sixteen
The next day, as she was having breakfast, Effie was still seething after the absurd, confusing proposal of marriage by Tristan.
Seething was maybe a strong word, since she’d gone through a wide range of emotions in the past hours.
She’d been annoyed, offended, and incredulous. But then, worry for Tristan had crept through her thoughts, and finally compassion as well. She hadn’t let him explain himself properly although his proposal had been one disaster after the other.
But maybe he’d wanted to say something else. Or maybe she should stop defending him. She had to judge his words and actions, and they hadn’t impressed her.
Besides, after what Jane had told her, doubts bothered her. Did Tristan have a rich, noble mistress? Was he as brutal with his employees as his father had been?
Rumours were only rumours, and he might not be as terrible as they pictured him. Still, his words, said in the wrong moment and with the wrong tone, had irked her, which was hypocritical of her, considering she’d accused him of having a short temper. As a result, she’d slept poorly, and her mood was foul.
“What is it with you?” Papa asked, sipping his morning tea in the sunroom.
“Is it so evident?”
He gave her an affectionate smile. “You’re easy to understand for me. Just like your mother, you wear your heart on your sleeve. What is it?”
No, she didn’t want to discuss Tristan’s proposal. Papa was already prejudiced against him; he would challenge Tristan to a duel, or something similar.
“Just annoyance that will go away as soon as I take a walk.”
He tensed a little. “Where are you planning to go?”
“I don’t know. Maybe I’ll go to Farringdon. There’s a new park I would like to visit.”
He put down his cup of tea, and maybe she was too sensitive that morning, but she could swear he shivered.
“Why don’t you go to see Colin? There’s a train leaving in a couple of hours from Victoria Station. The girls will be delighted to play with their favourite aunt, and the day is beautiful.”
She chuckled. “I’m not their favourite aunt.”
“You will be if you bring them the almond cake Cook baked yesterday.” He squeezed her hand. “Take a day for yourself. See your brother and nieces. Leave London. It’ll do you good.”
A day immersed in Nature with her brother and nieces was a strong temptation compared to busy London.
“Maybe you’re right.”
“I usually am.”
“I’ll go to Greenford then. The country will be a welcome change from the city. I’ll take a walk in the forest with Colin if he’s free. It’s been a while.”
He nodded, tension leaving his shoulders. “Excellent.” He rose and kissed her cheek. “I’ll see you at dinner, or tomorrow if you decide to stay with Colin and come back in a day or two.” He stared at her with hope.
“Honestly, are you trying to get rid of me?”
“Of course not, darling. But if you need to spend the night in Greenford, I can only be happy for you.”
“I’ll think about it.”
He kissed her cheek again and left, humming a tune.
An hour later, Effie was in the hallway, ready to go in her travelling cloak and leather boots. The footman opened the door for her when the butler arrived.
“My lady, this has just arrived.” Doyle handed her a message.
She didn’t pick it up immediately, fearing it was Tristan, but she exhaled when she realised it was Rowan, politely inviting her to the inauguration of Tristan’s latest locomotive at Aldersgate Station, which ironically was close to Farringdon, her original destination. Her sour mood melted like sorbet in the sun.
