Chapter 30
It did not takeIris long to get back into her routine in the Oakley household. She felt glad to be back by Amy’s side, focusing more on what she needed rather than what Iris needed herself. As it turned out, she was so much better at dealing with the problems of other people than her own. That was much more her comfortzone.
Of course, shedidfelt a little jittery every now and again but she was sure that had much more to do with the strange moment she had shared in the hallway than anything else. Everything else she felt perfectly happy with. It was only that, and what she should do with it, that caused her even a scrap oftrouble.
Still, she was waiting, because she had not yet decided what action was best totake.
"Have you see my brother?” Amy asked pointedly, for what felt the hundredth time. “I have not seen much of him since youreturned.”
“I erm... I suppose he has a lot to take care of.” Iris tried to sound disinterested but she could feel her cheeks flaming, giving her away. “He brought a new ship, did henot?”
Amy pouted out her lips, feeling sulky. She would have thought that Ewan would have said something by now, she assumed that her little speech would have encouraged him to make a move when it came to Daisy, but it seemed not. She hoped desperately that he had not changed her mind because she really wanted them to get married, she could think of no one bettersuited.
“I supposeso.”
Iris spotted sadness in Amy’s eyes, which she mistook for something else. “Do you miss him? I am certain if you wanted to speak with him, he will make time foryou.”
“Yes...maybe.”
“Daisy?” Mr. Shipman’s voice caught the attention of both of the girls. “A letter has been delivered for you thismorning.”
A letter?Iris did some rapid mental calculations. It had been almost two weeks, which meant it was possible that this mail had come from her sister. Finally, she might be about to get the news that she had been waiting so desperatelyfor.
There certainly was not anyone else that would write toher.
“Thank you,” she gasped as she took the letter from the butler’s hand. “I appreciate it verymuch.”
The paper burned between her fingers, but she could not open it just yet. There was a chance that sensitive information was written within the pages, so she would have to wait until she wasalone.
"Who is that from?" Amy asked nosily. She leaned over, causing Iris to stuff the envelope into her apron pocket. "You can open it here if youlike?"
“Oh, it is a letter from my sister, and it may regard our father’s health. I think that is information I would prefer to digest by myself... just in case it is bad news.” Iris felt terrible for using that same lie again, but it was essential. “I hope that youunderstand.”
“Yes, I suppose so,” Amy shrugged. “I am off to my lesson now anyway, so you may read the letter inpeace.”
Iris walked Amy to her classroom, trying to remain composed the entire time. She nodded along as Amy made small talk with her, and she concentrated on breathing steadily, but inside her organs tied themselves up in knots. Elizabeth’s words could make or break everything and she could barely stand thewait.
“If this nice weather holds up, maybe we should go for a walk in the garden this afternoon?” Amy asked cautiously. She was a little afraid that her handmaiden was about to receive terrible news about her father, and she wanted to cheer her up. “Unless you are too busy ofcourse.”
“No, I would like that,” Iris nodded and smiled. “Have a good day,Amy.”
“See you,Daisy.”
Iris stood in the doorway of Amy’s classroom for a moment, watching her friend sit attentively for her governess. In that way, she reminded Iris of Elizabeth. She was always so keen to learn, whereas Iris preferred to spend her time daydreaming. She smiled as the memory of her own childhood washed over her. During her times of bleak sadness, she had forgotten that there were wonderful times. She had enjoyed some of her time as aWarwick.
Right, time to read this letter before it burns a hole in mychest.
She left the tidying of Amy’s room for the time being while she raced down to her own bedroom to have a read, to see what was going on in her family’slives...
“Daisy!” Alice’s voice made her jump. “How are you? I have not seen much of you since you returned. I missyou.”
“Oh, right.” Iris did not realise how shut off she had become. That was never her intention, it had just occurred naturally. It seemed that while she was trying to work out what she wanted her future identity to be she had closed herself off completely. “I am sorry, I have been very weary and it has been challenging to get back intothings.”
“Oh, I see.” Alice looked a little confused. “I assumed it might be because of your father’ssickness.”
Of course!That explanation was much better. Iris wished she had thought of it on thespot.
Actually, why not go with itanyway?
