Page 57 of Impossible
She felt a moment’s alarm. “I worked hard to make sure everything was taken care of. Did things not run smoothly?”
He put his hand over hers. “Things were just fine. I only meant to convey that you are highly valued.”
“Thank you. I appreciate hearing that.”
The moment they stepped into the library, a blonde figure rushed toward them. “You’re back!”
Prudence St. James, the Viscountess Glastonbury, smiled broadly and only just kept herself from embracing Ada.
Ada put her arms around her. She was far less concerned about showing her feelings than Prudence was. “I’m so glad to see you.”
They parted, and Prudence cocked her head. “I wasn’t sure you’d be here tonight, but I’m so glad you are.” She linked her arm through Ada’s.
Lucien waved them off. “Go. I’ll bring you a glass of port, Ada. Unless you’d prefer something else?”
Ada thought about the whisky she’d drunk with Max and how she’d tried to persuade him to join the Phoenix Club to broaden his palate. “Irish whiskey, if you don’t mind.”
“Indeed?” Lucien looked to Prudence. “Anything for you?”
“Not at the moment, thank you.” Prudence set her expectant gaze on Ada. “Tell me everything, starting with how horrid Warfield was.”
“Just as nasty as you described. However, and I hope you won’t hate hearing this, he did become less…terrible over the course of the fortnight. I was rather persistent with my cheer and charm.”
Prudence laughed. “How I would have liked to see that. I’m so glad you wore him down. Is that what happened?”
“Somewhat. He liked to tell me as often as possible that I annoyed him. He was generally unhelpful. But then he realized I was going to do what I was going to do whether he provided assistance or not.” Ada sobered somewhat. “Ultimately, he saw that he was not doing his best for those around him, and I persuaded him to make some changes.”
Prudence’s expression was much the same Lucien’s had been—total disbelief. “Such as?”
“He hired a steward and more retainers. His poor housekeeper has help now.”
“I’m astonished he agreed to that, but glad for Mrs. Bundle. I liked her. She apologized profusely for Warfield’s behavior.” Prudence looked away, her lips pursing. “Did you, ah, discuss me with him?”
“Yes. I took him to task for his treatment of you. He thinks he’s alone in this world, but I reminded him that he is not.”
“Did that seem to make a difference?” Prudence sounded as if she hoped so.
“Pru, are you hoping you might forge a sibling relationship with him?” Ada would do whatever she could to facilitate that if Prudence wanted it.
“I doubt that’s possible. His disdain of me was quite strong.”
“I think it was largely bluster,” Ada said softly, thinking of the vulnerabilities he’d shown her. “It is my fervent hope that he is changing, that the wounds he suffered at war are finally beginning to heal. With that, anything is possible.”
Prudence gave a dry laugh. “You are the most optimistic person I know.”
Lucien returned with Ada’s whiskey. “Did I hear you praising Ada’s eternal optimism?”
“Praising is perhaps not the best word. Marveling at it is a better description.”
“It is a wonder to behold,” Lucien agreed. “That’s how I knew she was the right person to send to Stonehill. Did she tell you that he hired a steward and that she’s a woman farmer from his estate?”
“How did that come about?” Prudence asked.
“Her husband died last year, and Warfield allowed her to continue on.”Because that was easier for him than overseeing a change.She left that last part out. Again, she felt defensive and protective of him. She wished they could all see the man she’d come to know.
“The whole thing is beyond astonishing. My hat’s off to you, Ada.” Lucien lifted his glass in a toast and took a drink before leaving them.
“Where is your husband?” Ada asked, scanning the library before seeing the Viscount Glastonbury standing in the corner, speaking with Dougal MacNair.
