“Then sisters do not always know best after all.”
Rose giggled, then clapped a hand over her mouth. Thomas stood, then drew her to her feet. “Can you go up the servants’ stairwell and find Sarah? I’ll make my way to the drawing room. If anyone asks, I’ll say you had to relieve yourself after our walk in the garden.”
“And no one will believe you.”
He shrugged. “If I remember, your phrase was that ‘people believe what they think they see.’”
“Or what they want to see.” She raised up on her toes and kissed him. “Thank you for your persistence.”
He returned the kiss. “It certainly made one of my dreams come true.”
They headed back inside, separating just inside the conservatory, with Rose fleeing up the back stairs. Thomas returned to the drawing room, seeing no one along the way—not even Davis, although the tea tray had been removed and his cane placed in a stand near the door. Hints, he thought, to let them know their absence had been noticed if not commented on. When Rose returned, he said his farewell to her and her father.
Thomas returned home to a house in preparations for travel. He joined in, discovering that he was rather looking forward to the weeks ahead, and time with his father, despite the disappointment of leaving Rose behind. She, too, would be busy. He hoped that meant the month would pass quickly for them both.
It would not, however, if his dreams in the night continued to conjure up Katherine Carterton. Thomas awoke sometime after midnight, images of Kitty’s mounds of pillows and sexual proclivities still swirling in his mind. He was annoyed, almost angry—and aroused in a harsh, almost painful way. While his heart truly belonged to Rose Timmons, he finally acknowledged that his brain and body were fighting a battle over which he had no control. Kitty Carterton haunted him.
Perhaps time—the month away—would help. But somehow, he doubted it.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Monday, 13 June 1825
My dearest Thomas—
I realize it may be unusual to write a letter when you have not yet left on your journey, but I know the mail coach will be faster than your own mode of travel, and I wanted this to greet you as soon as you arrived at Ashton Park. I hope that aim was achieved, barring bad roads, lame horses, and broken wheels.
Do you have an itinerary for your travels? I forgot to ask yesterday in the flurry of other discussions. I would like to continue writing to you whenever I have time, with a quest for these missives to reach you wherever you reside at the moment.
The household—as you can imagine—is in a chaotic jumble with wedding preparations, in addition to our normal duties. Wednesday I will meet with Papa for our usual monthly meeting to discuss the household budget, as well as the final wedding budget. The breakfast and party will be the largest expense—obviously—since Mother is planning a fete worthy of the king—but I hope Papa is not too surprised by my amount for the mail coach this month, only part of which is required by the wedding.
I hope you received your cane before you departed. I was surprised to discover you had left it behind yesterday afternoon. It does seem to be a part of your anatomy most days. A part I seemed to have developed a habit of finding and returning to you.
As to yesterday’s visit—thank you. Our rather in-depth exchanges have brought some much-needed perspective, for which I am grateful. I pray that when you return, such exchanges can continue with equal fervor and understanding.
Best wishes for safe travels,
R—
*
Thursday, 16 June 1825
My lady Rose—
Yes, indeed, your missive awaited our arrival yesterday afternoon. Although thrilled and startled to find it, I found myself far too exhausted to compose a pleasant reply.
Our stay here at Ashton Park will be lengthier than planned. There is much work to do—the spring storms have created an unfortunate morass of mud and debris for some of the tenants. Our first meeting with the steward and land manager will be tomorrow, and I should have a better idea of our itinerary at that time. Until further notice, you can write me here.
I am glad to hear that the wedding preparations move forward smoothly, although I have no doubts that, with you in charge, nothing will go too far awry. They are wise to bring you back into the fray, albeit you come to it reluctantly.
Perhaps it will give you a taste of what you desire for your own wedding. For which I am somewhat anxious to set a date. As soon as I know more about our travels, I will offer some options—as I am quite determined that we continue those fervent exchanges. I know we both have a great deal to learn.
And, yes, the cane is once again affixed to my left hand, as it should be. I appreciate your thoroughness in making sure it was delivered promptly.
With great affection,
T—
