Page 42 of If Not for the Duke

“Of course.” While it made sense, Lena was still disappointed.

Marbury asked a few more questions then raised a brow at Lena, as if to ask if there was anything else she wanted to know. She shook her head, disappointed they hadn’t learned more.

Then again, while she was interested in learning more about Jenkins, that wouldn’t solve the problem of deciphering his letters.

She stood, well aware Marbury was anxious to leave based on the way he sat forward in his chair.

The professor bid them a reluctant goodbye and suggested they visit again soon, making Lena wonder if he was lonely. He seemed to only have a few servants and his research to keep him company. While history could be interesting, she thought both Marbury and Vanbridge had realized it wasn’t enough. Learning tantalizing details from the past was wonderful but sharing them with others who had an appreciation for them made it even more so.

Once they’d returned to the carriage, Lena studied Marbury, her concern growing. “Care to share what’s on your mind? Is it Ella?”

He opened his mouth as if to deny her claim then grimaced. “She didn’t want me to tell you or Norah until she has a chance to tell you herself. She’s been having more contractions.”

“Oh, dear.” Worry sent her heart racing. “The baby?”

“Is fine, as far as we know,” he quickly reassured her. “The doctor has advised her to remain in bed to rest with the hope they stop.”

“Surely, that will help.” She studied him. “Do you think concern over the treasure hunt is upsetting her?”

“She insists not, but I know it bothers her. I wish she’d speak of it more.” Marbury rubbed a hand over the back of his neck, clearly troubled.

As was Lena. Ella would be devastated if anything happened to the baby. They all would.

Lena looked out the window but didn’t see the passing scenery. Instead, with caution, she gently probed her thoughts for a hint of anything that might foretell an outcome for Ella and the baby. She didn’t know whether to be relieved or frustrated when nothing came to mind. If only she could provide assistance, but like always, she couldn’t.

She turned back to Marbury. “You’ll keep us advised of how things progress?”

“Of course. Come and visit her soon. I’ve told her what little we’ve learned. While I don’t want her thinking we’re withholding details, neither do I want to dwell on the topic.”

“Agreed.” Anger flooded her at the situation. And at Sterling, Clarke, and the supposed treasure on Oak Island. Never had she expected that Ella and the baby could be at risk because of all of this.

But most of all, she was angry with herself for not being able to help.

“Lena,” Marbury began, his green eyes dark with worry, “would you tell me if you…”

“If I have any feelings?” she finished for him. She considered the request carefully, reluctant to agree. Her gift couldn’t be depended on. Even if she had a feeling, it could be wrong. “You know that any sense I have isn’t necessarily right.” She lifted her gloved hand only to let it drop to her lap, at a loss as to how to explain. “Even if I experience a sense of foreboding, it doesn’t mean it would pertain to Ella.”

“I know.” He sat forward to touch her arm as if to show support. “But perhaps it’s more reliable than you think.” She opened her mouth to protest only to have him raise his hand to stop her. “Think of how much you helped Vanbridge.”

“It didn’t stop him from being hurt.” She stared out the window again as the carriage swayed, frustration filling her. “What help is it when it doesn’t save those I care about from harm?”

She didn’t know if Ella had told him how badly she’d failed when their father died. That terrible day, she’d known something was wrong but hadn’t been able to identify the cause. In truth, she’d smothered the feeling, not welcoming its intrusion.

She should’ve known it had to do with her father. She should’ve allowed the feeling to come. If only she’d checked on him. Instead, she’d done nothing other than try to ignore the unsettling sensation.

“You don’t know that.” Marbury’s tone was quiet but firm. “Perhaps you and Norah interrupted whoever it was from injuring Vanbridge further. You might’ve saved his life.”

“Doubtful.” She knew she was being difficult but couldn’t help it.

“But possible.” He smiled. “Would you agree with that much?”

She heaved a sigh and considered the idea. “I suppose that’s true.”

“Some feeling is better than none at all.” He leaned back against the carriage seat. “Too many times, people have an instinctive thought or a sense of foreboding but choose to ignore it. Think of the times you have acted and focus on that rather than on the times you couldn’t use it at your whim.”

Whim was an interesting word choice. But she understood his point. Just because she couldn’t control the feeling didn’t mean it wasn’t helpful at times. On that much, she could agree.

“Thank you, Marbury.” She shared a smile with him. “I appreciate your thoughts.” If only others were as understanding about her ability as he was.

---