Thornbrook Park (15 page)

“They married. One of them moved to London with her husband, a railway man. The other is in Orkney. His family had land there. They come to visit now and again, but not often enough.”

“Probably as often as we attempt to see Mother.” Marcus laughed at that, and even Gabriel responded with a chuckle.

Even though Marcus had been Mother's favorite, he'd never felt like more than a shiny toy to her, a temporary distraction from her endless social engagements, afternoon teas, formal dinners, and the glittering evening affairs she claimed to loathe but never canceled or turned down.

“Fair enough, I suppose. Shall we go and say hello?”

“Yes,” Marcus said. No one answered their knock, but they heard a faint “Come in” and entered to find Mrs. Dennehy bent over a full, heavy pot, pouring a mixture from it into another by way of a sieve.

“Separating the whey from the curd,” she said. “Be right with you.”

Both men stepped forward to assist her with her load, but she shrugged them off.

“I may be old, boys, but I'm still strong as an ox.” She finished and turned back to them, wiping her hands on her apron. “Now, what can I do for you?”

Marcus removed his hat. “I've come to say hello, Mrs. Dennehy. I've been home for a visit.”

She squinted, then clearly recognized him. “Marcus Thorne! Here to steal my apples, are you? The barn's full of them. The lads are pressing cider, but I'm sure you might make off with a bushel. How are you, dear?”

“Very well, Mrs. Dennehy. Better after having some of your famous cheese last night, the taste of home.”

She smiled with pride. “Ah, well, it takes some work, but I'm still making the cheddar, and some softer cheeses, too. A shame I have no one to pass the recipes on to with the girls so far away. It is good to see you all grown. I confess, I worried that you might not make it back.”

“No need to fear for me. I made up for my lack of experience with my quick wits.”

Gabriel rolled his eyes.

“Oh no.” She laughed her hearty laugh. “I knew you would make it back from the war. I just wasn't sure to expect you would ever return to Thornbrook Park, once this one took charge of it all.” She gestured at Gabriel. “Oh, the way you two fought as lads!”

“We may still come to blows. I wouldn't have come back to see him,” Marcus confessed honestly. “But he has a lovely wife who had the sense to write to me about your apples. How could I stay away?”

“Is that how she lured you?” said Gabriel, who seemed not at all surprised by the conversation. “I had wondered about it. She wrote you so many times without success.”

“I know you'll refuse any help.” Marcus changed the subject back to Mrs. Dennehy's work. “So I'm just going to lift this heavy vat and hold on to it until you tell me where you want me to put it down.”

With care not to spill the contents, he hoisted the pot from the floor, the one into which she had been draining her cheese mixture.

“Oh, very well,” she clucked. “Place it back on the stove top, please. And have a care. You'll spoil me. Before you know it, I will put you to work harvesting the rest of my apples and chopping and stacking my wood.”

“I would be delighted,” Marcus said. “After being at war, leading the leisurely life of a landed gentleman holds very little appeal. I'm likely to be bored to death at Thornbrook Park if I lie about there much longer.”

“I see that it's time I paid more attention to this place,” Gabriel admitted. “The barn could use a stain and maybe a few repairs.”

Traditionally, it was the landlord's responsibility to maintain the buildings, though the equipment, maintenance, and farming fell to the tenant.

“Don't trouble. We've always done for ourselves.”

“Before your husband's passing, that might have been the case,” Marcus said. “But we could certainly live up to our responsibilities now that you're on your own. In fact, I have a boy in mind who might help keep things in order…”

He launched into his proposal for Mrs. Dennehy to take Brandon on as a new hand around the farm and hoped that he would meet success in winning her over to the idea. And once Brandon proved himself indispensible on the farm, could the rest of the Coopers be far from acceptance?

The next morning, any hope Eve had of running into Marcus was dashed by Mrs. Hoyle, who informed her that the men had gone out together early and that Sophia hadn't rung for her tray. It was just as well. Marcus had to start paying more attention to Alice, and Eve had best get back to her business of finding out what had become of her husband's investments.

