AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It is beautiful,” she whispered.
“It would mean a lot if you would keep it. I brought it home when I returned from Ireland, but when I found out you were married, I kept it. It has always reminded me of our dance.”
Astonished, she held out her gloved hand, numbly watching as he tucked the locket inside and folded her fingers over it. Not trusting herself to speak, she gripped it tightly as the carriage pulled to a stop in front of the manor.
Charles exited first, and stood, waiting to assist her down. Holding his arm out, she laid her fingers lightly upon it, and he escorted her inside. It felt right.
This day had been wonderful. For once in her life, she wanted her brother to be right.
*
Charles felt asif he had transitioned to a different world. It was not that he felt unworthy. After all, he was raised as the son of a baron, even if they had adopted him. He had been accepted in society years ago and had an unblemished military career as an officer.
Agatha had mentioned a dream. He wanted to know more but did not probe. Whatever had happened to her had given him hope, and he dared not question it. He sent another silent petition that it would continue.
“I was looking for you, my lady. Mr. Clawes arrived a few minutes ago, and we have unloaded the toys, books, and sweets for the children. I have placed Mrs. Stone in charge and asked a footman to carry in the fabric. She is already organizing and preparing to wrap gifts,” he reported, when walking towards her parlor.
“Excellent.” She was carrying Pretty and stopped, wearing a wide grin.
“My lady,” he continued. “Cook has the food ready in baskets. She plans to help Mrs. Stone deliver it.”
“That iswonderful,” she exclaimed.
“I also sent a footman to the orphanage, asking the Hansons if we might visit in the morning. ’Twill be Christmas Eve and the perfect day to deliver your gifts, if that suits.”
“It all sounds perfect,” she returned. “You have, as always, handled things splendidly. I have always appreciated your insights on my behalf.” She paused. “Might we meet in my parlor? I have a few more things to discuss.”
“Yes, my lady,” he answered, suddenly feeling uncertain.
“I wish this to be private,” she said, nodding towards the door.
The door clicked behind him, and he stood as she took her seat.
“Sit,” she urged, tapping the cushion next to her. Insulted, Pretty jumped down from her mistress’s lap and moved to her nearby basket. Giving a quick meow, she curled into a disinterested ball of fur and went to sleep, eliciting smiles from both of them.
“Bent... Charles. Is it permissible to call you Charles?”
“Yes, my lady...”
“Agatha,” she inserted. “Please call me Agatha.”
“Agatha,” he repeated, enjoying the sound.
“Charles, I am sure I have you at sixes and sevens with my behavior these past two days.” She inhaled a steadying breath. “However, so you might not think me crazy, let me say, I have been shown that my life needed to change.” She shook her head in bewilderment. “I had such vivid dreams,” she muttered. “I have recalled events from my past and my present that have quite frightened me.”
He felt lost with her explanation, but stayed quiet, allowing her to speak. His mother had always encouraged him to let others go first, and he had seen the wisdom in that adage, time after time in his life. Agatha appeared frustrated.
“I see from your face that this is going badly. Permit me to just ask. Do you believe in ghosts?”
He startled. Most assuredly, he believed in ghosts. “Yes, Agatha, I believe in the spiritual world,” he said, hesitantly, still uncertain of the direction they were headed.
“Perfect. Thomas visited me.”
She appeared to scrutinize his face as she spoke.
“I hope you will not find me mad. I do not feel mad. I feel free,” she pronounced, gazing up at him. “My dead brother’s ghost showed me times from my life that I did not make me proud. He spent what seemed like forever, dragging me to events from my past and making me see things I no longer wished to see, or had forgotten, or had never seen as others had. However, before he would leave me, he showed me what my future would be if I did not change and made sure I understood the need for... modification.” Her voice became softer. “And I do. I did not have the right of things. I had misjudged many so badly. Yet, you have always supported me, and I appreciate that. I had misjudged you once, so long ago. And for that, I have paid a price. I ended up married to a man that demanded only duty and gave little of himself. I became bitter. These are not justifications for my nasty behavior. They are my truth.”
“Agatha, I do not think you nasty, nor mad.”
