“Yes,” he said, swallowing hard and hoping Emilia wouldn’t notice how he blushed crimson. “It will.”
The coachman jogged the reins and the cumbersome contraption set off at a leisurely pace down the East road, towards Amhurst Heights. Hal watched the hills move away as they went forward, the mist clearing as the day became bright. It was a fine summer day, and the fields about the estate were golden, the oak-trees green against cerulean sky.
“It’s a fine day!” he said, turning to Emilia, who smiled.
“Yes,” she murmured. “It’s a very fine day.”
The coach rolled on, getting closer by the second to Amhurst Heights.
“Halt!” the coachman called, and the coach lurched back, Emilia gripping Luke’s arm in a way that made Hal think, fondly, of Hestony.
He couldn’t wait to see her again soon.
Hal waited for Emilia to alight before jumping down himself. He hadn’t seen Hestony for four days, and he felt a driving urgency to get up into the house. He followed Luke and Emilia up the path to the front door.
“Lord Westmore! Welcome!” the housekeeper smiled at Luke. She curtseyed low to all three visitors, standing back in the doorway to let them pass. Hal took off his top-hat, feeling slightly awkward.
He still had no idea if anyone had seen him in Hestony’s bedchamber.
“Lady Hartfield and her daughter are in the upstairs parlor, sirs, My Lady.” The housekeeper informed them. Hal felt as if she was assessing him, then dismissed the idea as ridiculous.
Hal Ellington – you are being silly.
Swallowing to hide his awkwardness, he headed up the stairs behind Luke and Emilia.
At the doorway, he stared. Lady Hartfield was there, dressed in dark blue and seated by the window. Beside her, on the chaise lounge, her lovely pale hair spread about her shoulders, was Hestony. Her eyes lit up as she saw him. His pulse quickened. He bowed.
“Good morning, Lady Hestony.”
“Hello, Mr.Ellington.”
She smiled at him and he felt his heart flip. He looked down into her eyes, but she lowered her gaze, the grin replaced swiftly with a worried frown.
“Good day, Mr. Ellington,” her mother said determinedly from where she sat by the window. Hal bowed low.
“Good day, Lady Hartfield. I am glad to see you and your daughter in good health.” He swallowed, wishing that his nervousness might not show too readily on his face.
“Yes, we are. My daughter has recovered swiftly! You might have heard she had a fever this last week.”
“I did hear of it. I commend Lady Hestony for her swift recovery.”
Lady Hartfield snorted, as if he’d said something comical, and Hestony, beside her, went pink.
“Mama? Excuse me a moment? I feel quite faint.”
Hal saw her stand and go over to the window, throwing open one of the long glass panels and leaning heavily on the sill. Luke and Emilia were sitting down for tea, chatting with Lady Hartfield about a party they’d gone to. Hal glanced about and, at first opportunity, went to the window to stand beside Hestony.
“Might I join you, My Lady? The weather is somewhat hot.”
“It is indeed, sir,” Hestony murmured. “I had thought to go out onto the terrace.”
“A capital plan.” Hal nodded. He felt his stomach tighten with nerves, but, as it happened. Lady Hartfield was preoccupied with pouring tea for Luke and Emilia. He nervously followed Hestony out onto the balcony.
“It’s a lovely day,” she murmured. She crossed her arms, leaning on the surround. She looked lovely, Hal thought. He gripped the stone rail with his fingertips, trying to hide the mix of anxiety and excitement that filled him.
“It is,” he said. “Have you been able to do any riding, My Lady?” He knew she loved riding.
She looked sad. She shook her head. “No. Alas, I haven’t been out for a ride.”
“I see.” Hal felt awkward. Hestony was looking out over the grounds, and her blue eyes were saddened.
“Hestony,” he whispered. “If I may ask…what is it that has made you so sad?”
She smiled up at him, and he restrained himself from taking her in his arms right that moment. “Oh, Hal,” she said softly. “Trust you to notice I am sad. But…it’s nothing.”
He waited for her to continue, but she resumed leaning on the stone, looking sad.
“Hestony?” he asked gently.
She looked up at him again, and this time he could see tears in her eyes. His heart almost stopped. He reached out a hand to her but hesitated to touch her. Whatever had he done, to upset her this way?
“It’s…” Hestony swallowed hard. “I heard from Mama, yesterday, that the account in London is…is almost empty.”
“What?” Hal shouted. Hestony winced and he shook his head, shocked at the inappropriateness of his reaction. “Sorry!” he whispered. “I just…it’s unbelievable.”
Her lips twisted in a smile. “I can forgive you that reaction – mine was the same. It’s strange.”
“It seems strange indeed.” Hal nodded, feeling his heart beat faster. “Surely your solicitor would have informed you, the moment the supply was taking a serious knock?” He couldn’t understand it! What manner of person was managing their estate? The thought of leaving two women in such a penurious state was shocking!
Hestony looked down into the garden sadly. “I would have thought the same,” she murmured. “Mama…her way is always to find a culprit. She says Mr. Lewis, our solicitor, has stolen the cash. She intends to try and punish him somehow.”
“And you?” Hal asked, as she blinked back tears. “What do you believe?”
“I don’t know,” she whispered softly. She was crying now, her shoulders shaking. “I just…I don’t know what to think, sir. I’m sorry,” she added, cuffing at her cheeks awkwardly.
“Here.” Hal passed her a handkerchief, embroidered with his monogram. As she took it, her soft fingers touched his. He tensed.
I want to kiss her more than I could have imagined.
He drew a breath and watched as she dried her face, then retained the handkerchief, crumpled in her fingertips.
“I wish I could find out more. I considered writing to our solicitor, but…what good would that be?” she shook her head, looking unhappy.
“Why don’t I ask him?” Hal said rashly. “I am needed in London in any case, for my father’s business. I could visit.”