Page 69 of The Recluse of Wolfeton House (Ladies of Devon 4)

They had spent quite a lot of time together of late, and it was clear to Hattie that Bentley believed himself to have feelings for her on some level. But surely that was only because she was the first woman he had interacted with for years.

If he had regularly interacted with other women, he would not be choosing a short, freckle-covered Hattie who spoke far more outlandish things than was proper and possessed too many faults. She knew she was odd for putting so much store in the Midsummer’s Eve fox sighting…but what if she wasn’t crazy? What if Mr. Warren was her true love? How could she know?

Surely the warmth that filled her and the way she ached for Bentley’s touch had only been because she craved love so deeply. She would likely feel that when any willing man held her so tenderly. She glanced up to find Nick looking at her and shuddered.

Well, not any man. Definitely not her friends’ husbands.

“The only thing our party is missing is Mabel,” Amelia said. “Do you think we can fetch her in time?”

“The assemblies are not until tomorrow night, yes?” Charles said. “I should think that would be entirely possible, only, she is still in her confinement, is she not?”

Hattie shot up in her seat, grateful her teacup was empty so she did not slosh liquid onto Amelia’s carpet. “Oh, please do try.”

Charles and Amelia shared a look before he cast her an apologetic smile. “It is not possible, Hattie. She only had little James just a few weeks ago. She’s in no fit condition to ride such a length of time.”

Hattie slumped back against the seat. “You are right, of course. I wasn’t thinking.”

Amelia reached over and squeezed her arm. “I was joking when I suggested it, Hattie. I wouldn’t have, though, if I’d realized how much it meant to you.”

Her friends cast her pitying looks, and she put on a brave face. “I should probably be going. Lucy will wonder where I’ve gone.”

“Of course,” Amelia said.

Giulia passed her bundled Olivia to Nick. “Can we accompany you part of the way?”

“I think I will cut through the fields, actually,” Hattie said, eager to be alone. “It is far too cold to take the roads the long way around.”

She meant to cut through Bentley’s estate and check the lightning tree once more. She’d looked that morning, but her letter had still sat untouched, wedged into the charred bark of the broken tree. That had been hours ago, though. Perhaps Bentley had returned home now and had had the opportunity to write her back.

Anticipation slowly filled her, and she followed her friends to the door, distracted as they said their farewells and the Peppers loaded into their carriage. A light touch on her elbow drew her attention and she found Amelia’s concerned gaze on her.

“What is troubling you?” she asked.

Hattie shrugged. “I am only distracted.”

“But the Melbury assemblies? You’ve never once wished to go before.”

“And I don’t wish to go now. I’m appeasing Lucy. I haven’t been the greatest of hostesses, I fear. It is the least I can do to recompense her for my distraction this last month.”

Amelia nodded in understanding. “When will your father return?”

“Soon, I hope. He was meant to come home weeks ago, but then discovered that an old friend of his was nearby and deathly ill. He wrote again a few days ago to let us know that he should be home within a fortnight, he believes. It could be sooner.”

“I’m sorry to hear it.” Amelia paused, her pale red eyebrows drawing together. She searched Hattie’s face. “Will you tell me if something is troubling you?”

Hattie looked into her friend’s soft, blue eyes and held her breath, running over her concerns in her mind. They were so jumbled, she wouldn’t know where to begin, and she could not reveal anything about Bentley. She had made him a promise.

But without speaking of Bentley, there was nothing to unburden to Amelia. Shaking her head, Hattie focused on her horse, gripping the saddle and climbing onto the mounting block before seating herself and arranging her skirt over her legs.

“I am well, Amelia, and I look forward to dancing.”

Amelia’s face betrayed how little she believed her, but what could Hattie do? She wouldn’t betray Bentley, and she knew from experience how Amelia did not believe in any of Mrs. Fowler’s white magic. Hattie had never before felt so alone in her troubles. But that was precisely where she would stay. She had no other choice.

“Be safe,” Amelia called, and Hattie lifted a hand in recognition as she rode away.

The sun was high in the sky but did little to counteract the cold wind that rushed over her as she rode toward home. It was unfair of Bentley to put her in this position where she questioned everything, and then leave. But it was more unfair of her to be angry about it, so she shoved down the warring emotions and allowed her horse to lead her toward the achingly familiar lightning tree. It came into view and her heart leapt when she found it empty. Her note had been taken.

Jumping from the saddle, she rushed to the tree and searched the crack for a response, but nothing was there. Had Bentley returned home recently and taken the note but lacked the chance to reply yet? Hattie’s heart beat steady and quick as she searched the ground in case her letter had fallen, but it was nowhere to be seen.

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