Page 4

Chapter three

Patches of snow still gathered about the shadowed corners of the townhouses and buildings along the street. Puddles caught the moon gleams, and where they didn’t, they had turned into slick black ice.

I lost my balance, slipping without any decorum, like a clumsy dance partner pulling on his arm.

Colonel Stewart acted quickly, gripping me tight and pulling me up. “Not even a sensible thief would traverse such dangerous paths.”

His voice held edges of stern, concern, and a jest all at once.

“Then it is a good thing I’m not a sensible thief.”

“Watch out, there’s another.” He pulled me closer as we walked around the offending ice.

“I daresay I don’t know what I would do without your kind offer to see me home.” I cleared my throat. “I might have broken an ankle or worse.”

“Mmm. I should have called a carriage, indeed.” He murmured. “I confess to being quite taken by your desire to be out in the cold for a brisk walk.”

I dashed my eyes up to the clear, bright stars.

Did they shine as clearly where I was going?

“And here we are, fighting the evils of knowing we must leave Bath for different pastures—and—nature’s warning that we ought to have stayed off her walkways and inside the safety of our warm kitchens until she withdraws. ”

Colonel Stewart asked, “Is leaving Bath an evil thing for you? I sense you do not want it.”

Leaving wasn’t evil, no, but the reasons for my needing to leave? I wasn’t so sure. Father didn’t entirely explain how his fortune had been siphoned away by someone named Banbury. Only that it had, and we must retrench down to the pence. I needed to answer Colonel Stewart but hesitated.

“You are reluctant—do forgive me, Miss Chilton. I do not wish to pry. Your circumstances are your own, and I do respect them.”

“It is alright—I daresay if you haven’t heard rumors about my family by morning, you most certainly will by afternoon.”

“Oh?”

He hadn’t heard, and for some strange reason, my heart sank. I’d hoped he already knew and still desired to be a friend, though I might argue that it was still pity that propelled him to his gentlemanly ways…

“I’m to be a governess.”

“Ah.”

“How old are your charges?”

“I don’t yet know.”

“Do you desire this work?”

“I’ve no choice in the matter as I must learn to support myself.

I do rather enjoy the thought of being of some good to young ones.

I’ll be honest,” I had nothing to lose by speaking my heart.

I’d never see him again after tonight. “I find that I’ve been far too idle.

I’ve been wondering how my days, including taking tea and listening to women gossip, have possibly done me any benefit—or anyone else.

I find that I am glad to discover my life must consist of doing something worthwhile.

Or worthy of God, at the very least.” I gulped at his silence.

I’d said too much. “While you, Colonel, have been—where?”

His voice took on a quiet tone as he finished my sentence. “In the Peninsula, fighting Napoleon’s invasion.”

I’d seen a line of scarring. From the war? Likely. I cringed at what he must have endured. War was terrible.

I resumed my query. “Now that you’ve returned, you must see to your estate?”

“Mm, yes. It has been too long neglected. My older brother died two years ago, and the workings have been in the hands of my steward since. High time I beat my sword to the plowshare if you will.”

“I quite understand. Will your homecoming be a joyous occasion?”

He slowed his steps. “A quiet one, more like. I’ve no family left aside from a sister who lives in Plymouth. She is much occupied with her children and husband.”

“I always desired a sister. Or a brother. It has only been my parents and me the whole of my life. Indeed, all is about to change.”

Home was but three houses down. In mere steps, my acquaintance with this gentleman would end.

“We are nearly there. See? It’s the one where two lanterns are lit by the red door.

” I suddenly thought of the impropriety of our situation.

Neither of us had thought about the consequences of walking together alone at night.

I believed us both entirely swept away by our circumstances—and he being a gentleman—cared enough to be my protector for a short walk. Wasn’t as though any old gossip thought to peer through her curtains and spy upon us. Was nearing midnight, after all. No—no harm done. I was sure of it.

He led me up my steps, thankfully swept clean of snow and ice. He was bowing over my hand when the door swung open.

Father. “Cassandra! What is the meaning of this? Where, indeed, are the Richards?” His jaw slackened at the unexpected scene.

Colonel Stewart stepped back, eyes wide, form erect.

“Father, do not be concerned. All is well. The Richards are likely to be occupied for a few more hours—and I—” excuses fell splat even as I tried to create a plausible reason to offer.

Colonel Stewart bowed. “Sir—Mr. Chilton. Forgive my boldness and the late hour. I noted Miss Chilton in need of assistance as it appeared her escort was truly occupied, and the ice along the route was rather precarious. Otherwise, I would never have presumed.”

“Ice, eh?” His expression dropped. “And the Richards brothers did not see fit to look after you? The brothers of your dearest friend? Tis shameful.”

The concept of duty and honor was complicated for gentlemen seeking to further their fortunes through marriage. Twas certainly ungentlemanly of them. But thinking of Susan—too occupied to even sup with me stung. Her conquests were many tonight.

Father moved so we could enter. “Well, nothing for it, but do come in and warm yourself before you return to wherever it is you’re staying.”

We entered the foyer, and I turned to Colonel Stewart and curtsied. “I thank you for your assistance and pray you good fortune in your endeavors.”

He bowed. “It has been a pleasure, Miss Chilton.

This was it then. The true farewell. I climbed the steps, mindful of my father’s offer to him for a cup of tea by the fire in his study. Would that the world was full of men as kind as Colonel Stewart…

Lila helped me ready for bed. I thanked her profusely for the hot bricks she’d slipped beneath the blankets.

My feet had quite gone numb with the cold on the walk home.

But the rest of me—oh, the rest of me would never forget this night.

Only it wouldn’t be time with Susan that I remembered with great fondness.

Was an interesting thing how the kindness of one man so affected me! Well then.

Lila snuffed out the candle and left me to my own thoughts. If I were to fall in love with anyone, I’d want him to be like Colonel Stewart.

Was safe to think it, to dream it even. A lovely standard I would both aspire to and wait for. Though I would likely spend my younger days employed and out of the sight of the likes of such men, I would think of our time together and remember. And cherish the memory.

I rolled over and blinked away a tear of grief. Dreams were wily things. Volatile and unreliable wonderings. Oh, but I liked Colonel Stewart.

A few minutes later, I heard the front door open and close. I imagined him retracing our steps until the back of him disappeared. I would never see him again.

I took a final deep breath and allowed sleep to take me.