The Vanishing at Loxby Manor by Abigail Wilson (grave mercy .TXT) 📕

group dispersed, and I doubt Lord Kendal would bekeen on a visit from me.” He shook his head. “Avery is the only one who can journey to Whitecaster Hall and demand answersfrom Kendal.”

I rested for a moment in the steady rush of the river, dredging up some nerves before turning once again to Piers. “I maybe out of line in asking, but what happened between you and Honora Gervey? When you wrote to me in Ceylon, I assumed the twoof you would be married shortly. That is, until Seline’s letter finally came and said otherwise.”

He hesitated a moment, the awkward truth of a well-placed pause settling between us, and I got the strongest feeling he didn’tmean to answer at all. But then he turned and leaned against the tree. “The arrangement between our parents ended rather quickly.She wouldn’t have me, not after I disappointed Lord Kendal at the duel.” He shrugged. “Would you?”

He’d certainly posed the question as some sort of joke, but warmth filled my cheeks nonetheless. “I’m hardly the person toanswer such a question. I’ve done quite a bit of growing up over the past five years, and it may surprise you to learn I haveno intention of marrying at all.”

I thought I saw his eyes widen as he looked down. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

“I’m perfectly serious. I have my own plans—to pursue a governess position.”

Without warning, he touched my arm, but I pulled away, feigning a distraction as I continued on the path.

My head throbbed, but I was glad I’d said it. Now we could stop all the self-conscious toying with each other and get on withthe uncomplicated friendship I’d asked for. “I know my desire to be a governess sounds a bit premature in most people’s minds,and it’s not as if I don’t have options. My parents would have me consider my cousin Samuel.”

He coughed out a laugh. “Not Samuel. He wouldn’t do at all. You can set your cap far higher than him.” He studied me for amoment. “What about Tony Shaw? He’s a nice enough fellow.”

“I’m never short of matchmakers, am I? First my parents, then Seline, now you. What a pleasure you all are.”

“I realize any attachment of yours is most certainly none of my business.” His shoulders slumped. “Forgive me. Tony just cameto mind when you were talking. Would you not consider him though?”

“I thank you, but no.”

He sighed. “And then there’s Hugh. Remember when he and Seline spent that day at the river? I was forced to say I’d been withthem the entire time to save Seline’s reputation.”

“She did enjoy her little escapades.”

He nodded, his breath tinted by a laugh. “We all enjoyed our little escapades, didn’t we?”

My gaze rose to his. I knew he was referring to the moment we’d shared in the alcove in his house.

He took a deep breath, his eyes so terribly unnerving. “You’ve changed.”

I don’t know what I was expecting him to say, but it certainly wasn’t that. The words cut straight to my heart because I knewthem to be true. How many times had I been forced to endure that same sentiment? “You look different, Charity.” “Where is that beautiful smile of yours?” “You used to be more fun.” “It’s only a dance, Charity. Why must you act so awkward—take the man’s hand!”

My ears rang with all the people who knew better than I how I should feel and how I should act. Granted, most didn’t knowwhat had happened, but my mother did.

I realized belatedly I missed the start of what Piers had said.

“. . . don’t you think?”

I gave him a wan smile. “I’m sorry, Piers, I didn’t hear you.” I hated to blame my preoccupation on my hearing difficulties,but I had no intention of telling him what I’d been thinking.

His glance was a compassionate one as he tugged me to the side. Piers Cavanagh was the one person who never teased me aboutmissing part of a conversation, yet for some reason, I couldn’t meet his eyes.

“You know I never mind repeating.” He pointed at the horizon. “I only said we should probably turn back, don’t you think?The hour is advanced.”

“Yes. It is getting rather late.”

He offered me his arm. “And Avery knows full well when it’s nearing dinnertime. Mark my words, he’ll be home soon enough.”

I gave a little laugh, more of a diversion than anything else. All I could think of was the soft texture of Piers’s superfinejacket and the underlying warmth of his arm, the ease of friendship and the fear of the unknown. Was it possible? Could Piersand I move beyond our past? Could I forgive him for deserting me in Ceylon?

*  *  *

Piers caught sight of Avery seconds after we rounded the front of the house. “There’s his horse. Perfect timing.”

Avery had no choice but to meet us on the lawn. He acted almost amused, but his eyes told me otherwise. “You won’t believeit, but Lord Kendal has returned to his country seat.”

Piers crossed his arms. “Of course I believe it. He probably means to introduce his family to his fiancée.”

Avery held up his first finger, the others clenched into a fist. “Quite right, but the curricle race is still on.”

Piers shot a glance at me. “What curricle race?”

Avery angled his chin, his mouth practically falling open. “You haven’t heard? I wondered why you didn’t enter a bet. Youbest do so before it’s too late. The race is scheduled for the close of the month.”

“And who exactly would I be betting on?”

Avery leaned in. “Secret is Kendal’s hiding some prime bit of horseflesh at Whitecaster Hall. I’d suggest going that way withany money you can swing. The odds are too good to pass up.”

I stepped forward. “So the race is to be at Whitecaster? Might that provide the perfect opportunity to speak with Lord Kendal?”

Avery went motionless. “In regard to what?”

“If he knows anything further about Seline. You told us yesterday he was the last to speak with her.”

His face relaxed. “Oh, I doubt he knows where she and Miles have run off