She had done just the same with James the evening before, but she had no desire to walk with Edwin. She didn't say as much but simply declined with a tilt of her head. "I'm afraid that I have to check on the children"— she smiled— "Lord Arvill - the other Lord Arvill, that is - gave me strict instructions to keep an eye on them whenever possible."
Disappointment filled his expression, but he relented. "Another time, then."
Not if I can help it,Alicia thought, but she was wise enough not to say it aloud. Instead, she said her goodbyes and slipped into the playroom.
Samuel and Jenny were there; while Samuel sat on the little window seat and gazed out of the window, Jenny perched at the other end with a doll in her hands. They chatted softly but turned to smile when Alicia entered.
"You don't have to watch usall the time," Jenny insisted, "We promised not to play any more nasty pranks."
"I know," Alicia replied, "but I like spending time with you." She was sure that plenty of people might have found it strange that she chose to spend time with children, even when she didn't need to, but the truth was that it was lonely in this big old house, with so much room and not enough people to fill it. James was always busy, and Edwin made her spine tingle with discomfort. Considering that most of the maids and kitchen staff avoided her because she was governess and therefore of much higher standing, she didn't have many friends.
Oh,she realized with a sigh,that does sound quite ridiculous, doesn't it? I need to get out more.Perhaps she could go into town on Saturday or something.
"We like spending time with you, too," Samuel piped up, a grin taking over his features.
That, at least, made Alicia grin. "I'm glad."
* * *
In all truthfulness, James didn't want Agatha to be here. No, that wasn't quite true - helovedAgatha's presence and always enjoyed her visits. It was her mother, Lady Rose, that was the problem. She had a horrible habit of taking over the conversation, interrupting mid-sentence with input of her own. Half the time, it didn't even have anything to do with what had just been said.
Today was no different, and he was quickly growing tired.
"Isn't it so nice, the three of us together?" Rose chirped as she sipped her tea, "I do so love our little get-togethers, but I wish thatwe could do so more often. Don't you, Agatha?"
Agatha smiled into her cup. "Yes, mother," she agreed, "but you have to remember that James is a busy man, and he can't drop everything to accommodate us whenever we demand it."
"Of course, of course. I would neverdreamof such a thing; it's only that you two used to be so close."
Nose scrunched, James sank deeper into his seat. They were sat at the table by the window, open to let in the slight breeze. Agatha's blonde hair floated gently in the breeze, drifting across her shoulders in a few loose strands. The rest was piled atop her head in an intricately braided sort of bun, and he had to admit that she looked lovely. Shealwaysdid, dressing her best even for such simple afternoon visits. James had never understood it.
That's not true,he reminded himself.You do know why. Everyone does.It was no secret that Agatha was sweet on him. That she had always hoped they would end up together someday. It would have been sweeter had her mother not been so insistent that they were made for each other. That really took it from innocently endearing to somewhatcreepy,although he never said so out loud.
"Now," Rose said with a bright smile, "it's a lovely day, and I do so love the gardens. Perhaps we could take a walk?"
James was in no mood. "I'm terribly sorry," he said with false cheer, "but I have work to be getting back to. The back wall of the manor requires some repairs, and I'm having difficulty finding the right hire to-"
"Say no more, I have just the man in mind," Rose cut in, "I shall send a letter with the details the second I get home. Now, Agatha, let's not keep him waiting any longer."
Agatha rolled her eyes but complied. Her smile was bright and cheerful if a little regretful that they had to leave so soon. "It was lovely seeing you again," she offered kindly, "Mother is right, you know. We should try to see each other more often." Then she stood, brushing invisible crumbs from her dress, and made her way to the door.
James followed dutifully, although, of course, they knew the way out by now. He called for the doorman to see them out, then turned back to Agatha with a gentle smile. "I do miss you, Agatha. It was so much easier when we were young. Before..." he swept a hand across the foyer absently. "Everything."
"I know," she breathed, a sad smile on her lips. "I'm sorry about your father, James. He was a good man."
James only hummed in response. Father's death was only part of the reason he hardly saw Agatha nowadays; between caring for the manor, looking after the children, and everything else... well, there was hardly any time to think of anything else. Even now, with Alicia taking care of his siblings, there wasn't enough time in the world. Now that everyone thought he was a murderer, there was no enjoyment in leaving the house, anyway.
As if sensing his thoughts, Agatha patted his shoulder reassuringly. "Things will get easier," she assured, "I know they will." Then she stepped back as the doorman, Archie, arrived. "I'll see you soon, James," she offered kindly, "perhaps I could stop by again next week for tea? Or we could even picnic in the gardens, weather permitting."
Itdidsound better than moping around in the house all day. Smiling, he accepted. "I'd enjoy that. Now get home safe, both of you."
Agatha nodded in return, meanwhile Rose offered another of her beaming smiles. "Good day, James. Take care! My Agatha and I will organize another visit soon."
Archie sent him a sympathetic look as the two women left, although he didn't utter a word. He was a good employee; good at his job, with just enough kindness to be interested in James' wellbeing, while still respectful enough not to pry. "It seems that you've had quite the eventful day," he offered gently, "Will the maids be clearing the drawing-room now?"
He hummed in response. "Yes, I think so. I should really get back to work, but I'd like to check on the children first."
Archie nodded, his smile fatherly and gentle. "I'll be here if you need me."
