keep them from falling. One escaped anyway. She wiped at it with the sleeve and started brushing the horse. The sound of footsteps nearing made the horse lift his head. She wondered if John was there again to see if she needed anything. Instead, she found herself looking into Sir Hughes’s warm eyes.
“Miss Taylor.” He bowed slightly in greeting.
“Oh my goodness, Jack, you scared me.” When she said the words, she blushed when she realized she’d called him by his given name. “I’m sorry, Sir Hughes. I forgot myself.”
Jack smiled. “Think nothing of it, Miss Taylor. I don’t mind at all. In fact, here in the quiet of the stables among these beautiful creatures, it almost seemed right to hear you say my Christian name.”
“It’s good to see you. I hope you brought Amelia with you.”
“I did,” Jack said. “She’s visiting with Aunt Nellie. She told me you were out here with the horses and I thought I’d come fetch you. That is, if you’re willing to step away from these horses.” He looked down the stable at all the horses she’d already brushed. “Is this the last one?”
Kaitlyn nodded. “I’ve just started on him, but it won’t take me long. Of course, I’m in no condition to meet a friend. Not until I’ve had a chance to clean up first.”
“You know, I think Amelia might actually be more comfortable to come out and visit with you out here. Her father’s home is more quiet and rural. She’s quiet as a mouse inside grand homes, but she loves being outside. Maybe if she saw you out here so comfortable, she’d relax as well.”
Kaitlyn stopped brushing the horse and met his eye. “You don’t think my odd ways would be inappropriate for the cousin of a baronet?”
“Well, considering said baronet was the one who suggested it, I don’t think he’d mind having his cousin interact with one of the most fascinating women he’s ever been fortunate to become acquainted with.”
Kaitlyn blinked a few times, surprised at his words. Unsure of what to say next, she returned to brushing the horse. “If you think she’d be more comfortable out here, then I would be happy to see her. Maybe once I’m done, I could wash up just a little and we could go for a walk around the grounds.”
Jack nodded. “An excellent idea. I’ll let her know. Would you like to join us in the west garden when you are ready?”
Kaitlyn smiled. “Sure.”
Jack bowed and turned to walk away, but he glanced back at her as she watched him leave. When he caught her looking at him, he smiled and nodded as if tipping his hat before he left the stables.
“Well, buddy, what do you make of that?”
The horse shook his head, and Kaitlyn laughed. “Yeah, I don’t have a clue either.” He sought her out and wanted his cousin to spend time with her, even after seeing her all gross and sweaty and smelling strongly of horse. She didn’t rush through the remaining process, but her mind was racing. It was incredibly flattering that Sir Hughes was spending time with her.
Could anything come of it? Did she dare let herself explore her options with Sir Hughes? Her mind kept wandering to Cyrus these last few days, especially now that she was all alone and Jem was busy doing his thing. But Cyrus had left her. He wasn’t interested, but a baronet was.