Captain Jones's Temptation - Audrey Harrison Page 0,47

to make myself feel better as well as them.” Esther had never admitted that to anyone else, not even Cook or Lydia. What was it about this man that she was drawn to him and frustrated by him in equal measure?

“I think you do yourself an injustice,” Samuel said. He could see that she looked haunted and that it had been difficult for her to admit what she had. His earlier hurt turned to wishing to protect her, another emotion he was not used to feeling. He smiled, deciding to change the conversation in a way that would make both feel on a more secure footing. “This is a very serious conversation and most unlike us. Why don’t you accompany me on a walk into the town?”

Esther hesitated. She had still not ventured outside since her arrival. This was ridiculous; she could not hide forever. She had not even been to her mother’s grave yet and was ashamed that her fear was keeping her away. “Yes. That would be lovely, although you will find me a lacking guide as I haven’t returned since I left at fourteen.”

“You don’t visit Mrs. Hardy?”

Flushing, Esther shook her head. “No. I write often, but I have never visited since I moved to Sidmouth.”

Samuel knew without doubt there would be a reason for her not visiting. For someone who was so caring and considerate of others, it would take something serious for her to neglect a close friend. He was suddenly determined to find out what motivated the absence. Esther had been hurt, and he wanted to be the one to ease the memory of that pain.

Chapter 14

Esther returned from her walk in a lighter mood. She had not known this area of Exeter when she lived here. Sophie had recommended a park, and they had been able to walk and pretend that there was no threat to her, that she was just another young woman on the arm of a handsome man. And he was so very handsome and charming when he wanted to be. It was a heady mix for someone who was already smitten with him. She felt nothing but pride when he received admiring glances from some of the women they passed. A pity she could not call him her own, but for now at least, she could pretend and forget about everything else.

Samuel noticed how tense Esther was at the start of their walk. He at first presumed that it was because of her reluctance to be with him, but he dismissed that as an overindulgent thought on his part. He was happy to feel her relax as their outing progressed.

On their return, they checked on Matthew. Lydia was still with him.

Matthew grimaced when Samuel walked through the door. “I hope we are well thought of because of this. Every time I move I am reminded of that blackguard!”

“I do keep telling him not to move, but he insists on trying to do things for himself. Which then results in his pain increasing,” Lydia pointed out.

“He was never one for listening to the obvious, even when it is sound advice,” Samuel said, sitting on a chair next to Esther and smiling at Matthew. “I doubt any of us shall receive any public accolade, but privately we have been thanked.”

“What is to happen to the child?” Matthew asked.

“I am waiting to hear,” Samuel said.

“Can we not keep her at the school?” Lydia asked.

Esther twisted her hands on her lap. “If there is a school to return to,” she pointed out.

“Everything is as it was,” Samuel said.

“Outwardly at least,” Esther said. “We shall see in September how many children return.”

“Isabella would not fare well with a move,” Lydia said. “I wish I could adopt her.”

“None of us has any say on the matter,” Samuel said.

“I think that is so unfair! She has been wronged by those who should have her best interests at heart. We know what is best for her. We should be consulted,” Lydia responded. She had jumped up and paced across the room, her agitation clear for everyone to see. It was the most animated the two men had seen her. Matthew in particular seemed struck.

“I understand your feelings; you are perfectly correct, Lydia,” Esther said. “Captain Jones, you must have some influence on the decision. Please could you write and request that Isabella remain with us? You know it isn’t about the money, and that could be expressed. I don’t mind allowing her to stay without being paid