Page 24

24

Good - bye was too harsh of a word. Too jarring, like the slamming of a door in an empty house, the echo of it sharp on the ear. Bram had stayed up half the night trying to figure out a way to soften the blow of parting from Eva, and yet here he was in her sitting room, his tongue lying impotent in his mouth. He’d arrived early to have a moment alone with her before departing for Cambridge, to speak heartfelt words that would leave behind a sweet memory for them both.

But all he could do was stand there, twisting his hat round and round in his hands.

Eva wasn’t much better. Her fingers toyed with the delicate lace edging of a handkerchief, folding and unfolding it in restless motions. The ticking of the wall clock filled the silence, each second amplifying the silent scream of their impending farewell.

“I suppose I should be thankful you are not cracking your knuckles.” Eva directed a pointed look at his hat.

“And I am glad you are not biting your nails.”

A small smile traveled across her lips. “So you are all ready to go, then?”

Ready to leave her? Never. But the lads were likely even now parking the wagon at the front door, preparing to enter for their own good-byes.

“As ready as I can be,” he murmured.

“Bram.” Worry creased her brow. “I do not mean my words to be a harbinger of ill will, but I am wondering... what if your meeting tomorrow does not go well? What if Professor Grimwinkle does not believe you have enough proof of Caelum Academia? I mean, you did not find anything with the name engraved onto it.”

Ah, leave it to her to cut right to the heart of the matter. He flashed a smile and, striving for a bit more levity, bopped her lightly on the nose. “It’s nothing to worry about. Grimwinkle needs us until at least the end of the school year, and after that? Well”—he winked—“my uncle and I can always take on something more lucrative, like rat catching or sweeping chimneys.”

Her jaw dropped. “That is horrible!”

He laughed. “You know, your chin quivers quite adorably when you have swallowed a tall tale.”

“Then I take back what I said.” She poked him in the chest. “ You are horrible.”

“Yes, but you already knew that. And speaking of horrible, I forgot to tell you we spent every last minute on the dig, so I am afraid there was no time to fill in that sinkhole. I did, however, have one of the students rope it off. At least you will not have to worry about any more damage to the land, what with Trestwell behind bars for trespassing.”

“He has been arrested? When? Why?”

“Last night. As a parting gift to Trestwell, I visited the constable and told him all about the man’s trespassing and attempted harm when he cut the balloon tether. The constable agreed there likely was not enough evidence to convict him but thought a night in jail ought to put the fear of God into him. Besides, with me out of the picture, he will not try anything more, though I would dearly like to know who put him up to such skullduggery to begin with. At any rate”—he fiddled with his hat—“perhaps your farmhand could see to filling that hole, for I would hate to think of anyone getting hurt. Barker still complains of his ankle now and then.”

Blast! What was he doing talking about Trestwell and sinkholes and sore ankles? What happened to heartfelt words? He crushed the brim of his hat, forcing his hands to still.

Eva nodded. “I shall let Sinclair know, and I promise I will not go wandering around out there.”

“Your sister should not either.”

“I do not think that will be a concern.” She wrung her handkerchief so forcefully that were it a chicken, the poor creature would be lifeless on the floor by now.

And yet had he not been as merciless with his hat? He set the beat-up felt on the nearest chair. “Found a way to wrangle the girl into submission, have you?”

“Of a sort.”

“How cryptic.”

“Not so much.” Wadding up the fabric, Eva shoved the handkerchief into her pocket, apparently finished with her fiddling as well. “The truth is, if I do not pay those property taxes tomorrow, there will be no one here to fall into any sort of hole.”

“Do not give up hope yet. Finding out about the sale of your relics shall be my first order of business when I am back on campus. I shall wire word to you at once, so check with the telegraph office in the morning. And if the antiquities did sell, I will have the money sent straightaway, so you will have it in your hands before the revenue office closes.”

“Thank you.” She averted her gaze, eyes now shimmering. “That is very kind.”

His chest squeezed. Would that he could do more for her. Pay the revenue man. Fix the roof, the barn, the sadness creasing her brow. He took a step toward her. “Furthermore, I will do my best to sell the rest of the relics we have loaded in the wagon, and I shall personally deliver those funds into your hands.”

She shook her head slightly, morning sunlight setting her hair aflame so beautifully his throat ached.

