arrived last week, or we would have been hard pressed for seating. I should have waited until the room was completely renovated, but the state of my uncle’s furnishings was shocking indeed.” She smiled amusedly. “Can you imagine, we found a nest of swallows when we first moved in. In one of the fireplaces upstairs.”
“I took them outside and cared for them, and after two weeks they flew away. Bert says they headed south for the winter,” Jonas enthused. The young man had always been interested in all sorts of animals and birds through the years, taking many in as pets, including a llama and an array of hedgehogs.
Abbie gave him a warm smile, then took the cup and saucer offered. “The manor house certainly has deteriorated since I was here last. But you are slowly making it your home. How wonderful.”
Megan stood. “I would like to go to my room, if I may. I am very tired.” Her voice was flat, her annoyance still present and obvious for all to see. Abbie fought her growing irritation. Her daughter was not going to make this easy.
“Of course, my dear. Jonas, please show Megan to her guest room. The blue room. Then you may retire as well.” Alberta smiled.
Abbie watched the young man closely. He was dressed in an immaculate brown suit; his manners while they ate had been impeccable, though he did not offer much in conversation except about the swallows. Truly, he was beautiful, as Megan had stated. But the fact remained he was ten years older and…somewhat simple. How else could she describe him?
“All right, Bert. Come with me, Meg.” Jonas wiped his mouth on the napkin and stood, allowing Megan to leave the room first.
Once they departed, Alberta sighed and passed Abbie a plate of sandwiches. “He is a joy to have about, but takes a good deal of supervision.”
“He is quite handsome…it is…how to say this?” Abbie began.
“A sin he is an idiot?” Alberta replied crossly. Then she shook her head. “I am sorry. I should not have said that, and in such an angry tone. I heard him being spoken of as such in town today while I shopped at the grocer and I’m still furious. I left immediately, before I made a scene.” Alberta sipped her tea. “Jonas is not an idiot. The doctor who examined him last year claims that he has the intelligence of a twelve-year-old, and unfortunately, the emotional development of one as well. It will always be thus.” She smiled sadly. “Jonas had been slow to develop, didn’t speak until the age of four. Yet for a while, my husband, Reese, thought that he might be ‘normal’—for lack of a better word. But he hit a plateau and stayed there. Many doctors have examined him over the years, and most agree that the stunting of his intellectual and emotional growth may have occurred during his difficult birth. The doctor who had been in attendance revealed that it took several minutes to get Jonas to take a breath. The lack of oxygen…it is hard to know. No one knows for sure.”
“You’ve never spoken of this before,” Abbie whispered.
“It makes me sad, in one way. But in another he has been a great comfort, especially when Reese passed. Before he died, I promised Reese I would look after Jonas and not allow him to be sent to one of those awful asylums. I’ve grown to love him as a dear brother.” Alberta laughed softly. “Tensbridge described him as a man-child. The narrative fits.”
“Garrett’s older brother? There was no mention of him in your recent letter.”
Alberta’s cheeks flushed. “I believe that there is something developing between us.”
“How fascinating, and worthy of a lengthy discussion. But regarding Jonas. Megan is infatuated with him. I do not want to make an issue out of it, as there will be enough drama involved with this visit,” Abbie said.
“We will keep an eye on them. You don’t have to worry, as Jonas has shown no inclination toward romantic pursuits. Now, speaking of drama, have you thought of a way to approach Garrett?”
Abbie bit into her egg and ham sandwich and chewed thoughtfully. Invite him over here and surprise him by causally walking into the parlor? Call at Wollstonecraft Hall? “I have no idea how to proceed. I know nothing about him, not then and certainly not now. Have no idea what sort of man he became. If our parting is any indication, he no doubt is an arrogant, selfish arse.” She gave Alberta a shaky smile. “Who knows how many women came after me… Lord, I am envious of nameless women. I cannot believe how violently my insides are churning.” Abbie laid a hand across her middle.
Alberta sipped her tea, then placed the cup and saucer on the tray. “Though Uncle was a recluse, we did keep up a correspondence. He stated that through Garrett’s mid-twenties, for a period of about two years, he had cut quite a swath through London. He and the younger Aidan especially. Then the sojourns to London ended, though not for his nephew. If anyone in the family has a scandalous reputation, it is Aidan. Notorious, even.”
Why did the news that Garrett had sought female company hurt so blasted much? She couldn’t expect him to live as a monk, alone in a dark room, pining away for her. Abbie had certainly found comfort elsewhere. With Elwyn.
“But regardless of his temporary wild streak,” Alberta continued, “Garrett is well thought of by his tenants and neighbors. He is honest and forthright in his dealings. Why, he is assisting me with renovations…” A knock sounded at the door. “Gracious, who could that be? It’s past eight o’clock.” Alberta stood and smoothed her skirt. “One moment.”
Abbie set aside the sandwiches. The parlor was directly located off the front entrance, making listening to conversations easy to achieve.
“Alberta, I am sorry to arrive unannounced and at an inconvenient hour.”
There was no mistaking that deep, masculine voice. Her heart stuttered in her chest. Garrett. God, what to do? Run for her room? Hide behind the curtains? Crouch behind the settee?
“Er…come in.” From the tone of her voice, Alberta was obviously flustered. The door was closed—he must be standing in the front hall.
“I can stay but a moment. I neglected to inform you there will be a delivery of lumber tomorrow, for the repairs in the kitchen area. With all that has been going on, it slipped my mind. I also wanted to thank you for coming to the hall last week. For Julian.”
“How is he? I haven’t seen or heard from him since,” Alberta asked, concern in her voice.
Abbie stood; her hands shook. It was now or never. If she didn’t see him now, she would be awake all night in nervous agitation.
“The news about Aidan has struck him hard, and he has been keeping to himself…” Garrett’s voice trailed off with her appearance.
With wobbly legs, she moved forward to stand beside Alberta. The gas lamp on the wall illuminated his face, the shadows accentuating his high cheekbones. They were more pronounced than she remembered. Lord, he was even more handsome than she recalled. Maturity had enhanced his near-perfect features, and his imposing, fine form filled the doorway.
So tall. Such shoulders. Seeing him up close—face-to-face—seized her breath. He’d always been a virile, vibrant presence. Positively shimmering with masculinity. Yes, age had improved every aspect of his good looks. As she had observed in Standon, his hair now hung to his shoulders, the colors more effervescent than ever. He met her gaze and his eyes widened, then his full lips parted in shock.
Megan was upstairs. Pray she did not come down. Not yet. Especially considering her current mood. Abbie needed to reveal this
