The Heiress of Winterwood - By Sarah Ladd Page 0,30
his boots stomping across the grass, the women looked up. He had no desire to see the embarrassment that painted Miss Barrett’s expression, but he knew what needed to be done.
“Miss Barrett, I am afraid my daughter and I can no longer trespass on your hospitality.”
Miss Barrett’s hand flew to her mouth. “Whatever do you mean?”
He could not look her in the eyes when he spoke the words. “I think it would be best for all involved if we make other living arrangements for Lucy.”
She cried out and took hold of his arm. “If this is because of Mr. Littleton, please, do not give it another thought. I will talk to him. I can get him to change his mind. Please, I—”
He raised his hand to silence her. “Please, Miss Barrett, do not misunderstand. I am grateful for your generosity, but all things considered, I believe this is for the best.”
She circled him, blocking the path to the stable with her small frame. Her rosy complexion had drained to white. “Captain, this is Lucy’s home. Please, I beg you, sir, don’t take her away.”
He had no desire to hurt her, but he wasn’t about to apologize for intruding on her conversation or removing Lucy. He cleared his throat, not accustomed to explaining his actions. “To my knowledge, there is no nursery at Eastmore Hall. So if you would be so kind as to allow her to stay on with you until further arrangements can be made, I would be in your debt.” He hesitated, then looked down at his daughter sleeping in the carriage. Emotion tightened his chest, and he drew a deep breath. “Good day, ladies.”
He bowed, tipped his hat, and moved past the women. The sooner he could free himself from Winterwood and the insanity brewing within its walls, the better he and Lucy would be.
Please be home. Please be home. Please be home.
With every step, the words thumped in Amelia’s head. Faster and faster her feet carried her along the path from Winterwood’s west wall to the vicarage.
Heart pounding, she abandoned the path for a shortcut through a copse of trees that bordered the moors. More than once she almost lost her footing on wet leaves and grass. A branch caught her hair and pulled it free of her ivory comb just as she reached the clearing where the vicarage stood. She sprinted toward the house and pounded on the door.
The moment a servant opened the door, Amelia pushed her way in. “Jane!” she cried. “Jane!”
Her friend flew around the corner. “For goodness’ sake, child, whatever is—” She paused midsentence, her mouth falling agape at the sight of Amelia. “What on earth has happened to you? Come in, dearest.”
“He’s going to take her away!” Amelia gulped for breath.
“What? Who? Here, come in and sit down. Over here by the fire.” Jane wrapped her arms around Amelia’s heaving shoulders and guided her to a chair next to the fireplace. “There, there. I want to hear all about it, but you must calm down first. Fainting dead away will not help.”
Amelia stared into the fire, her tears blurring the dying embers’ light. Her teeth chattered, but she wasn’t cold. She inhaled and exhaled, willing the rapid breathing to subside.
Jane removed the comb hanging from Amelia’s hair and brushed the locks with her fingers. “There now. What is wrong?”
“Captain Sterling. He said he plans to make other arrangements for Lucy.” Amelia’s pitch elevated. “He’s taking her from Winterwood! What am I to do?”
Jane’s voice was calm and controlled. “Where is Lucy now?”
“She is still at Winterwood, but the captain was very clear. He is making other arrangements.”
“Tell me what happened.”
Amelia hesitated. “I am not certain, to be honest. The captain and his brother were visiting Lucy. While they were at Winterwood, Mr. Littleton and I had a bit of a . . . disagreement. Captain Sterling intervened. I think the captain and Edward had words.”
Jane grabbed her own lace shawl from the sofa and draped it around Amelia’s shoulders. “If that is the case, then the captain’s decision likely has more to do with Mr. Littleton than you.” She reached out to pat Amelia’s hand, but when she saw the red marks from Edward’s tight grip, she pulled the hand closer. “Mercy’s sake! How did this happen?”
Amelia drew her hand back and tucked it under the shawl. She should take this opportunity to tell Jane everything. About the changes in Edward’s personality and her doubts about his motivation. About her