Page 32 of Charity

Her husband had not been a good man. She did not miss him.

Despite his ardent pursuit prior to marriage, and infrequent visits to her bed to get her with child, he’d preferred his actress mistress for his pleasure and more often than not ignored Estella’s needs. But it was not until Carrington had died that she’d pursued an affair with Thomas. The older man had taught her much about meeting her desires.

Estella blew out the candle, but sleep was a long time coming. In her mind, she kept remembering how Lynton Manning had kissed her with such urgency, such eager hunger for her lips. Was it wrong to lie beside a sleeping lover and think about the effect another man had on her senses?

Estella rolled away from Thomas and punched the pillow. Damn Lynton for stirring up such a conflict within her. His stolen kisses and hints of faithfulness were highly disturbing. But she could ignore him and the wild accusations about Oscar’s parentage. She had to if she wanted any peace.

Thomas rolled in his sleep and pulled Estella into his arms. Growing drowsy and content, she finally closed her eyes.

When morning came, she was alone.

Estella slipped from the warm bed and dragged her wrapper over her bare skin. She looked about. Thomas had a habit of early rising even when immersed in the country with nothing to do, and he appeared long gone. As she pulled the bell for assistance with her early morning toilette, she heard men speaking outside.

Curious, she pulled back the thick drapes and spied Thomas seated in the garden, talking with earnest concentration. The man he was speaking to was dark-haired, like Thomas had been, tall but with none of his physical strength. With the stranger’s back to her, she couldn’t tell who it was and curiosity bit deep. He never discussed business here, and the man resembled none of their closest neighbors.

By the time she’d bathed and dressed for the day, the men were nowhere in sight. She could still hear them though, within the house now, and on instinct she kept her steps light.

“Sign here and here. William, you will witness and sign the other paper with your mark, too.”

Estella leaned against the door, trying to hear more of the conversation, but deeply puzzled by the need for witnesses. What was Thomas up to?

“I am happy to oblige, Thomas. I’ve no need for another house, as London doesn’t agree with my disposition. I’m much happier in Winchester, and it’s closer to the port. Please give my regards to my cousin. It has been much too long a time since we’ve met.”

“That I will, Robert. You may draw on my account as soon as you care to.”

Estella backed away quietly and hurried into the morning room. Voices grew louder in the hall, and then Thomas’ heavy tread approached. “Did we wake you?”

She looked behind him, but he was alone. “No, of course not. Who was it that came to call so early?”

Thomas heaped a plate with food and sat down beside her. “My brother’s grandson, Robert Birkenstock. We had a bit of business to discuss.”

“He works for you?”

Thomas chewed slowly. The delay in answering sent a prickle of unease up her spine.

“He’s been learning the ropes, as it were, as an employee over the past few months. I think he will carry on my concerns quite well.”

“Carry on your concerns? Are you handing over the business to him?”

Thomas reached over and squeezed her hand. “He will have it, in time. He’s my heir. I cannot live forever, and I have quite a number of people depending on the business continuing for their survival. Robert has a level head on his shoulders and is eager to take the reins.”

Estella couldn’t think of what to say. Thomas was setting his affairs in order. The thought, coming so soon on her concerns of the night before, sent a chill to her heart. She clutched at his hand.

He patted hers in return. “Now, my dear, there is no need to fret. A man with my responsibilities must make certain his commitments will be met. Robert will do well by the business, and by Agatha, too.”

“By Agatha? Thomas, what is going on?”

He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Given her recent moods, and the difficulty of finding a suitable husband, I have come to the conclusion Agatha might never marry. I thought to forewarn Robert of the possibility. With his agreement, we have drawn up papers to allow her to live out her days in the London townhouse, if she so chooses, and to receive a regular allowance from a trust. Since Robert’s wife is increasing again, he has no wish to add possible contention with another female in her domain.” Thomas pushed his unfinished plate away. “Agatha should be pleased. She will have a limited independence.”

Not want to marry? Estella had never received that impression from his granddaughter. She’d always thought it a shame Agatha hadn’t already found a deserving husband. She had such pretty manners and such a good way with children.

Thomas cleared his throat. “I would like to ask, should you have the time and inclination, to keep an eye on Agatha’s well-being if something should happen to me. Only at first, mind. I’m sure she won’t require much of your attention. But the girl is too fiercely independent for my taste, and I fear she will do something foolish once I’m gone.”

“Of course I will. I had no idea she was set against marriage. How extraordinary!” Estella swallowed down the pain in her chest. She didn’t like this morbid turn of conversation at all. Thomas was a strong man. He just needed to relax more to get over his current lethargy. He couldn’t die.

With that thought in mind, Estella vowed to see the next few days were as undemanding as possible.

“She hides it well, mostly to save me from embarrassment, I think.” Thomas sank back in his chair with a softly uttered groan. “Now, what shall we do today? Your garden is looking a little lonely out there.”