Page 4 of Betrayal from Beyond
“I think they must have been,” Gyda said seriously. “I lay in the bath last night, imagining the long journey they must have taken to come to me.” Her tone quieted. “I am thinking of havinga complete traditional outfit made. There is someone I want to show them to, and I think I want to manufacture the full effect.”
Kara had been about to roll out of bed, but now she paused. “Someone you want to show them to? I know that tone of yours, Gyda.” She fluffed her pillow, leaned back, and raised a brow. “Talk.”
Gyda bit her lip. “Kara.” It came out in almost a whisper. “I think I have met someone. Someone…important.”
Kara drew a delighted breath. “Oh! Do tell!”
“His name is Charles Osbourne.”
She couldn’t stop her eyes widening in surprise. “But…”
“I know!” Gyda put a hand on her brow. “But he’s as beautiful as anyone I’ve ever been attracted to!”
“Charles Osbourne? Gyda, do you meanLordCharles Osbourne? From the Duke of Stratton’s brood?”
“His fourth son,” Gyda said with an air of confession.
“Oh, good heavens,” Kara breathed.
“I know! The whole thing is ridiculous! Except it absolutely is not. He is not your typical lordling.”
“I do seem to recall your saying that the nobility is largely a waste of flesh,” Kara said wryly.
“I didn’t mean you. You know that. Nor do I mean Charles. He’s not like so many of the rest of them. His mind, Kara! He’s incredibly knowledgeable, but even better, he is curious.”
“Curious? About what, exactly?” Several worrying possibilities occurred to her.
“About everything. It’s entirely delightful, how much he knows and yet how much he still wishes to learn. He’s especially interested in craftmanship and creation.”
Kara relaxed. “Well, then. He must find you fascinating, my dear. Your artistry is undeniable.”
Gyda flushed with pleasure. “That means something coming from you.” She made a face. “I’m just…bowled over by him, Kara.I cannot stop watching him, listening to him talk. He has such passion and initiative.”
“As do you,” Kara reminded her.
“We do have that in common. His enthusiasm fascinates me, but it’s more than that, as well. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt this way about anyone.”
Kara took her friend’s other hand and squeezed them both. “I’m so very happy for you.”
Gyda pulled her in for a hug. “Thank you. I couldn’t wait to tell you.” Pulling back, she grinned. “And thank you for not immediately voicing your reservations. I know you have them. I do as well. There are a good many reasons why a relationship will never work between us. I list them to myself daily. And yet…I cannot help but hope for one more day, every day.”
“Oh, Gyda. That is truly all any of us can hope for. One day at a time.”
“No. You and Niall have promised each other a lifetime. I want that. Someday.”
“You know you will have all of my support. And Niall’s. All we wish is for you to be happy.”
“I do know it. And I’m happy.” Gyda let go and threw herself back against the pillows once more. “Sohappy. And afraid.”
“I know just what you mean, my dear. But my advice is to let the fear go. It doesn’t help keep you safe, in any case.”
“I’ll do my best.” Gyda bit back a laugh as a creak sounded in the passage outside. “Is that Turner? I think he’s growing impatient. I will let you start your day. But Kara? I am very glad you are back.”
“Thank you, my dear.” Kara smiled. “So am I.”
*
It was aproductive meeting. Mr. Blundel approved of Niall’s preliminary plans. His enthusiasm as he made suggestions for additions and changes sparked Harold’s curiosity, and the boy’s questions spurred the naturalist on to even more valuable descriptions. In the end, the meeting went on twice as long as Niall had expected, but was more than twice as useful. Everyone was content as they parted ways.
