Page 102 of Witchbane

I was embarrassed that it had taken me so long. ‘I am happy to have been helpful to the family.’

‘You are always welcome at our home,’ Sorrel said. ‘But I’m sure Rue has already told you that.’

She hadn’t, but I was glad to think her family felt that way.

‘Mistress Norman, we should take you home now.’

She nodded. ‘Yes, Pierre, I’d like that.’

I took Rue’s hand. ‘You should go with them,’ I said, still not entirely sure about my father and whether a spell could obliterate all the venom I had witnessed earlier. ‘There’s something I need to do, but I’ll come to the manor afterwards and see you then. There’s a matter I wish to discuss with you.’

‘What is it?’

Amused, I smiled at her. ‘I’ll tell you later.’

She tilted her head to one side. ‘Theo, we both know you need to tell me now. At least the essence of what you’re thinking.’

I stared into her eyes. ‘When I’ve seen for myself that my father no longer wishes to hurt your aunt through you, I’m going to resign from my role as his assistant.’

She opened her mouth in shock. ‘You are?’

‘I can no longer do a job that goes against my beliefs. Thanks to you and your family, I now understand enough to know he is wrong to persecute you. I might not be able to alter his views, despite his apparent change of heart towards your aunt, but that doesn’t mean I must follow his orders any longer.’

‘What will you do instead?’

I shrugged. ‘I have no idea.’

‘May I interrupt?’ Lord Thistlebury asked, bringing his horse to stand next to us. ‘I couldn’t help overhearing.’

I looked at Rue to gauge her reaction. ‘Thank you for coming, Papa.’

He beamed at her. ‘I intend to be far more involved with this family in the future. I have a lot of making up to do.’ He cocked his head to one side. ‘Which leads me to my suggestion for Theo here.’

‘I’m sorry, I don’t understand,’ I said, confused.

His Lordship pushed his hat higher on his forehead. ‘I’ve been trying to think of a way to show my gratitude for all that you’ve done to help me reconcile with my family.’

I smiled. ‘There is no need for thanks, Your Lordship. Seeing you all friends again is thanks enough.’

The older man smiled at Rue. ‘If he doesn’t listen to me, I’m expecting you to persuade him.’

‘About what?’ I asked, bemused. I wished I could have another moment alone with Rue before going to speak to my father.

Lord Thistlebury sat up a little straighter in his saddle, obviously preparing to make an announcement. ‘I am in need of a new private secretary. We have a couple of vacant cottages on the estate I’m willing to renovate. I would be extremely happy to offer you a position and accommodation – at least until you decide to look elsewhere.’

A job and a home, and both where I could see Rue every day. I thought of my mother and hesitated.

‘Is something wrong?’ Lord Thistlebury asked.

‘I am grateful for your kind offer, Lord Thistlebury. I am ambitious to set up my own business at some point, but I do need to be close to my family home so that I can check on my mother’s welfare.’ I saw His Lordship’s concern and Rue’s, so I gave them my reasons. ‘She gave up a lot by sending me away to live with family. I must shortly explain to my father that I no longer wish to continue the family tradition by becoming Witchfinder. This is something my mother too might take time to accept.’

‘You don’t have to take me up on this if you don’t wish to,’ Lord Thistlebury said.

‘No, you don’t,’ Rue agreed, looking up at me, her turquoise eyes radiating love that made my heart melt.

I wished we could leave everything behind right now.

I gave her hand a gentle squeeze. ‘On the contrary, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity and will be delighted to accept both the role and accommodation. I just wanted you to know that it might only be temporary.’ I looked at Rue. ‘If that’s something you are happy to agree to?’