The Gentleman and the Thief (The Dread Penny Society #2) - Sarah M. Eden Page 0,15
is correct.”
“Darby?” He pouted fiercely, something he’d done all her life when he was thinking particularly hard. “I remember the Darbys. Two brothers, I remember.”
Ana smiled and nodded. “You always did have a very good memory.”
He looked back out the window, no doubt watching for Mr. Thompson.
Ana returned her attention to the box she’d pulled from the drawer, opening it carefully. It had once been full of the most beautiful jewelry: lovely, tasteful rings, pendants Mother wore on her favorite gold chain, necklaces boasting a variety of gems, earbobs, and bracelets. It was nearly empty now. Only two rings were there along with one necklace.
And, now, a single silver bracelet.
I will get them all back in time, Mother. She’d made the same silent vow on every visit since Mother died. She was slowly getting it all back from the people who’d taken so much from them. Jewelry, mementos, knickknacks, decorations. If she could have managed it, she would have reclaimed the furniture and paintings and books that had been snatched away as well. One could only hide so much in a violin case.
Wallace, Father’s valet and the only servant left in the house, returned, having put away the food Ana brought.
She nodded toward her father. “He’s very concerned about Mr. Thompson.”
“I suspect he gets lonesome, miss. He watches the world around him, but he ain’t part of it. Wears on a soul, that does.”
“He has you,” she said. “That’s worth a great deal.”
“Thank you, Miss Newport.”
“I’ll do a bit of straightening while I’m here. I have some time before I need to return to the school.”
“I’m sorry I cain’t keep the ol’ place cleaner,” Wallace said. “Too much for one person, it is.”
“You take care of Father and keep him company. That is far more important.”
She spent another hour there, sweeping and straightening. She cleaned Father’s window, knowing how much time he spent there. He would be happier if he could see well.
The man he’d been before his fortunes failed would not have spent his days looking out at the world; he would have been out in the world. He had retreated, and she’d lost hope of tugging him back. She could restore some of the things that had been stolen from them, but she couldn’t give him back his dignity or pride or good name.
Before leaving, she pressed a kiss to his sunken, stubbly cheek. “I will see you next Friday, Father.”
He kept his gaze on the street below. Ana slipped out.
It wasn’t my fault, he’d said. She knew it wasn’t. He’d been blamed and scapegoated, and the entire family had paid the price for that injustice.
Society was fickle, yes. But so was Fate.
Hollis stood in the entryway of Thurloe, watching the lady who had claim on his affections rush down the stairs toward him. If only her excitement was from seeing him rather than her new position. He didn’t mean to press his suit or want to cause her any degree of discomfort. They would make the journey to Randolph’s home as comfortable acquaintances. He’d require himself to be satisfied with that.
“I am bringing with me a few sheets of very simple music that my beginning students use early in their lessons.” She took a quick, somewhat tight breath. No matter that she was smiling and clearly eager, Ana hadn’t entirely hidden her nervousness. “I’m not certain how much your niece has learned already. You said she has had some musical instruction.” She pressed her lips together, brow suddenly drawing low. “Perhaps I ought to have selected a few more difficult pieces as well. Her governess might feel insulted if I’ve underestimated what has already been taught. Do you suppose she’ll be upset? Eloise is only eight years old. My youngest students here are only a bit older than that. They are usually very amiable.”
Hollis took her hand and held it gently. “My dear Miss Newport, set your mind at ease. Eloise loves music and will be delighted to continue learning to play her pianoforte. Her governess will be grateful to be relieved of responsibility for a subject matter on which she is not well versed. And know that I suggested you for the position because I have every confidence that you are equal to it.”
Though her fingers were wrapped around his, he felt the warmth of her touch around his heart.
“If this goes terribly, will you solemnly vow to not laugh at me when I cry in the carriage all the way back?”