She'd stayed up late writing to Colonel Adams and Adela, and then turned her attention to crafting a new outline for her novel, newly inspired by Marcus's war stories, a romance between a war widow and a soldier from the opposing side. With more time on her own that afternoon, she'd gotten a solid start on Chapter One when she was interrupted by a knock at her door.

“Get your coat,” Sophia said, all impatience. “Let's go for a walk.”

The idea of spending a beautiful day out of doors appealed, but Sophia's sudden determination to get out of the house seemed suspect.

“A walk would be welcome,” Eve agreed. The fresh air might spur her creativity.

“Such a good idea,” Sophia congratulated herself once they got outside. “Smell that autumn air.”

“It's lovely.” Eve inhaled. Not as lovely as it been yesterday when she was in Marcus's arms, even with the rain. Especially with the rain.

“I'm worried about how things are progressing between Marcus and Alice,” Sophia confided as they crossed the dusty path through the garden. “I mean to stop at the Dower House and encourage Alice to spend more time at Thornbrook Park.”

“More time? She's with us most of the time as it is.” Having Alice around would no doubt aid Marcus in his quest to win her heart, so Eve couldn't say why she felt such a sharp tug of disappointment at the idea. “She and Agatha would have been there last night, had you not decided to take dinner in your room alone. Were you unwell?”

“Of course not,” Sophia snapped, then softened her tone. “Gabriel and I were quarreling, to be honest. I wasn't ready to face him again last night.”

“I'm so sorry, Sophia. Is there anything I can do?”

She shook her head. “We made up this morning. It's just that Gabriel is unusually tense with his brother around, and his idea of a relaxing afternoon alone together and mine didn't exactly mesh.”

The fishing
, Eve thought to herself. “I'm glad you've made up.”

“Thank you for keeping Captain Thorne entertained. Mr. Finch said the two of you went out for a drive.”

Color rushed to Eve's cheeks. “Yes, we did.”

“A pity that it rained on you.”

“I didn't mind the rain.” The image of Marcus's wet shirt clinging to his chest as he made love to her filled her mind so that she almost veered off the path into the shrubs.

“Careful.” Sophia took her arm. “Uneven ground.”

“Thank you. Clumsy me.” As they crested the hill, Eve caught sight of the Dower House at the edge of the green and the village beyond.

“I only wish you'd thought to include Alice on your adventure, to give her more time with Captain Thorne. It's such a comfort for me to have her close.”

“But you said that Gabriel is tense with his brother around. Perhaps it's for the best if Alice marries someone else? There must be plenty of eligible bachelors in Yorkshire.” Eve nibbled her lip.

“Someone else? No. Captain Thorne is perfect for her. And Gabriel's mother would certainly quit the Dower House in favor of them. It's the best of all worlds, my mother-in-law staying away and Alice close at hand. Gabriel and Marcus will get used to each other again in time.”

“Sophia, please.” Eve gripped her arm. “Stop a moment and tell me what's wrong. Why is it so important to keep Alice close? To have her marry Captain Thorne? What if they don't welcome the idea? Alice told me that she prefers not to marry, and Captain Thorne—”

“Yes?” Sophia arched a thin, dark brow. “What of Captain Thorne?”

It was her chance to confide in her friend, to tell her what had happened. But it wasn't her secret alone to give away. What if it ruined Marcus's chance to set up Brandon and bring the Coopers to the farm? She couldn't say anything, not now. “He hasn't singled Alice out for any particular favor yet. What if he doesn't fancy Alice?”

Sophia waved off the concern. “He's a man. He hasn't yet recognized the fact that he needs a wife. But I'm sure I've seen them flirting, don't you think? He must be lonely, all that time at war and then alone in London.”

Eve shrugged. “He has the Coopers, Brandon's family. They've taken him in. And he has friends in London. He gets on rather well with Sutton.” She smiled, thinking of the two of them. Stoic Sutton and Marcus always trying to get a reaction out of him. “He might not welcome the idea of moving back to Thornbrook Park for any length of time. And what then? If he marries Alice, she could end up going right back to London with him.”

