Page 84 of Exile's Return
‘Colonel Ashby,’ Agnes shot Leah a sharp glance. ‘I know we all have the children’s best interests at heart.’
‘And their best interests are not served by unseemly romping in the nursery,’ Leah cut in. ‘The children are wild and undisciplined, Colonel.’
Tobias stroked the end of his moustache, his gaze on Agnes.
‘Leah, my dear,’ he said at last. ‘I appreciate your zeal, but Mistress Fletcher and I have an understanding. I am allowing her to spend time with the children while she is in this house. I do not believe this will be an extended visit.’
Leah cast Agnes a look that came close to firing blue sparks of pure malevolence.
‘This woman is a whore,’ Leah raged. ‘Bedding men for her convenience. The carnal act is for one reason alone, the begetting of children.’ She pointed a finger at Agnes. ‘It is God’s judgment on you that you have not been cursed with a bastard child.’
Agnes stared at the woman in stunned disbelief.
‘You bewitch men,’ Leah continued. ‘You are no better than the Whore of Babylon. Colonel, you must see that her presence here can do nothing but harm to the children.’
Tobias had turned puce and his jaw worked as he tried to formulate a response. ‘Enough of this unseemly spatting,’ he said at last. ‘I appreciate your concern, Leah, but Mistress Fletcher has my word. She is the children’s aunt and entitled to the respect that entails.’
Agnes glared at Leah. ‘I believe I am owed an apology for my rough treatment.’
Tobias sighed. ‘Yes, I think perhaps you are right. Leah?’
Leah turned hot, angry eyes on Tobias. ‘Apologise to a whore?’
‘Apologise to the aunt of my wards,’ Tobias replied in a glacial tone.
A shudder ran through Leah as she straightened. ‘Very well. Mistress Fletcher, you have my apology for the misunderstanding.’
Agnes raised her chin. ‘I need fresh air,’ she said. ‘With your consent, Cousin Tobias, I wish to go for a ride.’
‘Colonel…’ Leah made one last bid to re-establish her position.
Tobias looked almost relieved. ‘Leah, let me be quite clear. For the next twenty-four hours, Mistress Fletcher is my guest with all that implies, and she has unfettered access to the children. After that, she will be leaving.’
Leah, her face still white with anger, inclined her head. ‘As you wish, Colonel.’
He waved a hand. ‘I do wish. Now go, both of you!’
Chapter 34
News of the commotion upstairs had reached the kitchen and set the tongues of the servants wagging. Both the old and the newer members of the household staff had been quietly appalled at the treatment meted out to a woman who wanted nothing more than to spend time with two children who were her blood kin. Daniel found himself the centre of attention from the curious servants and was glad when he received Agnes’s order to have her horse saddle coupled with an imperious demand for her boots and riding skirts.
He had both horses saddled and ready as she swept out of the house.
‘Do you wish me to accompany you, ma’am?’ he enquired for the benefit of any servants or soldiers in the vicinity.
‘Thank you, Lucas. Just keep your distance,’ Agnes replied, waiting for him to assist her to mount. She placed one booted foot in his cupped hands and he hoisted her into the saddle. After the long weeks of travel, this was now a well-practisedmanoeuvre, but she managed to exude an extra degree of haughtiness and disdain as she arranged her skirts across her saddle.
As she adjusted her stirrups, he recalled the heartbroken waif he had met in London. She bore little resemblance to this outwardly confident woman. He had to remember she had been quasi-mistress of this house for many years. More than that, she had been the mistress of an Earl. Only he knew that beneath that proud demeanour, her heart was breaking.
Keeping a respectful distance he followed her out of the castle. Out of sight of the village, he kicked his horse forward to draw level with her. Agnes drew in a deep breath of cold air, letting it out in a cloud, and gave him a rueful smile.
‘I can breathe again,’ she said, turning her face to the sky. ‘I feel like I’ve been holding my breath ever since Turner came to fetch me.’
‘Are you going to tell me what the rumpus is about? It set every tongue in the house wagging,’ Daniel said.
A flush of colour rose to her cheeks and she recounted the events that had led to what she described as a humiliating interview with Tobias Ashley. The barely contained outrage exuded from her as she concluded, ‘Those poor children, Daniel. Leah Turner has them completely cowed.’ She looked up at him and a single tear rolled unbidden down her face. ‘I have decided that whatever else I do, I have to get them away from here.’
Daniel reached across and wiped the tear away, his gloved hand lingering on her cheek.
