Chapter Eleven
Finn walked into a scene of confusion, and although it took him aback, he was relieved to see none of the participants were known to him. Perhaps he’d have one day’s freedom from sharp-eyed mothers and their blushing daughters.
Then more voices sounded and two women entered, encumbered with bags.
They were blonde. They were twins. And their eyes settled on him with the accuracy of a falcon about to catch a fish.
There was an older woman, leaning on Frank. The lad was having a rapid indoctrination into the business of being first footman, but he seemed to be holding his own. The soldiers’ code worked.
“These ladies agreed to accompany me on my journey,” she said, her voice tired. “Hestia and Phoebe Tisdale. They found their way to me through Sir Paul DeVoreaux, Viscount Purlieu.”
Hecate nodded. “My sister-in-law’s brother.”
The blondes curtseyed in unison. “Sir Paul is so thoughtful,” said the one in the blue cloak. “He and Lady Harriet suggested we accompany Lady Augusta down here.”
“That is most kind of you,” began Hecate.
“Not really,” said the one in the maroon cloak. “You see we were having a spot of bother with a gentleman in London. So it was decided that we should probably leave for a time.”
“Ah,” said Hecate. “Well then. It all worked out quite satisfactorily then, didn’t it.”
Clearly she was as confused as Finn, but he had faith she’d work it all out. Her competence had been put to the test several times recently and she’d not failed yet.
“I have letters,” said Lady Augusta, reaching into her reticule. “Perhaps they will help explain our situation.” She passed the folded papers to Hecate.
“I shall read them immediately, of course, but I think we should settle you all. I assume you’re staying for a little while?”
“If it’s not inconvenient.” The words were hesitant, almost as if she expected to be turned away.
Hecate looked at Frank. “If you could bring in Lady Augusta’s luggage and anything else the Misses Tisdale might need; I’ll ask Winnie to take the ladies to their rooms.”
“I can help,” said Finn, walking to Hecate’s side. He smiled at the older lady. “Lady Pierpoint.” He bowed over her hand. “I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting you, but I do recall seeing you at some event or other in London a couple of years ago.”
That courtesy elicited a tired smile. “How kind.” She blinked at him. “Are you a relative of Miss Ridlington’s?”
“Finn…that is, Mr. Casey…is recuperating here. He was injured recently and suffered a debilitating illness. But I’m happy to say that he is on the way to a complete recovery.”
“If you are in the need of a healing touch, Lady Pierpoint, then you are absolutely in the right place.” He took her hand and placed it on his arm. “If you will allow me, I will escort you upstairs.”
He was pleased to see a little of her colour return as one of the Tisdales took her cloak.
“The two guest rooms at the end of the corridor, I think, please Finn?” Hecate knew they were tidy, and that the chimneys worked. “I’ll have fires lit as soon as possible.”
“We’ll take care of her, Miss Ridlington,” said the other Tisdale. “Phoebe and I have come to know her quite well. She’s an interesting lady and we’re learning lots of things from her.” She leaned toward Hecate and lowered her voice. “But she’s got a bad case of the megrims. Very bad. So we tried to keep her spirits up on the way here.”
Finn caught the conversation, his gaze turning to Lady Augusta. She had also heard, but just shook her head. “They call it the megrims, Mr. Casey. I call it a shattered soul.” She glanced over her shoulder, “They have no idea. But they’re good girls.”
Hecate nodded as Winnie hurried in and took over, encouraging Frank to guide the girls upstairs behind Finn and Lady Augusta. With the extra set of hands, he was able to see them into their rooms with little fuss, and gratefully turned away, knowing they were all where they were supposed to be. For the time being, anyway.
Returning downstairs, he found Hecate sitting on a small side chair, reading her letters.
“It looks like we’ll have a house full for dinner,” he remarked. “And where is Dal? He should know about this development.”
Hecate waved her hand absently. “Just a minute…let me finish this…”
A few moments later, she sighed, folded the letter and looked at him with sadness in her eyes. “Lady Augusta does indeed need our help, Finn. She’s just miscarried a child.”
*~~*~~*
Hecate had viewed the arrival of Lady Augusta with reservations.
She knew of the previous “association” with James FitzArden, since Letitia had been driven to distraction with jealousy when the woman had shown up, unannounced, in the middle of Letitia’s courtship.
In London, Hecate had observed Lady Augusta’s flamboyant presence on several occasions, and the gossip always ran hot when the notorious woman took a new lover.
But now, here at Doireann Vale, Lady Augusta seemed to have shed her glamour and her poise. Thin of face and pale of complexion, she bore little resemblance to the stunning beauty who had gathered men like flowers in spring, ornamenting her life with them.
How old was she, wondered Hecate? And did her age have anything to do with losing her babe? There were many unanswered questions, but being a patient woman now, Hecate knew she would wait, and let Lady Augusta sort out her own feelings before she asked any of them.