“Not that.” Sophia's cornflower eyes flashed with concern, or was it fear? “I want them both to love Thornbrook Park as much as I do, to raise their children here. They have to!” She turned her head away suddenly and leaned against the trunk of a large maple at the edge of the lawn as if in need of physical support.

Children.
The way Sophia said the word, with a hint of envy in her tone, struck a note with Eve. Suddenly, she realized that Sophia's need for Alice to marry Marcus and stay at Thornbrook Park might have more to do with the estate's future than it had to do with simply keeping Alice nearby.

“Sophia?” Eve approached, put a reassuring hand on Sophia's back, and found that her friend was sobbing. “I've never told you that I'm afraid I can't have children, have I? Six years with Ben, and no pregnancies. Every month, I broke down in tears when I got my flow and knew it was another chance gone. It broke my heart at the time. Then I lost Ben and realized there were worse things.”

Sophia turned abruptly. “There are worse things, I assure you. Devastating things. All those letters back and forth, and you never told me about your heartbreak and your fears. Just as I never told you.”

“Never told me what, love?” Eve felt tears of sympathy in her own eyes, fearing what Sophia would reveal next.

“I had a baby. A son. Gabriel and I had a son, a beautiful boy with downy blond fuzz and the purest blue eyes you ever saw, like the midsummer sky. We named him Edward. He died on the very first night we had him, died sleeping in his own cradle. Delivering him wiped me out. The doctor said I'd nearly died myself. And when I was sleeping, trying to get my strength back so that I could be a good mother to my boy, I lost him. I didn't even know for days. Days! What kind of mother doesn't feel it when her child dies? I didn't deserve him, Eve. God took him away.”

“You can't really think that! Oh, sweetheart.” Eve hugged Sophia to her, both of them crying. “It wasn't your fault. I'm so sorry.”

“These things happen.” Sophia wiped her tears with her hands. “That's what my mother-in-law said by way of condolence.
These
things
happen
. They certainly didn't happen to her, she with her two strapping, beautiful sons. A month later, she left for Italy, and good riddance. I think Gabriel blames me for driving her away.”

“I doubt he blames you for anything. He lost a child, too.”

Sophia sighed. “I know. I still see him looking out in the direction of the grave. Edward is buried in the family plot across the field, next to Gabriel's father.”

“Also named Edward.” Eve nodded. Dear God. Her poor friends. All this time, she'd had no idea. “When did it happen?”

“Four years ago. He would have been four this past spring.”

“We weren't writing much then.” It began to make sense that Sophia hadn't shared her happy news when she'd found herself in the family way. “I was getting settled in India, and you were enjoying Yorkshire as a young bride.”

“I won't go through it again, Eve. Never again.”

“And so you think Alice and Marcus might produce an heir, most like you and Gabriel.”

“An heir to grow up here at Thornbrook Park and love it as much as Gabriel. Don't you see? They have to get married, Eve. It has to be them. They're our best hope.”

Eve didn't know what to say. She understood Sophia's need to pair Alice and Marcus together more than she cared to admit. It made sense, as odd as it seemed and as much as she hated that it did. “We'll see what happens. I'll do what I can to help.”

“Thank you, Eve.” She squeezed Eve's hands in her own. “I'm so glad you've come. I knew I could count on you.”

Guilt heavy as a cannonball settled in the pit of Eve's stomach. Guilt and sadness. Sophia trusted her. She could never be with Marcus again.

They resumed their walk and reached the edge of the green, soft grass, giving way to cobbled street that made her glad she'd changed to sturdy boots instead of staying in her thin slippers.

“Here we are.” With a new burst of cheer, probably forced, Sophia turned toward the Dower House. “Let's see if we can convince Alice to come along home with us so she can be there when the men return.”

The maid, Mary, greeted them with the news that Alice and Agatha had a guest. Eve's heart lurched when she saw that it was Marcus.

“I thought you were out with the earl.” Sophia seemed as surprised as Eve was to see him.

