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

and Avery had always got on quite well. I knew when he flashed that brilliant grin of his in response to mine no time was lost between us.

Dinner was announced within the half hour by Mr. Baker, and we all made our way into the formal dining room in something ofa muddled crowd. I was pleased at the opportunity to seat myself between Avery and Tony, regardless of the insinuations aboutus. I liked Tony and I always would.

The dining room was comfortably warm as we awaited the first course. A fire snapped in the grate. The white walls danced withcandle-strewn shadows, which were created beautifully by the grand central candelabra. Mrs. Cavanagh had selected a bold chinapattern for the evening, dark blue with golden heart-shaped leaves and stems.

The servants emerged from the hall in matching gilded livery to serve the first course of bouillie soup, and I focused myattention on Tony.

“I am so pleased you were able to join us this evening. Are you having a fine time?”

He swallowed his first bite of soup. “More than fine. Deuced glad you decided to return. We’ve all missed you, especiallySeline. I’d be lying if I said your name wasn’t mentioned by her more than once or twice a month at least.” He shot a glareacross the table. “And your arrival finally brought Piers back from that curst hole he was living in near Liverpool.”

“Oh, it wasn’t me. Piers dashed home to take Avery to task after he was rusticated from university.”

Tony narrowed his eyes. “Quite right. I had, uh, forgotten about that nonsense with Avery.” He took a sip of his drink. “Tellme about you. What are your plans?”

“Rather awkward at present, I’m afraid.”

He leaned in. “Does that mean they still involve Piers?”

“Goodness no!” What had he known growing up?

I heard a creak from his corset as he leaned back. “Then another gentleman—”

I set my spoon on the table with a clunk. “I see you are as bold as you ever were.”

He laughed. “You know I’m only teasing. I am well aware your aspirations likely have nothing to do with men.”

“You are quite right. I have a mind to take a position as a governess.”

He nodded slowly as if pondering my suitability for such a position. “Considering your family and travels, I have to admitI was expecting something a bit more interesting, like an elephant herder or tiger trainer.”

“You’ve been visiting the Royal Menagerie again, haven’t you?”

“It has the most fascinating animals—tigers, zebras, kangaroos. Every time I’m at the Strand, I can’t seem to stay away.”He shook his head, then looked back at me. “A governess, eh?”

“I plan to start inquiring about a position as soon as I can.”

He gave me a smile, but it felt forced. “You will make an excellent governess of course. I’m fairly certain you could do anythingyou set your mind to. But don’t decide too quickly.”

“I thank you for your confidence, but it has been a long few years, and I’m ready for simplicity.”

He nodded. “I could use some of that simplicity as well. Got quite a bit of money riding on Lord Kendal’s curricle race. Dashednuisance if he doesn’t win. I may have to sell off some of my land. Not as tight as Hugh, mind you, but I could stand forsome luck.”

“The curricle race?” I asked, fishing for more information about what Avery had already mentioned.

“Just put it in the book at White’s last week. He plans to wait till after his engagement party of course, but he shall make the race from Whitecaster Hall right past Kinwich Abbey.”

My nerves twitched at the mention of the ruins. “Speaking of Kinwich Abbey, I understand Seline came upon you and a few othergentlemen there the other night.”

His eyes shifted and his chair squeaked. “Uncomfortable business there. Must not have heard about Kendal’s engagement. Turnedinto quite a scene.”

“Avery said Lord Kendal and she had an argument.”

“And a bitter one at that.”

Desperate for information, I realized I might have to take Tony into my confidence if I was to get any real information. Imade certain everyone else at the table was absorbed in their own conversations and took a measured breath, hoping I wasn’tmaking a terrible mistake. “I know I can trust you, Tony.”

“Always.”

I hesitated to go on, but Tony had always been a friend to me, and I had little chance of learning anything playing it safeall the time. I bit back my doubts and plowed on. “No one knows at present besides the family, but Seline disappeared thatvery night. A note was found later in her room indicating she’d eloped.”

“Eloped!”

“Shhh! To Gretna Green. And you cannot tell anyone.”

He leaned in. “With who?”

“Miles Lacy.”

His eyes darted about the room as he processed my revelation, then whispered again, “Are you sure?”

“Do you have reason to doubt it?”

He frowned. “I do.”

“Why?”

He adjusted his jacket. “This may come as a shock to you, but a year or so ago I found myself in something of a pickle, andI decided to offer for Miss Cavanagh. She nearly laughed in my face. I cannot imagine her running away with the likes of MilesLacy, not when she could have had me.”

Chapter 8

Mrs. Cavanagh escorted the ladies back to the drawing room following dinner, and I meant to take the first opportunity fora comfortable coze with Priscilla. Though she and Seline ran in very different circles, Priscilla had always been quite closeto her brother. Something might be gleaned by the association.

It took me a moment to secure her attention, distracted as she was by Mrs. Cavanagh’s infernal pacing. A pat of the sofa cushionand I urged her over beside me. She cast one last glance at Mrs. Cavanagh before taking a hesitant seat at my side, her nosewrinkled. “What do you suppose has upset her this evening? I did hope to make a good impression.”

I recrossed my ankles beneath my gown for the fifth time. “Probably anxious about Seline’s recovery.”

“Oh yes.” She thought for a moment. “But I understood Seline’s illness was only slight in nature—nothing to