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Chapter 10
They reached Carlisle in a couple of hours. The Adleys were nice enough to drive them right up to the front steps. Travel with the Adleys turned out to be not as grueling as they’d first thought. The elderly couple were lively and talkative. Contrary to Evie’s usual sullen mood on the road, she almost didn’t notice the sickness and constantly laughed at their jokes, listened attentively, and told them stories of her childhood.
She liked to chat with them. They seemed to be people who did not dwell on the past and did not curse their lives for turning them old. They genuinely loved their children and grandchildren, which warmed Evie’s heart.
For as long as she could remember, since her grandfather’s death, she couldn’t talk about him without tears in her eyes. Now, as she recalled some of the stories, the time they’d spent together, she found herself smiling.
Gabriel did not join in on their stories of grandparents’ and grandchildren’s escapades. He laughed at their antics but did not add to the conversation.
When they finally arrived at their destination, she didn’t want to leave. She’d rather travel with them all the way to London than confront the Montbrooks. But that wasn’t an option. She needed to get her lands back.
“This is odd. I didn’t feel ill throughout this journey. It was lovely,” Evie said as they were saying goodbyes.
“It’s the ginger root,” the woman said. “I always add it to my biscuits for spice, and it helps with the nausea.”
“Truly? I never knew that. You might have saved my life.”
They said their goodbyes and stepped out in front of the Somerset manor.
“Are you ready?” Gabriel asked and took her hand in his.
Evie squeezed his hand. “Yes, let’s take my inheritance back.”
With a nod, they both stepped up to the door and knocked.
Deafening silence greeted them. Evie frowned and knocked again, only harder. No answer.
Evie looked at Gabriel, panic settling inside her. Gabriel silently squeezed her hand and knocked again. When it was obvious that no one was going to answer, Gabriel bade her to stay by the door and went to check all other entrances to the house. He even knocked on the windows.
By the time Gabriel returned, Evie had made herself comfortable on the front steps. He didn’t have to say anything. She already knew the answer.
The mansion had been vacated.
Where had all the servants gone? What had happened here? When she ran off two weeks ago, it was bustling with life.
Gabriel sat next to her and raised his eyes heavenward. “At least, it’s not raining.”
Evie gave a small chuckle. “There’s an inn in town. Some three miles away. We might be able to get a room there. But if I remember correctly, the summer fair should be going on around this time. Which means—”
“Which means that the inn might be full,” Gabriel finished for her and got up. “Well, no need wasting our time here. I don’t think anybody is coming to let us in.” He stretched an arm toward her. “Are you all right?” he asked with such a concern in his eyes that she worried she looked even worse than she felt.
“Yes, I am well. I am just worried. Where could Montbrook have taken all my staff? It’s not necessary to move them to London since every estate has its own set of servants. If I hadn’t left—”
“You’d be married off to one of his sons.”
Or worse. Evie’s stomach clenched at the unpleasant thought.
“You’re right. No point in dwelling on the past and what could have been. We better move if we want to get into town before dusk.”
The road to town took over an hour. By the time they got there, they were dusty, and Evie’s feet burned.
As they reached the fair, they entered the area surrounded by tents, watching families go from one tent to another, buying trinkets, food, dancing, and having fun.
The smell of street food surrounded them, and Evie’s stomach grumbled in hunger. She was usually giddy at the prospect of spending time at a fair. Now, however, the noises of the crowd were irritating. She slowed her steps before stopping completely and refusing to move.
Gabriel looked at her inquiringly.
“I am tired, Gabriel,” she breathed. “There is no way I am going to live through this fair if I don’t eat something.”
