Chapter 17 #2
After reaching over to pat my hand, she pushed to her feet, plainly believing the matter was settled. “Philip took Malcolm for a ride, but they should be back any moment now and…”
I grasped her hand before she could set off toward the stables.
“Have a care, Alana,” I warned her. “If you say the wrong thing, Trevor might not forgive you as easily as you think. Not about something this important.” I knew I couldn’t stop her from doing what she as our elder sister thought best, but I prayed she would at least take a little guidance from me.
She frowned down at me before trying again to stride off, but I tugged once more on her hand.
“I’m serious, Alana. If our inquiry proves one of Matilda’s loved ones killed Miss Whitlock…
” My voice dipped to an agonized whisper as I dared to say one of the things I feared most. “Trevor might never speak to me again.” I swallowed, blinking back a sudden wash of tears. “Trevor…Trevor will need you.”
I was grateful when she didn’t try to deny that our brother would be hurt or that he might take Matilda’s side against me. Instead, she squeezed my hand, offering what comfort she could. I sniffed and looked away.
“Surely, it won’t come to that,” she finally said, but I could hear the uncertainty in her tone.
Releasing her hand, I urged her to go. “I know your time with Malcolm is short.” Before they knew it, he would be headed back to school for the autumn term. When still she hesitated, I flapped my hand harder. “Go!”
She bent to press a kiss to my brow and then hurried off, lifting her skirts.
I exhaled a long breath, dabbing at the corners of my eyes with my fingers before rising to stroll deeper into the gardens.
A line of topiaries marked the edge of the gardens proper.
I passed through them and veered left to join one of the charming little forest trails that wove beneath the trees at the edge of the woods.
Here and there, wildflowers sprouted among the roots and shrubs, lending their color and scent to the scenery.
Another such trail formed a shortcut from Bevington Hall to our dower house.
Gage and I had coordinated to make our escape in a few hours, after he and his father returned from the coroner’s inquest in Alcester, so I didn’t venture far.
Although I’d been one of the first people to discover Miss Whitlock, I’d not been required to attend, allowing my husband to provide my testimony.
However, Mr. Birnam had been summoned to appear, as well as Bowcott, the butler, and the footman I’d first notified.
With so many crucial people absent, I knew I should return to the manor and my duties as hostess, but the very thought made my footsteps drag.
Then I spied someone up ahead, making their way toward me.
Their head was down, so it took me a moment to realize it was Lord Milngavie.
He must have been very deep in thought, for he didn’t notice me until he was nearly upon me.
“My lady,” he remarked, straightening in surprise. “My apologies. I didn’t see you there.” He touched the brim of his hat. “ ’Tis a beautiful day, isn’t it?”
“It is,” I responded agreeably. “I’m pleased to see you enjoying it.”
His blue eyes warmed as he smiled, improving his looks considerably over the dour expression he often wore.
But just as swiftly his happiness faded, replaced by a worried frown.
I suspected I knew the reason for it. “I am glad I have a moment to speak with you alone. For I must apologize for my behavior yesterday evening. I’m afraid I let my temper get the best of me.
” He spoke with great care, and I did not doubt his sincerity.
His gaze dipped to the forest floor by the path which was populated with enchanter’s nightshade and lavender herb Robert.
“It is perhaps my besetting sin, letting my rage overcome my sense.” He looked up imploringly.
“I do most heartily apologize for my behavior and my…my language. That I should have shocked the ladies so…why, I feel ashamed.”
I looped my arm with his. “Think nothing more of it, my lord. We all stumble at times. And I take it that none of the men realized your voices were carrying so far.”
“No!” He sounded aghast as we began to stroll back toward the manor. “Or else I hope I would have better controlled myself.”
“You were discussing the Factory Act?”
“Yes.” He heaved an aggrieved sigh. “A matter that Mr. Birnam and I do not see eye to eye on in any way.”
That much had been obvious.
I followed the flight of a butterfly as it crossed our path, deliberately keeping my voice light. “You passionately believe these revisions and the establishment of a professional Factory Inspectorate are needed.”
“I do. Or else the laws are all but unenforceable and the owners will continue to do as they please, exploiting their laborers.” The ferocity I’d heard in his voice the previous evening was back, albeit more restrained.
“If I may ask, what inspired your interest in this particular issue? Are there mills and factories located in your barony?”
Though I’d tried to phrase the question delicately, he knew what lay behind it.
“You, no doubt, have heard I inherited my title from a distant cousin. ’Twas not entirely unexpected, but startling, nonetheless. For you see, much of my branch of the family had fallen below the distinction of gentlemen, being forced to work for our living.”