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

estate, informing him I would call today. I had hoped you might want to join me, but”—hetapped his watch—“I had nigh given up on you.”

“Yes, well, I was up rather late.” I wasn’t certain I should mention the confusing meeting I’d had with his mother. Afterall, I had little flattering to report and her words would only hurt him. Besides, whether I wanted to admit it or not, asmuch as our whirlwind romance had ended in disaster, I still cared a great deal for him. Coward or not, I couldn’t help butthink of Piers as a friend.

He offered me his arm, and my fingers tingled. I took a measured breath. Who was I kidding? He was more than a friend—butcertainly not a suitor. No one would be allowed that place in my life, not anymore. Such a precarious relationship, particularlywith someone like Piers, would only bring heartache, and I’d had quite enough of that.

I touched his arm. “If your plan is to take the horses, I’ll need to change into my riding habit.”

I could hear the groan rising from his throat, but he chose to flash me a smile. “You know where I’ll be. Don’t take too long.We haven’t much time.”

My heart betrayed me, squeezing rather painfully in my chest. I’m not certain those were the exact words he used when we duckedinto the alcove on my last day in East Whitloe, but the wonderful moment came rushing to my mind nonetheless. I touched mylips. I’d never forget that day for the rest of my life.

His voice broke the silence of my memories. “If you plan to woolgather, I have other things I can do this morning.”

I grasped the banister, turning recklessly at the top of the stairs. “No, you don’t.” And hurried down the corridor.

*  *  *

The Daunts had not lived in East Whitloe for more than two generations and, as a family who came into money rather late, hadbeen treated for years by many in the district as beneath their touch, which unfortunately had included my own family. Infact, despite all the years Hugh and I saw each other as children, I’d never stepped foot inside Rushridge.

The house itself was not all that large, composed of square brown bricks and multiple white chimneys, but the grounds weresuperb. I’d heard that his sickly mother, Mrs. Daunt, still employed a fine gardener who had transformed the acreage intosomething of a prize garden, but nothing could have prepared me for my first sight. The manicured bushes and hedgerows hadbeen cut into geometrical shapes, the green lawns stretching like an endless ocean behind perfectly placed rows of flowers.

We were met at the door by Hugh and also Priscilla who, once she saw that Avery was not one of the party, affected a merelypassable performance of hiding her disappointment.

I took her arm. “Avery was forced to journey into town for the day. He was sorry to miss our visit.”

Since we had told Avery nothing of our plans to call at Rushridge, I was fairly certain he would indeed be irritated. I wasonly hoping my explanation might keep Priscilla from mentioning our visit, but by the look on her pouty face, I doubted hersilence.

She gave a little laugh. “Don’t be silly. Though I am always pleased to see either of the Cavanagh brothers”—a firm yet inviting glance at Piers—“I most especially wanted to see you today.” She squeezed my arm, and I couldn’t help but take my own quick look at Piers.

Priscilla showed us into the adjoining drawing room, with the gentlemen lagging behind. The room, which had been papered witha rather attractive pattern of purple flowers, was a squarish affair with high ceilings and thick rugs. I made my way to thelong sofa at the back and found the seat quite comfortable.

Tea was called for at once, and Priscilla took a seat at my side. “I am quite glad of a moment to speak with you alone.”

“Oh?”

“It’s about Hugh, actually. He’s acting most peculiarly, and I hoped to get your opinion on the subject.” She nibbled at theedge of her lip. “For instance, at supper last night I posed the idea of purchasing a new gown for Lord Kendal’s ball, andhe got quite cross with me. He said he wasn’t certain we would go at all. But I know very well he means to do so. Avery mentionedit the other night.”

I hesitated to get involved. “Perhaps he hasn’t the money to provide you with a new gown just now.”

“I am not completely ignorant of the state of our affairs, and I’m more than happy to wear an old one.” She clenched her handsin her lap. “It’s how he said it, as if something has changed to prevent us from attending, something he didn’t mean to share with me. Has Averysaid anything to you?”

“Not at all.”

Hugh and Piers entered, and Priscilla seemed distracted as she went on. “Hugh has always been susceptible to the sullens, particularly whenever Seline is involved. For years now if I mention her name he flies off the handle. I’ve just never understood his fascination with her.”

All too quickly the men were within earshot, Hugh pausing beside the sofa, his eyes on me. “Piers tells me you admired ourgardens on the way in. Would you like to take a turn with me? I would love to show them to you.”

I straightened in my seat. “Oh, please do. From what I’ve seen thus far, they are quite lovely.”

As the four of us made our way from the room, a thought took hold. Had Piers noticed Priscilla’s strange behavior and arrangedthe walk to secure some time alone with her? No one could have missed the sharpness of her voice or the ridiculous way shekept moving her hands. Clearly something was distressing her.

Or was the walk Hugh’s idea?

As we rounded the first hedgerow, the purpose became clear. Hugh seemed determined to draw me ahead of the others, so I allowedhim to, but I wouldn’t stray too far.

His voice came sharp and quick. “Did you give Seline