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Chapter 17
The rest of the weekend went by very slowly. It was agonizing, having to pretend that he was having the time of his life. Having to carry on polite conversation about the weather and the number of couples on the dance floor when his mind was full of Lucy. Silas was relieved when the final day came. He had just seen off the final carriage, filled with guests. The only one who remained was Levi, though he’d planned to stay the entire summer.
Even Percy had gone back to his father’s estate. Silas felt drained after all of the responsibilities of hosting a mass fete. It would have been good if he could take a few days to rest. But there was no time. He had to get to London as soon as possible.
Michael found him at the entrance to the garden. Silas was standing, staring at the place where he had first seen her.
“How’s it going, old chap?”
“As well as can be expected.”
Michael sighed. “At least you can finally give up the bet.”
Silas was still staring at the bench where Lucy had sat a few days prior.I should have gone to her, then. He should have made sure that she was all right, after being cornered in the maze by Percy. He could only hope that he wasn’t too late.
“No,” he stated flatly. He was exhausted—more than ever before. He was tired of the man he’d been, up until now. He wanted to be different. He wanted to be a better man for Lucy.
“No?”
When Silas turned to face his brother, Michael was looking at him as though he barely knew him.
“No,” he repeated. “Now, I must be off.”
“Where are you going?” His brother’s confusion was palpable.
“I have something that I need to attend to in London,” he explained vaguely. “I’m leaving immediately.” He didn’t want Michael to know. He didn’t know how Lucy was going to react to him showing up on her doorstep.
“Let me come with you,” Michael offered.
“No,” he insisted. “You were just there last week. I need to go. There’s something important that I must attend to.”
The groom was walking towards them, leading Black Jack along. The large black hunter was saddled, and Silas’ saddlebags were packed with clothing and food for the journey.
Silas accepted the reins, slipping them over the horse’s head before he placed a foot in the stirrup and hauled himself up. He looked down at his brother, who was frowning.
“I wish you would tell me what the matter is,” Michael said. “You’re acting rather strangely.”
Silas smiled. “It’ll all be clear soon.” With that, he clicked his tongue, gently pressing his heels to Black Jack’s sides. The horse broke into an easy canter down the drive.
He planned to go as fast as his horse could gallop. He needed to see Lucy, to speak with her. He was certain that as soon as things were cleared up, then nothing would stand in the way of their shared happiness. At least, he hoped that was how it would go.
