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‘By all means, as long as you don’t mind being stared at.’ Lance nodded his head towards a group of men clustered together on the far platform. The frequent glances in his direction made their topic of conversation quite obvious. ‘I seem to be attracting a lot of attention this morning.’
‘Which makes a refreshing change for me.’ Robert arched an eyebrow. ‘Usually I’m the one being gossiped about, but your reputation se
ems to be even more jaded than mine. The two of us together ought to be the talk of Whitby.’
‘I thought you were an esteemed man of business?’
‘Man of business, yes. Esteemed, no. I was on my way towards becoming a gentleman once, but I’m afraid circumstances put paid to that.’
‘Because of Charles Lester? I heard the rumours.’
‘I didn’t push him.’
‘I never thought that you did. Besides, I think Violet would have refused to marry me if I had.’ He felt a tug of jealousy at his own words. ‘She’s one of your greatest defenders.’
Robert laughed. ‘I put that entirely down to Ianthe. Old Harper made his disapproval of me quite obvious.’
‘Then we’ve something in common. He called me a reprobate—quite rightly, of course.’
‘And now you’re married to his daughter.’
‘I doubt he would have been pleased.’
Robert glanced at him speculatively. ‘I understand that you’re setting up in business yourself? Iron, isn’t it?’
‘Yes. I’ve opened a new mine close to Rosedale.’ Lance hesitated briefly. ‘As it happens, I wouldn’t mind your opinion on a few matters. I heard you invested in the works at Grosmont.’
‘I did, though I’m no expert on mining, I’m afraid.’
‘Neither am I. I’m learning as I go along, but I wouldn’t mind another opinion.’
‘Then I’d be glad to discuss anything you want.’
‘Good. I’m there almost every day. Come and visit when you—’
He stopped at the sound of a whistle blowing, his heart seeming to do some kind of violent somersault in his chest as he turned to see the locomotive already rolling into the station, chuffing slowly to a halt in a billowing cloud of steam. The whistle blew again and it stopped, the compartment doors all bursting open, seemingly at once, as passengers started to get off.
Lance peered over the top of the crowd, resenting the height of the other travellers that made it impossible to spot his wife, about to make his way forward when a flurry of green silk flew past him and threw itself headlong into Robert’s waiting arms. He watched in amusement. That would give the crowd of onlookers something else to talk about. It seemed Ianthe Felstone was just as excited by the prospect of a reunion as her husband. He felt a brief pang of jealousy, quickly followed by a whole different pang as he turned again and caught sight of his wife.
‘Lance.’
She was standing just a few feet away, dressed all in blue, his new favourite colour, smiling up at him, though for a few moments he seemed oddly incapable of answering. She looked positively transformed, her whole face seeming to glow with health and happiness. She looked slightly bigger than before, too, as if her body had rounded out in the time since she’d left. Even her hair looked fuller and softer, with feathery tendrils stroking the sides of her newly rounded face.
Whatever that first pang had been, it stabbed him anew, a bittersweet combination of pleasure at seeing her again and resentment that such a dazzling transformation had happened in his absence. She seemed to have blossomed during their separation, while he’d spent his time counting the days.
‘Violet.’ He smiled stiffly and extended an arm, acutely aware of how formal his behaviour must seem next to the enthusiastically informal couple beside them. Frankly, if the Felstones started to behave any more informally, then he might have to suggest they adjourn to one of the nearby waiting rooms. ‘It’s good to see you again. I trust that you’ve had an enjoyable trip.’
‘Very enjoyable, thank you.’ She threaded her arm through his. ‘Goodbye, Ianthe.’
Lance lifted a hand to the rim of his hat, though by the look of things, saying goodbye was the very last thing on either of the Felstones’ minds.
Violet giggled. ‘I don’t think she heard me.’
‘No, I think not.’ He led the way out of the station, pressing her arm tightly against his side so that she couldn’t pull it away again. Now that he had her back, he didn’t want to let go, even for a second. ‘She almost knocked me over to reach him.’
‘I noticed. I hope you weren’t waiting long.’
‘Not at all,’ he lied. ‘It was perfect timing.’
