Page 112 of Winterset
“I am trying,” I said, “but—” My voice caught, and I couldn’t finish my sentence.
Mrs. Owensby poured me a cup of tea and set it on the desk in front of me. “Kate will be all right. You will be too. You’ll see. Just give it some time.”
Time.
If only Kate and I had had more of it, things might be different.
Kate
The journey took four days,thankfully all without incident, and finally, we had almost arrived at Summerhaven. With rolling green hills and an expansive blue sky, the southern part of the country was big and bright and beautiful. I’d never seen a place more picturesque.
Charlie rode by the carriage on his horse. I was grateful for his sacrifice to ensure my safety, and I hoped he’d not experienced too much discomfort.
The carriage passed over the stone bridge, through the iron gate, and finally started down the tree-lined drive to Oliver’s childhood home.
Summerhaven was, without a doubt, the most magnificent manor I’d ever laid eyes on, so large that I could not see the whole of it out my side glass. The stone exterior sparkled in the afternoon sun, and the windows reflected the lush parkland it was built within.
Oliver’s family was waiting on the steps to greet me. A handsome man with dark hair and a discerning gaze—Lord Jennings, I guessed from Oliver’s description—and a lovely woman at his side. Hannah. Standing in front of them was a more mature woman. Oliver’s mother, Dowager Lady Winfield. They looked so similar.
The carriage came to a careful stop. A liveried footman opened the door and let down the step, then reached up to hand me down.
I smoothed my dress, though it made no difference. It was horribly wrinkled and two years out of fashion. What would the earl and his wife think of me? Did I even remember how to properly greet an earl, much less one who refused to be called by his title? My first and only Seasonhad been cut short, and during that time, I’d not been introduced to someone so high-ranking in Society. And this particular earl was predisposed to dislike me, seeing as he and Oliver were estranged.
I’d been so focused on leaving Winterset that I had not thought about arriving at Summerhaven. Oliver had sent them a single letter, pleading for them to take me in and help me find a new situation someplace safe, but that had likely arrived only yesterday. I was fortunate they were outside to greet me at all. I was a stranger to these people.
I pressed my back against the cushion and closed my eyes.
“Miss?” A footman peeked inside the carriage. “Is something the matter?”
“No. Nothing,” I said, my voice shaking. They probably thought me mad.
“May I help you alight?” He extended his hand another inch. I reached forward, but instead of taking his hand, I grabbed the door and pulled it closed, causing the footman to quickly retract his hand.
I couldn’t do this.
I wanted to go home to Winterset. To Oliver. But I could never go back.
My eyes burned with tears, but I blinked them away. A minute passed, or maybe it was mere seconds before a soft knock startled me.
The older woman stood at the carriage door, offering a small smile. She pointed at the door as if asking permission to enter, and I nodded.
“Miss Lockwood?” she asked, her voice gentle.
“Yes, my lady,” I said, my voice thin and trembling.
“I’m Lady Winfield, Oliver’s mother. May I join you for a moment?”
I slid to the side to make room for her.
She climbed into the carriage and sat directly across from me. Lady Winfield had kind eyes and a soft smile, like Oliver, which made me feel more at ease. “I remember the first time I made the journey from Winterset. I grew up there, you know.”
“You did?”
She nodded.
“I already miss it,” I sniffed.
She set a hand on my knee, offering quiet comfort. “When I first saw Summerhaven, my new home by marriage, I felt incredibly overwhelmed. I imagine you might too.”
