letters on it. She picked up each letter individually. At the last one, she hesitated, glanced at Mrs. Hargreaves, then said to me, “There’s something for you, dear.”
I jumped up. “Thank you.”
The letter was from Louisa. Taking the letter a little distance away, I opened it and glanced over it quickly, then paused and read over it again.
“I hope it is not bad news?” Lord Williams asked.
“I—Alice still has a fever but seems to be getting better.”
“That is good news,” Lady Williams said.
“What else does it say?” Lord Williams asked quietly.
What did it matter to him? What did it matter to me if he knew? He may have caught me off guard, but I was not deceived in him any longer. I would not be hurt by him. Let him see that for all his effort, he’d failed.
I handed him the paper and saw the moment he read the words in the way he stilled. Mr. Northam called. I can see why you like him, though Daniel is furious. He refused to tell Mr. Northam where you were. Do you think he’ll come looking for you there?
Lord Williams handed the paper back, his gaze meeting mine. “I am glad your sister is recovering.”
“And the other news?” I asked, my voice low to keep our conversation private.
“You already know my thoughts on that subject.” His voice was as quiet as mine, but his tone was dismissive.
“Yes.” I refolded the letter. I had meant to be strong in letting him read it, to show him that the past week had meant nothing. But it had meant something. Just not to him. My words came out barely above a whisper. “I do know your thoughts.”
His brow furrowed.
“Gregory,” Lady Williams said, “are you joining us again this morning?”
Sundson reentered. “Lady Cox and Miss Perrin.” Lady Cox bustled in, Miss Perrin following in her wake. I took the opportunity to step away from Lord Williams.
“Ah, I see everyone is here,” Lady Cox said.
Lord Williams bowed his head. “Unfortunately I was just leaving. I have some business on the northern corner of the estate. Mr. Brinton is riding out with me. We shall be away until dinner.”
“You will be showing him the garden?” Lady Williams asked.
“Of course,” Lord Williams replied.
Lady Williams nodded. “Miss Brinton, have you seen the garden yet? It is one of my favorite places on the estate.”
“If Miss Brinton has been out of the house at all,” Lord Williams said, “I am certain she has discovered it. It would not surprise me if she has been out each morning to enjoy a walk before the rest of us have even opened our eyes.”
I didn’t allow myself to be flattered by his insight into my habits; I was just business, after all. “I have seen the garden. It is quite formal, but it fits the estate perfectly.”
Lord Williams eyed me.
“Oh, there is another garden,” Miss Perrin said. “Walled and filled with roses. It’s quite wild.”
“Elisa,” Lady Cox said, shaking her head.
Miss Perrin fell silent.
My father entered and, after introductions were made, small talk ensued. I walked to him. “Father, I received a letter from Louisa. Alice still has a fever but seems to be improving.”
His brow furrowed with concern. “She still has a fever? Can I see the letter?”
“Oh.” I slid the letter behind my back. “Louisa had things to say of a private nature.”
“Of course.” My father nodded.
“Take care of yourself today. With Alice getting better, it wouldn’t do for you to fall ill.”
Lord Williams stepped beside me. “Mr. Brinton? Are you ready?”
Saddle oil and cologne floated to me on the air, the smells of what might have been had we both been different people. The scents of what would never be. “You are welcome to accompany us, Miss Brinton,” he offered.
I glanced at the party behind him and found Lady Cox glaring at me. “I thank you, my lord, but I doubt Lady Cox and Miss Perrin would like it. I do not wish my presence to inconvenience you more than it already has.”
“Your thoughtfulness knows no bounds,” he muttered before turning toward the others. “Good day, ladies.” With a nod to his mother, he and my father left the room.
“He is such a handsome man,” sighed Lady Cox, suddenly next to me.
“Hm,” I responded noncommittally.
“Do you disagree, Miss Brinton?”
I shrugged. “I do not think it matters what I think of Lord Williams.”
Lady Cox smiled in the most cat-like way. “Yes, I believe you are correct. You do know that he and