Page 90 of The Swan Syndicate
Stella was surprised to see Thomas standing next to a coach when they reached the end of the dock.
“How did you know when we’d be arriving?” Stella asked, smiling and happy to see for herself he was alright after Cheval’s men had taken her from the alley.
“I didn’t.” He opened the coach door. “I arrived yesterday and planned on waiting for as long as it took for you to arrive.”
She touched his arm. “It’s good to see you well.”
“Enjoy your ride to Waverly.” He helped her into the coach, then smiled at Beckworth. “You should see that foal of yours. I think Hensley spends more time in the stables than anywhereelse.” He lowered his voice but Stella, who was peering out the window, managed to hear him say, “Hensley has a lot of questions.”
“Thanks, mate. I wouldn’t expect anything less.” Beckworth jumped in the coach and sat next to her.
She leaned her head against his shoulder, wondered what questions Hensley would have, then forgot it all when she closed her eyes.
When she sensed the coach slow and make a turn, she sat up, jarring Beckworth.
“Sorry. Are we home?” She scooted across the bench to stare into the darkness. The coach passed tree after tree. She rubbed her eyes, noting the trees appeared the same and were evenly spaced, and knew they were on the drive into the estate.
“Is this what you meant when you asked to go home?” His voice seemed thick with emotion.
She turned to him, words ready to tumble from her mouth, but she stopped. He’d thought she’d meant Baywood. Of course, he would. That was her home—and his too now.
But so was Waverly. He had to know that. She reached across the bench and grabbed his hand.
“Of course, I meant Waverly. Until it’s time to go to our other home. Lots of people have two homes.”
He laughed. “Yes, they do. I’d always imagined someday having to marry and settle down. Be the proper viscount and all. Then I’d have to buy a home in London for the season.”
“And would you take the children with you?”
He shrugged. “I imagine that would be expected. In addition to the governess. All so tedious.”
“Would they have blond hair or brown?” She didn’t know why she wanted to know. As a viscount, he would be expected to marry.
The coach pulled up in front of the manor, and she lost her train of thought when she leaned over Beckworth to look out the window. The manor was ablaze with light not only from the windows but the torches that lit the outside, as if it had its own spotlights shining upward.
The front door opened, and Barrington barely stepped out before he was pushed aside by Mary, with Eleanor and Dame Elizabeth not far behind.
Before Thomas opened the coach door, Beckworth whispered in her ear. “I was thinking ginger-haired.”
Then he was outside waiting to take her hand.
She didn’t know how to react to his response, and the merriment in his eyes said she didn’t have to. She grinned and stepped down seconds before Mary’s arms wrapped her in a hug.
“It’s so good to see you home safe and sound. We want to hear all about it. Barrington has arranged for a light repast. You must be famished.”
“How did you know when we’d arrive?” Stella breathed in Mary’s familiar rose scent. It was good to be home.
“Because Jamie sent a man ahead before he knew Thomas was already in Bristol.” Hensley stepped next to the women and shook Beckworth’s hand. “Good to have you home. Your guests arrived early this morning, and we weren’t sure if we’d have to start the hunt without you.”
“After a good meal and a good rest, I wouldn’t think of missing the hunt.”
“I think he just wants to be on a horse regardless of the hunt,” Stella said, and they all laughed at the truth of it.
The women ushered Stella inside while the men marched toward the stables. Beckworth wanted to see the foal. She did too, but it could wait until morning. It was doubtful Mary would let her out of her sight.
Dinner was a light fare, being the second one of the day, and the conversation was boisterous. Stella worried they’d have to discuss the mission and the way it ended. She should have known better. Hensley would never discuss a mission with their guests present. Of their new guests, she knew Dame Elizabeth and Lord and Lady Osborne. No one ever forgot Lady Abigail Osborne—AJ’s nemesis. She would have to ask Beckworth for a quick overview of Lord and Lady Melville and Lord Standish.
She also should have remembered Hensley and Mary’s ability to carry on a conversation without a pause. Other than a slight discussion on the weather during their sailing adventure, Mary shared every detail of the upcoming events for the weekend.
