Page 3 of What the Heart Knows

“Perhaps,” Meg acknowledged.

That independent mind causes endless trouble between Father and me. I wish I could be more compliant, and I wish he’d listen less to that clerk, Brookbank. “It was Father who insisted I learn management from our land steward, God rest his soul.” Father had done so because even as a child, she’d wished to remain at his side, so he’d taken her with him when he made rounds of the farms, consulting with gamekeepers and land stewards. She’d continued to learn while he was away. Upon his return, she’d gone on at length about her experiences and thanked him. He’d listened patiently enough, but eventually had waved her to silence. “By all means, continue the work, if you love it so much.”

’Twas the best gift he’d ever given her, until he’d added, “’Twill save me money, and I doubt any respectable folk will learn of it, given we live Fenwick on Sea, the veritable back of beyond.”

“Nonetheless, I blame Sir Frederick for your loss of a season and worse, your mother’s demise. He should’ve sent you both to me before running off to serve in the Commissariat Corps.”

“We were well cared for, and there were no other Fenneman men to take up arms in England’s defense.”

Aunt Patricia sniffed. “Not every family sent men to the army. Your mother wouldn’t have died of consumption had the two of you been with me.”

“You can’t know for certain, Aunt.”

“Fenwick on Sea is so remote. It took days for a physician to attend your mother. By then it was too late.” Tears brimmed in the older woman’s eyes.

Mother’s passing still brought Meg close to tears, and a part of her wished to blame Father. However, such feelings did no one any credit. She pushed aside the sorrowful memories. “You distress yourself needlessly, Aunt. I wish you would sleep.”

“How can I rest when you are placed so precariously? You’ve no one but a temperamental gentleman and his clerk to defend you. Frederick is entirely too careless with you. At the same time, he restricts you unreasonably. Just look at his insistence you return home this evening, yet he sent no servant to see to your safety.”

“No one in Fenwick would harm me for fear of Father’s retribution. I shall return home as soon as I know you are well cared for here. Before I leave, I’ll speak to Mr. Brewster about escorting you to the harbor and your vessel tomorrow. As for Father’s anger, I doubt he’ll do much more than a bit of yelling and stomping.” He’d withdraw some privilege or other as well. His favorite was to deny her access to the library and the books she loved.

Her aunt turned a pleading gaze on Meg. “You’re certain you don’t wish to come with me? I’d welcome you in Brighton, and you’d be able to have something of a season. Already the yacht races, water parties, receptions, and balls are in full swing. Your father is wrong to deny you the chance to meet eligible young men.”

“I’m content, Aunt.” Meg had never wished to meet eligible partis. The benefits of marriage had been small for her mother. As Meg saw it, she’d lose more than she gained from making a match.

“Hmpf. If not for that silly legend about drinking the waters of Fenwick on Sea and finding a forever love, I’d have no hope for you. I’ve lived the life of a spinster. Believe me, no woman wants such a lonely existence.”

“I am sorry you’ve been lonely, Aunt. I promise, once father is settled in his routine, I’ll visit.”

“He’s been home for more than a month. How much longer can it take for his routine to establish itself?”

Yes, and in that time, despite a few smiles and hugs, he’s made it clear that my life is limited to his needs and wants.

However, her aunt need not know that.

Meg shrugged. “I still perform a number of tasks on his behalf. I cannot say when I will be free to visit.”

“Do what you must quickly, please. I worry about you out here in this backwater.”

Meg didn’t attempt to reassure her aunt with information about the plans to draw national attention to Fenwick on Sea. However, the plans might evaporate. Especially if, like father, more area land owners opposed those plans. She’d long suspected father might have personal reasons for wishing to keep Fenwick off the map. Personal reasons that had nothing to do with status and everything to do with an evil lust for profit and power. Lately, Father had been temperamental and often cruel, but evil? She blamed the war for his change in temperament. She blamed Brookbank for everything else. That clerk was the true evil. She’d not believe it of Father.

She patted her aunt’s hand. “I’ve made you a promise, aunt. Now you must make me one and sleep. I’ll see to having supper served here so you needn’t go down to the public room.”

Aunt Patricia sighed. “I promise.”

“Good.” Meg stood and drew the curtains to dim the room. While she waited for sleep to claim her aunt, her mind drifted to the handsome officer who’d assisted with their baggage. Who was he, and what brought him to Fenwick on Sea?

Ah well, as I’ll likely never see the man again, his purpose here hardly matters.

A snuffle from the direction of the bed told Meg her aunt slept. She left for the parlor, and rang the bell pull. The day was fading. Meg wished she could remain and see Aunt Patience off. Staying would only upset Father. No, returning home tonight was her best option.

Chapter Two

Queen’s Barque Inn, The next morning

Studying his newspaper, Kit sipped his coffee.

Loud voices rose from across the room where Brewster senior sat opposite another gentleman.