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Chapter Nineteen
Selina and Leah were driven back to Kirby Hall in the barouche-landau with Faith and Maria. The two cousins were quiet as they went. Selina’s mind was as full as her heart was. To think that he’d bought a horse—for her.
They both alighted from the carriage, their maids trailing behind them. It was just beginning to rain as they walked quickly up the steps toward the front door.
“Naturally, it starts raining before we reach home,” Leah mused fretfully.
“Of course,” Selina agreed as the door opened to admit them.
“Ladies,” Mr. Wickes said, stepping aside so they could enter. “How was your ride?”
“Wonderful, Mr. Wickes,” Selina said. “The weather was perfect, up until the very end.”
“It was a bit warm,” Leah stated, wrinkling her nose. “And I smell horrid.”
“There’s a letter for you, My Lady,” Mr. Wickes said to Selina. He produced it, handing it to her.
“Thank you, Mr. Wickes,” Selina said, recognizing her brother’s handwriting. She hurried up the stairs, so that she could read it alone.
As soon as she closed the door after her, she popped the wax seal, unfolding the letter. It was disappointingly short.
My Dear Selina,
I believe it’s high time for me to be leaving Lord Merriweather’s. I was considering coming to you, in Gillingham County. Perhaps you could see if Uncle Latimer and Aunt Georgiana would be able to put up with my presence? I’d love to see Leah’s wedding, if possible.
You know how much I love weddings.
Warm Regards,
Thomas
Selina laughed to herself. Her brother hated weddings. However, she could read the subtext of the message easily. He and Lord Merriweather had a disagreement of some sort. She was curious to know the reason behind it.
* * *
Despite the rain, Jasper rode out to Reuben’s lodge. He hadn’t been out there in a while. He figured, if Reuben needed assistance with something, then he’d be best able to offer it in person.
Reuben’s butler brought him into the parlor. It was a small room, which Reuben had fitted up in dark blue, the walls painted white. It was very plain—only what was necessary existed there. No paintings or fancy silk wallpaper for his brother.
“Jasper!” Reuben said, smiling. He had a bottle of brandy on the table beside him. He had a few letters, which he was attending to, but he slipped them into the drawer. He stood up, and the two brothers hugged. “What brings you out here?”
“Just coming to visit,” he replied.
“Care for a glass?” Reuben asked.
“Please.”
Reuben walked over to the wooden sideboard, producing a second glass, and setting it in front of Jasper. He poured him several fingers of brandy before sitting back down. The brothers clinked glasses, then sipped in silence.
“It’s been a while since your last social call,” Reuben said.
“That’s because you always come to me.”
Reuben smiled, wrinkling his nose. “Your house is nicer.”
“If you want, I could have yours updated for you. It could be a gift.”
“No, absolutely not. It would ruin the rustic charm of the place,” Reuben said, laughing merrily. “Do tell me, though—what brings you out here?”