As far as regaining her health was concerned, that would probably be a matter of good food, rest and tranquillity. All of which she could offer her guests without a problem.
The Tisdale girls, on the other hand…she wasn’t sure they’d be content staying in the quiet surroundings of the country. Paul, Rosaline’s brother, had recommended them to Hecate. His brief letter lay with the others.
“Silly girls, much given to heightened passions and always on the hunt for anything in breeches.”
Hecate had to chuckle. So much like Paul, blunt and to the point.
“But Harriet believes there are honest hearts beneath their indecent décolletages, and hopes they can be persuaded to find the good she’s convinced lurks within. While I adore and love my wife beyond measure, I will hold my agreement in reserve on this matter, trusting in your sound judgement.”
She read portions of the letters to Finn, knowing he’d enjoy the contents just as much as she did.
“Your family is fascinating,” he declared, after laughing over Paul’s comments. “Do you believe his assessment of the Tisdales?”
“I have no reason not to,” she answered. “And yes, I find my family wonderful as well. Overall, that is. When they start trying to manage my life—that’s a different matter.”
“You’re the youngest. I doubt that will ever change.”
“I agree. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it. I know it’s done out of love, but still. Some acknowledgement of my adulthood would be pleasant, I believe.” She sighed. “But never mind that. What are we going to do with our guests?”
Finn stared from the window in thought. “Well. I believe Lady Augusta will need some care. She is not physically very strong, from what I saw, and her eyes are so sad.”
“I know. I saw that as well. It will be for me to see if I can lead her back into the light and away from the dark places she’s living in at the moment.”
“If anyone can, you can,” he said quietly. “I’m the living result.”
Hecate felt a blush creep up her cheeks. “That was a bit different…”
“Yes, but you found my dark places and brought me out of them.” His gaze travelled over her face. “You summoned me back into the sunshine.”
“And I’m glad I did.” She fought to keep her expression calm. No point in mentioning that it was going to lead to a great deal more than just a new life.
“But while I’m helping Lady Augusta, what on earth are we going to do with Hestia and Phoebe?”
“Let them have Frank to play with?” He quirked an eyebrow in amusement.
“Finn.”
“All right,” he laughed. “That would be cruel and unusual punishment for the poor lad. He will have to learn how to handle women soon, though. I think our Winnie is developing a bit of a tendre for him.”
“Oh good Lord.” Hecate put her head in her hands. “I can’t possibly do anything about that. It’s Mrs. Trimmer’s job to educate her daughter.” She looked up with a grin. “Although I will say she could do a lot worse than Frank. He’s bound to be promoted to my butler before long, because I’m going to need one and I have no clue how to find one.”
Finn shook his head. “Oh the problems that assail us when we least expect it.”
Hecate took a bold step. “What are your problems, Finn?”
He blinked in surprise. “Mine?” He thought about it. “I suppose trying to remember the time that I’ve lost. Seeing things now and again, in dreams or brief flashes…Ireland. I know I was in Ireland.” He shook his head. “That’s all. But it’s something…”
“Those are not problems. Those are exciting new developments, I’d say,” Hecate responded with a smile. “Time is, as I promised, starting to heal you. If that’s all that’s worrying you, then I’d say you’re doing very well indeed.”
His blue gaze met hers. “It’s not.”
She returned the look, wondering what lay behind it. “Then what is? Tell me your worries…”
“I worry about you.”
“Me? Why?”
“Because…because I’ve kissed you. Because the taste of you haunts my dreams, and the feel of your hands on my face, your lips on my mouth…those things are always with me.” He took a breath. “Because I’m aware of every little movement, every sigh, every time you rise more slowly and I can tell your hip is giving you pain. I worry, Hecate. I worry because you are coming to mean a great deal to me. I worry because I desire you as a man desires a woman. And I worry that before long, I won’t be able to hold that fierce wanting back any longer.”
She swallowed, absorbing his declaration.
“You should send me away, Hecate. I’ll only bring trouble to your world.”
“I cannot, Finn.” She chose her words carefully. “I have seen…visions that indicate you and I have a future that may involve the things you mention. I’m not sure when, or where. But I do know that you and I are bound in some way.” She lifted her head, meeting his gaze. “And I’ll confess it’s to my liking.”
He moved, shifting on his chair, his lips parting to speak, but she held up her hand to stop him. She had to keep some kind of control over this growing attraction between them.
“There is no timetable for any of this, Finn. And at this moment, I am not ready to take that mighty a step. But when I do…it will be with you. And it will be when the time is right.” She rose. “I’ll leave you to think about it and make whatever choices you feel are appropriate. For now, I must deal with the additions to our household, and see that Dal is aware of the current situation.”
She turned for the door.
“Hecate…” his voice sounded calm as she glanced at him over her shoulder. “When the time is right, then.”
She nodded, and left, her heart thundering at the thought of what lay ahead for the two of them.