Jack smiled. “I am pleased you put so much faith in me. Zooks, I would quite enjoy dinner at Goldclaw Manor. It has been quite some time. Besides, my mother has taken a liking to hare and it seems to be served so often that I am now quite tired of it.” He grimaced. “And she wonders why I enjoy taking my meals at The Grove sometimes.”
Kenneth smiled; his friend always had a habit of making him feel at ease. Once again, he wished he could have had a brother. Someone to confide in. Alas, it was not mean to be.
“I ought to return to the manor now. I will be missed as I did not announce my departure. Another rude action that will surely be counted against me.” He shook his head and rose, followed by Jack.
“Do not dwell on your reaction. Rather, concentrate on the future. You are a good man; your visitors will see this. And if they do not, what have you lost? The good opinion of someone you will likely never see again in all of your life.” He shrugged. “However, should my prediction come to pass, and the Lady Ruth forgives you, I have a proposition. Invite the young Lady and her sister here for a game of Pall-Mall. Bring your parents as well! I am sure the Duchess will be delighted to partake in a game,” he winked, knowing nothing was further from the truth.
“Particularly after a hefty rain, I am sure.”
Kenneth’s horse was returned to him. He bade his friend farewell then rode back toward Goldclaw Manor.
He glanced up at the sky and saw the sun was setting and darkness began to roll over the countryside. When he approached his home, he saw the windows of the dining room illuminated by the light of candles and realized the table was being set for dinner.
The thought of sitting across from her at dinner still caused him some worry. Not because he thought he might once again be put off by the scar, as he knew to expect it now. No, he worried that there would be awkwardness between them due to his rude welcome of her earlier that day. He took a deep breath. All he had to do was remain calm and civil. He was gifted at civil whiskers and knew himself to be charming. Yes, Jack was right. All would be well. All he needed to do was think of topics of conversation to make sure the mood at dinner was light. Common ground.
Once they were able to converse, the entire party would move past the awkwardness and life would carry on as it always had.
He returned his horse to the stable and was almost at the front door when he spotted two figures walking along the path leading from the lake to the house. His heart beat faster when he realized they were the Duke of Twilightfare’s daughters. He swallowed hard and stopped where he walked, frozen in place.I am not prepared to face her. I am not ready.
They were about to turn on the path that would face him directly. There was no way they would not see him, no way could he escape an unplanned encounter with them. His breathing quickened with sudden panic and in the very moment the two turned, he dove off the walking path and stood with his back against the outside wall of the manor, feeling an utter fool for hiding as though he were a small child.
He closed his eyes, hoping they had not seen him. He waited a few moments and then glanced around the corner. The moment his eyes settled on the portico, he gasped.
For there, standing in the doorway, was none other than Lady Ruth, her eyes set on him and her face a picture of disappointment.
He sighed then, realized he’d once again offended the young woman who surely had gone through enough in her life.
You, Kenneth Cragshade, are a louse and coward, and you deserve nothing but her wrath.
Disgusted at his behavior, he walked away, unsure how he would ever get past the mortification he’d brought upon himself.
Chapter 7
“Iam sure he did not mean anything by it,” Sophia said as they walked down the grand staircase and into the hall. They each had a good idea as to the layout of the manor, having explored it that afternoon.
Ruth shook her head. “He is a peculiar fellow. He seems to be very worried about laying eyes on me again or speaking to me. To hide behind the wall rather than look at me…”
Sophia tucked her arm under hers. “I am sure there is an explanation. He must be embarrassed about his behavior. You will see, all will be well at dinner.” She stopped then, turning to Ruth. “You must promise me not to grow so upset again, please. It has vexed me so.”
She was in truth quite mortified by her earlier behavior. She did not often lose control of herself but when she did, she dissolved almost entirely.
If I did not take things to heart as I always do, I would not find myself quite so desperate and upset when I am overwhelmed.
“Please, do not fret, Sophia. It will not happen again. I was at sixes and sevens because of the Marquess’ unfavorable reception of me, along with the unkind comments I overheard. I lost myself in my sorrows. You know how rarely this happens.”
Sophia sighed. “I wish you did not have to suffer so. Ought I speak to Papa and ask him to send you back home? You are so much more comfortable at home.”
Ruth did not quite know what to say to this. She loved her home, but at the same time, she knew that if Sophia spoke to their father now and told him what had occurred in her chamber, he would worry all the more.
“No, Sophia. I promise you there is no cause for concern. Please, do not mention it to Papa. He will worry.”
“Very well.” She broke into a smile. “I would not have wanted you to leave anyhow. I would miss you so much. Faith, I cannot imagine what life would be like if we were not together, side by side as we always are.”
They carried on walking. “One day soon you’ll have to get used to it because you will be married and we will no longer be living together,” Ruth said gently.
Sophia shrugged. “I have already thought of this. Once I am married, I want you to come and live with me, wherever that might be. I shall take care of you for all of our lives.”
Ruth forced a smile on her face. She knew her sister’s intentions were good. However, it also reinforced to her a knowledge that she was painfully aware of. Chances of her ever marrying and having a home of her own, a husband, and a family of her own, were almost nonexistent. No, while her sister pictured the future as though it were a happy event, Ruth did not look forward to it. She knew all too well that when their father passed away, she would have no choice but to hope Sophia’s future husband would take her on. She had no other prospects.
