Mrs. Farnsworth looked away, and Sally could tell that she was ill at ease. “I’m afraid I can’t say, my dear. I wasn’t present when His Grace passed away, and the family never spoke about their feelings, certainly not with us servants. I heard about his death when I arrived back from the market. I remember I’d gone there because one of the maids was sick.” She shook her head, her blue eyes shimmering. “It was a shock. Although in some ways it wasn’t.”
“What do you mean it wasn’t a surprise?” This statement really surprised her, for she’d thought his death had been sudden. So why was it expected? Could something be expected and also not?
Sally’s curiosity was thoroughly piqued now. The older woman looked left and right, as if she wanted to make sure nobody had heard them. Then, she lowered her voice.
“The old Duke had returned from a journey to Portugal, where he visited one of his vineyards. He was quite run down already then, but he insisted on going to a meeting in London the next day. He was gone for a few days, and when he returned, he was rather unwell. He drank more than usual.”
She spoke as if she were sharing a dreadful secret rather than something everyone already knew. Wasn’t it common knowledge he’d died of a heart attack? Or did she worry someone might hear her talking about the late Duke’s drinking? Had that been a problem? Maybe this was why Leonard was so different when it came to his father. If he was a secret drunkard, it might explain some of Leonard’s off behaviors.
“Then, one morning, his wife found him,” she added and all thought about possible scandal disappeared from Sally’s thoughts as shock overtook her.
Sally gasped at the mere thought. She couldn’t imagine finding Leonard dead and they’d only been married a few weeks, how terrible for the poor woman. “That’s dreadful,” she said. “It must have been such a shock for his wife.”
Mrs. Farnsworth nodded. “Yes, it was a terrible shock for everyone. But I have to say, His Grace’s wife seemed to recover quickly. It makes me wonder if their marriage wasn’t what it seemed.” The woman’s eyes grew wide and she slapped a hand in front of her face as if her own words had shocked her. “I did not mean to say that,” she said quickly.
“But you did. What do you mean?” Sally prodded but the older woman waved a hand.
“Please, do not ask me anymore. I recommend you and His Grace speak to one another about … these things.” She said, though something in her tone told Sally there was more she wanted to say. “I’ve said more than enough besides, you ought to go to bed. You’re still not fully recovered,” she said swiftly and placed hand on Sally’s back. “It’s chilly out here, and you don’t want to catch a cold.”
Sally nodded, understanding that Mrs. Farnsworth was not going to say anything else to her today that would be of any use. besides, she’d already given her much to think about.
As she made her way back to her chamber, she glanced at the woman again. “Thank you for telling me all of this. I know it must be difficult to talk about.”
Mrs. Farnsworth smiled warmly. “It’s not been easy talking about the past, Your Grace. But I’m always happy to chat with you.” With that, she left Sally alone and went about her business. As Sally stood in her chamber she looked around, thinking of the woman who had once occupied this space. What had her life been like, really been like? And what secrets had she taken to her grave with her? For there had to have been something, even if Sally had no idea what.
* * *
Later in the day, Sally, having dressed and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, made her way towards Leonard’s study. She hadn’t been surprised to find the dining table devoid of his presence; she had been informed by the household staff that he had retired to his study earlier.
Given her recent illness, she understood that Leonard likely took the opportunity to attended to business while she was ill. This would not have violated their agreement, after all. Thus, there was no trace of resentment in her demeanor as she approached his study door, hoping to entice him to go for a walk.
He’d kept her company for the last few days, but they hadn’t been able to leave her chamber due to her illness. Now she was better, she was eager to get some fresh air and to explore the growing connection further.
Knocking lightly, she waited for Leonard’s voice to bid her entry before pushing the door open. Inside, the warm ambiance of the study enveloped her, imbued with the scent of old books and polished wood. Leonard sat at his desk, engrossed in some documents, his brows furrowed in concentration.
“Good morning, Leonard,” Sally greeted him with a soft smile, stepping into the room. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything important.”
Leonard glanced up from his work, a smile spreading across his features as he caught sight of her. “Not at all, Sally. Come in,” he replied warmly, gesturing for her to take a seat opposite him. “Mrs. Farnsworth said you were up and had breakfast downstairs. That is good tidings, I hope? You feel better?” He motioned for the chair across from him.
Sally settled into the chair, feeling a sense of calm wash over her in Leonard’s presence. “I am much better. Thank you for your concern.”
Leonard’s eyes softened with relief. “I’m glad to hear that. You had me worried for a moment there.”
Before silence could settle between them, she cleared her throat and scooted to the edge of her seat. “Pray, I had wondered. Would you like to go for a walk with me? In the garden? I do not think I can walk very far but a turn about the garden should do me well.”
Leonard started to open his mouth, and Sally thought that he was going to say yes. But then he shook his head and averted his eyes, “I can’t, Sally. I have to meet with Aaron today.”
Sally’s lips parted in surprise. “Lord Finch?” she asked. “But our honeymoon isn’t over yet.”
Leonard’s expression hardened. “I’m a businessman, Sally. I can’t put everything on hold just because we’re on our honeymoon. Besides, I took care of you while you were sick. That has to be enough.”
That has to be enough? What does he mean? Was I nothing but a burden to him?
Sally felt taken aback by Leonard’s manner. She had seen him like this before but she’d thought they were past such cold words and brisk behavior.
“I… I beg your pardon. I did not know it was such a burden to you to look after me. I thought you said we were a unit,’ she said, unable to hide the pain she felt.
He looked up, his eyes wide. “I did not mean it like that. But I am busy. I have things to tend to. Please, do try and entertain yourself.”
