Glitter - Abbi Glines Page 0,60

butler could appear beside me and open them for me. Turning back to him, I smiled. “I didn’t get your name or I fear I do not recall it,” I admitted to him.

He was much younger than most butlers, but his stiff back and regal demeanor was that of the finest English butlers. “Earlwin, Miss Bathurst,” he replied.

“Thank you, Earlwin, for your assistance. It is much appreciated,” I replied then picked up my skirts in a fashion I knew my mother would scold me for and hurried down the steps and out across the manicured lawn toward the stables.

Although my long strides had quickened my arrival at the stables, it was of no use, for Ashington was not back yet from his ride. A stable boy walked by carrying feed and I decided then I would find out in what direction he had gone and begin making my way toward him.

“Do you know where Lord Ashington takes his morning rides?” I asked the boy.

He nodded and pointed out toward the back of the house toward the woods behind it, yet he said nothing.

“He took his horse in that direction?” I asked incredulously. That didn’t seem safe for man or horse. Was there even a path?

The boy waved his hand again with his finger, pointing in the same direction. This time he used more flair as if trying to speak louder but remained silent.

“Is there a path I don’t see?” I asked him, wishing he would speak.

The boy nodded then walked away with the feed, never once uttering a word.

Hoping he was correct, I picked up my skirts again and headed back toward what looked like a forest from here. I couldn’t imagine Lord Ashington would go riding out into a dense forest when he had all this lovely land to enjoy. The closer I got to the wooded area, I realized that there was, in fact, a very wide path that had been hidden by the sun’s shadows. Perhaps the path led to a beautiful stream or open field of daises.

There must be a reason Ashington would take the path as there must also be a reason for the path’s existence. I began walking through the forest and the deeper I went, the more magical it became. The trees leaned toward each other at their tops, as if reaching to embrace a loved one. Birds flitted from branches as the sunlight that broke through made the path appear as if it were meant for fairies instead of humans.

It was a perfectly carved out trail by nature itself and I was so lost in the beauty and magnificence around me I missed the light at the end until I was almost upon it. A voice stopped me and I paused to listen. Perhaps I had come upon someone else’s estate. I wasn’t sure where I had been going, only that the boy had said Lord Ashington had went this way.

“Make another, Ashington!” A young voice pleaded.

“Why do you need another? That crown fits quite well. You look as if you are the queen of fairies,” Lord Ashington replied.

“Tis not for me! I need one for Alice. If I am to be queen of fairies then she must be my princess. If she is the princess and I am the queen, I shall not take a nap today but dance among the flowers and eat jam all I want,” the young girl said.

I couldn’t see either of them and I feared if I made a move, they would hear me. Who was the child Ashington was talking to? Was it a neighbor’s child? A relative?

Ashington laughed as if he were truly delighted. “I do not believe Alice will agree to such terms,” he replied. “However, if you are very good, I will make sure jam is delivered with your biscuits at tea today.”

He was sending them food? I wanted to move closer so I could see them but stayed in place. My curiosity was battling my good sense.

“Will you come have tea with us?” she asked with a hopeful tone.

“I’m afraid I cannot today. I must entertain my company,” he replied.

A loud sigh came from the girl. “I wish to meet your company.”

“I believe you shall soon,” he told her.

“Truly! You said you had to be sure.”

There was a pause and I wondered if he had noticed me or if I was breathing too heavily. I hated not being able to see them through the shrubbery.

“I am almost sure that you will