“My brother and I had a look around the farm together.” He'd been perched at the edge of a chair near Alice, no doubt hanging on her every word, but he rose to greet them. “Gabriel was distracted by some potentially good birding on the way back.”

“That man.” Sophia threw her hands up in vexation. “Can he do anything without having to stop and catch or kill something?”

Eve met Marcus's gaze. He raised a brow.

“He is fond of chasing wild game. I'm sure he'll be home before long.” He addressed Sophia, but his amber gaze remained on Eve. She felt the danger of being close to him even now, in a room full of people, people who couldn't know they'd shared any more intimate connection than passing acquaintance would allow.

“Join us,” Alice encouraged. “We were discussing the merits of London being chosen to host the next Olympic Games.”

“London? I thought the Games were being held in Rome. I'm certain the Dowager Countess wrote me about it.” Sophia sat herself down to tea and took a seat on the sofa next to Agatha.

“That was before Vesuvius erupted,” Marcus informed her. “With the ongoing effort to restore Naples, the games have been looking for a new home.”

“And since London was under consideration in the first place, I think it's a natural choice.” Alice nodded at the point on which she and Marcus apparently agreed.

“But London? Think of the expense. And it's crowded enough already. No. I hope they choose some other place.” Sophia sipped her tea.

“You've never been interested in athletics. I think it a fine idea. They'll have to build a stadium, of course. Let the crowds come! It's all revenue for the crown.”

“The way our good king reportedly spends, he needs all the help he can get,” Marcus agreed with Alice.

“I would like to learn to play tennis,” Alice declared. “Is that an Olympic sport?”

“It is.” Marcus nodded.

“You like the idea of running on a lawn dressed all in white,” Sophia called her out. “When we were children, nothing guaranteed you returning home covered in mud more than dressing you in clean, white clothes.”

“I happened to be the best baker of mud pies in all of Delaney Square.” Alice laughed.

“I can teach you to play tennis,” Marcus offered. Sophia cast a delighted glance at Eve. “The back lawn is perfect for it. We only have to set up the net.”

“Perhaps I could help as well.” Eve couldn't stop herself from joining an activity that offered the perfect chance for Alice and Marcus to get close. What was wrong with her? “I know how to play. Though, of course, three's a crowd.”

“I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to add a second instructor. And what do you think of London hosting the Olympic Games, Mrs. Kendal?” Marcus's eyes lit with a mischievous glow.

“I haven't given it a thought. Perhaps Aunt Agatha could tell us if hosting the Games will lead to triumph or tragedy.”

Agatha rubbed her temples. “I'm not seeing it clearly at this time, but then the scent of roses always seems to interfere with my visions.”

“The scent of roses? Yes.” Eve followed Sophia's gaze to the grand bouquet on a nearby table, pink roses and yellow alstroemeria. “Did the gardener bring them in for you? He hasn't cut any of the like for Thornbrook Park's arrangements. We seem to be getting all heather and chrysanthemums lately.”

“Captain Thorne brought me the flowers.” Alice flashed Marcus an appreciative smile, and Eve thought she detected a hint of triumph in her tone.

“What a surprise, Marcus. How considerate of you.” Sophia beamed. “Pink roses mean admiration. Alice, I believe Captain Thorne might be trying to tell you something.”

“Sophia,” Alice chided. “It was simply a gallant gesture.”

“There aren't roses enough to express my admiration for the lot of you. I'm a lucky man to be surrounded by such beauty and grace. My brother's a fool for not coming to tea with me. His loss.”

Sophia nodded all too eagerly.

“Men generally don't pay attention to such things, but I believe I heard somewhere that sunflowers represent adoration.” Marcus looked at Eve with the heavy-lidded gaze that made her heart beat faster. “We saw a whole field of them on our drive yesterday.”

“Before the rain.” Eve feared that they were giving themselves away, but she couldn't avert her gaze from his.

“I believe it's a Victorian notion to analyze flowers for meaning.” Sophia dusted her hands as if done with the topic now that it had veered off a course that suited her. “We must embrace our new times. Perhaps there's no meaning other than to celebrate beauty.”