“Take your pick: the footman and now an attempt on Julius.”
“Oh, dear. Noah is most protective of the lad.”
“Lad? He’s nineteen, as he shouted so eloquently.”
“You wouldn’t know it by the way Noah treats him. It’s a wonder he allowed him to attend Eton.” Miss Hale rang for tea then took Geneva’s arm and led her to the seating area before the hearth. “Tell me everything.”
So Geneva did. From the dagger coming for Julius to Noah Oshea’s insinuation that she’d been the culprit. “I couldn’t bear to stay there another minute.”
“Are you returning to London, then?”
Not until I locate my locket.“Um, no. We thought to stay the night with you, let the infuriating man get himself under control. If you don’t mind, of course.”
“You absolutely must,” she said with great enthusiasm that felt a little disorienting. “You’ll stay in your old chamber.” Miss Hale spoke as if Geneva hadn’t stayed over but once and only two nights prior. She glanced at Pasha. “There is even a small room for your maid.”
“Thank you. It’s all been quite disconcerting.” Geneva rubbed her forehead with the heel of her hand. “Because someone did throw a knife at him from the trees. I just can’t make sense of who would wish harm to such a sweet, young man.”
An older woman Geneva didn’t recognize entered with a tray.
“Thank you, Cook.”
The older woman left without a word and Miss Hale poured out cups, and to Geneva’s surprise, offered one to Pasha. “The previous earl had many enemies,” Miss Hale confided. “He was not discreet in his handling of women, nor was his father,” she muttered. “He cared not if they were wed. And a good number of thetondid attend his memorial service. Any one of them could have remained behind.”
Geneva drummed her fingers on her knee. “I hadn’t thought of that.”
The look in Miss Hale’s eyes turned speculative. “Your concern for Julius is most curious.”
“I…” Geneva took in a deep breath. “You are correct in your assertions regarding the former Lord Pender. I believe he seduced my mother and Julius is the result.”
Miss Hale’s mouth dropped then snapped shut, dropped again and so forth. If Geneva hadn’t been so upset herself, she might have enjoyed the sight.
Geneva smoothed her hands over her skirts. “I can see I’ve rendered you speechless.”
Miss Hale blinked and appeared to gather her bearings. “A rare feat, I assure you,” she said on a breathless huff, almost sounding as a laugh.
“Yes, well. I’m not certain, of course, but there are… things. Little things that prick at my skin and refuse to abate.”
“I rather thought you were about to tell me that it was you and I who were related,” Miss Hale said softly. “Ah, but that would have been a shock, no?” She stood quickly. “Come. Let’s get you and your maid—”
“Pasha.”
Miss Hale inclined her head. “Pasha, then. You must get settled. But I feel a need for air. This has all been quite astonishing.”
Thirty minutes later, Geneva followed her hostess into the late-afternoon sun. The temperature was cool, but the wind had eased, making the walk pleasant. She led her down a path at the back of the manor, where the ocean waves pounding against rocks drowned out nearly all sound.
“We’re going to the ocean?” Geneva shouted over the force of nature.
“Do you mind terribly? There’s something calming about the water’s ebb and flow, the damp air—” Miss Hale waved out her hand. “Indeed, my blood seems to absorb its very power.”
“You know, I saw the ocean for the first time just a few days ago. It’s quite impressive.” The hike down left Geneva breathless but exhilarated. Further conversation was impossible until they reached a surprisingly sandy beach. “Do you come down here often?”
“Not for some time, really.” There was a sense of loss about Miss Hale’s tone that drew Geneva’s quick glance.
“As I recall, you never answered when I asked about your parents.”
Miss Hale was so quiet, Geneva didn’t believe she’d heard the question, or if she had… “My mother died of a contagion.” She inhaled deeply.
“Oh, Miss Hale—Docia, if that is all right with you—I’m so sorry.” Geneva lifted her hand but hesitated to touch her. She looked brittle enough to shatter. She dropped her hand to her side. “What of your father? Were you and he close after…”
