Chapter Six #2
Startled, she said, “Oh, yes. Lady Cressley needs a new pin cushion and some pins. I told her I would pick them up for her. If you would put them on her account.”
Mr. Shaft went to fetch the items, and Mr. Rochester asked, “Who might this Lady Cressley be?”
“She is my cousin, Lia, and she wed Viscount Cressley five years ago.”
“I suppose your cousin lives near Traywick Manor.”
“Crestbrook is adjacent to my family’s estate. Lia met Rupert when she, her sister, Tia, and my Aunt Alice came to visit several years ago.”
“It must be nice, having your cousin so close to you.”
“It is. We are not only cousins, but we are good friends, and I simply adore her children. They call me Jussy. Edward mangled Justina every time he tried to say it. Mary never even tried. She is the one who began calling me Jussy. Now Damaris, the littlest one does, as well. It is one of the few words she speaks.”
“Says Lady Justina with great pride,” Mr. Rochester teased.
“Here are your sewing notions, my lady,” Mr. Shaft said, returning and marking down the purchase.
“Let me slip them inside my reticule, Mr. Shaft.” She opened it and placed the items inside.
“There, that will do nicely.” Looking back to Mr. Rochester, she said, “I hope you have a successful trip and find many worthy books to bring back to Kidsgrove. In fact, my cousin mentioned to me that it would be wonderful if you could locate some children’s books and bring them back to Kidsgrove.
I know she will become one of your most loyal customers if you carry children’s books. ”
“I had not even thought to do so. That is an excellent idea, Lady Justina.” He hesitated and then asked, “Would you care to join me for a cup of tea at Mrs. Little’s?”
“Why, I was headed in that direction. I promised Lia I would also bring back some of Mrs. Little’s raisin scones. They are most addictive.”
“Hmm. I have yet to try them. I think now would be the best time to do so. That is, if you will join me.”
Eager to spend more time in this man’s company, she said, “I would be happy to do so.”
“I shall be back soon, Mr. Shaft.”
“Take your time, Mr. Rochester.”
They walked the length of the main thoroughfare, her hand tucked into the crook of his arm, the scent of his cologne enticing her.
Mrs. Little greeted them, and Justina said, “Lady Cressley is hankering for your raisin scones. I told her I would bring her some.”
“Then I shall box up half a dozen for her ladyship, my lady. And for you, Mr. Rochester?”
“Lady Justina has convinced me that I must try one of these raisin scones, Mrs. Little. If you would bring one for each of us, along with a cup of tea, we would be grateful.”
“Nothing like a hot cup of tea on a chilly day,” the baker said.
Mr. Rochester led her to one of the tables and pulled out the chair for her, seating her.
He took the other chair at the table for two, and she felt her breathing grow shallow.
He was such a large man. Not that he intimidated her, since she was quite tall herself.
He just seemed to take up so much room. Their knees brushed against one another’s, causing a pleasant sensation to run through her.
Tilting his head back, he inhaled deeply. “Ah, I do love the sweet scents filling a bakery.”
“Have you a sweet tooth, Mr. Rochester?”
“I never thought so until I came to Kidsgrove. I did not have many sweets as a child. Sweets were a special treat. Sponge cakes and macarons were particular favorites, mainly because my mother baked them. She was from Paris and knew her way around a kitchen and had a sweet tooth of her own. She would allow me to join her and help add all the ingredients into a bowl. As I got older, I was allowed to blend those ingredients.”
He smiled, a faraway look in his eyes.
“You loved her a great deal,” she observed.
Their gazes met. “I did. Very much. She died giving birth to a stillborn daughter when I was ten and two. After that, my life was never the same. It was as if a huge part of my heart was missing. Yes, it still pumped the blood through my veins, but it seemed as if all the joy went out of the room—and my life—with her absence.”
“What of your father?”
Mr. Rochester frowned. “He took Maman’s death extremely hard. He was never the same after it. Before, Papa had been attentive and loving. After her passing, he closed himself off in his study and rarely left it.”
Pity filled her, for this boy who had, in effect, lost both his parents at the same time.
“Do you have any siblings?”
For a moment, he did not answer, and Justina was about to apologize for prying when he replied, “One. An older brother. We are not close. Claude thinks only of himself.” He paused. “We are estranged. I have not spoken to him since I left for the war.”
“How long did you serve?” she asked.
“Seven years. Seven long years,” he said softly. “Sometimes, I look back and wonder how I managed to stay alive.”
She wanted to comfort him and reached out, placing her hand atop his. “The war is behind you. You have much to look forward to with your new venture. And you seem to have a brother in Lord Marbury, by choice, if not blood.”
“We are very close,” he agreed. “Sometimes, it is hard to think of him becoming a powerful duke.”
“Lord Marbury made a good impression upon me. He is the type of man who will always be your friend, even with a ducal title.”
“I suppose you are right.”
Mrs. Little appeared with their tea and scones. “Enjoy.”