“You could simply send a courier, Professor. I am sure you will be busy with college business. You need not travel all this way on my account.”

“You credit yourself too much, milady. It is for selfish reasons alone I would do so.”

“Such as?”

“To see you again, of course.” He inhaled deeply as he crossed the rug, closing the distance between them. “I have enjoyed my stay very much, and I am loath to leave. You are good for me, I think.”

“It has been nice having you here.” She straightened one of his lapels that’d apparently gone rogue after such a violent maneuvering of his hat. “Inman Manor will be empty without all the comings and goings of your crew.”

“So it is the crew you shall pine for, hmm?”

A playful grin spread on her face. “You did not seriously think I would miss you, did you?”

“I had hoped.” He gathered one of her hands and pressed his lips to her finger. “For I shall dearly miss these bitten nails of yours.”

“Is that all you shall miss?” There were far deeper questions than that swimming in the blue pools of her eyes.

“No.” Slowly, he pressed a kiss to each of her fingers. “I will long for far more than these hands of yours.”

Men’s bantering, Penny’s laughter, and a great chuckle from his uncle entered the sitting room. Bram stepped away from Eva as Uncle Pendleton approached and folded into a formal bow.

“Well now, my dear, it is never easy to part, but we are not really, for I shall take a piece of you along in my heart back to Cambridge.”

Eva smiled. “You are quite the charmer, Professor.”

“Where do you think my nephew comes by it?” His dark eyes twinkled behind his spectacles.

A tug on Bram’s sleeve pulled his attention down to a brown-haired twelve-year-old with a pixie face.

“Good-bye, Professor Webb. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your crew.”

“Good-bye, Miss Penny. You are very welcome, and try not to give your sister too much trouble after I leave, hmm?”

The girl’s face clouded. “I wish you weren’t going.”

He squeezed her shoulder. “Here, I have a little something for you.” He handed over a canvas-wrapped tool kit from inside his coat.

Penny’s fingers examined the thing. Nimbly, she untied the cord and spread it open, touching the small picks and brushes. “My own field kit!”

“Indeed.” He grinned. They were old tools, not particularly effective for fieldwork but good enough to suit her. “But no wandering out to that dig site alone, you hear?”

“Of course.” Clutching the pouch in one hand, she flung her other arm around him, hugging him tightly. “Thank you. I shall treasure it always.”

He kissed the crown of her head, more moved by her reaction than he cared to admit—for it just might be his undoing.

Picking up his hat, he punched the felt back into shape. “Time to leave, lads.”

One by one, the students bid their thanks and good-byes to Eva.

“Safe travels, everyone.” Though she spoke to the room, Eva’s gaze lingered on him.

He dipped his head and turned away, saying nothing more—for there was nothing more he could say. He’d failed at proving the relics on Eva’s property belonged to Caelum Academia, so there was no way Grimwinkle would pay for him to return to the site. He’d be lucky to keep his job as is. Perhaps another team would poke about the remains of all their hard work, if Eva allowed it, but by all that was holy, how he wished it would be him to return. His shoulders sagged, defeat bitter on his tongue.

Good -bye was too harsh of a word indeed.

Eva grabbed the back of the overstuffed chair, grateful for something solid to hold on to. She’d known seeing Bram leave would be hard, but this? It felt as if someone had carved a great hole in her chest, leaving nothing but an empty space for cold wind to whistle through.

She lifted her fingertips to her mouth, remembering the feel of Bram’s lips against them. There’d been several times over the past few days when she was sure he’d kiss her—had longed for him to do so—and yet it was probably a good thing he hadn’t, for the pain of his leaving would be even greater.

And it was bad enough as is.

Penny leaned her head against Eva’s arm. “It will be very empty around here without them, won’t it?”

“It will.” Eva glanced down at her, inhaling deeply. She’d reached a decision about the school, and now was as good as any time to say as much. “But it will be even emptier without you.”

Penny jerked up her head. “What?”

“You heard me, for those ears of yours are very keen.” She ran her hand over her sister’s plaited hair. “Though I regret there is no extra money to order you some new gowns.”

“Do you...” Penny’s lips parted and closed several times. “Do you really mean I can go to school?”

“I really do.”

“Oh, Eva!” Penny flung both arms around her, hugging her so tightly it hurt to breathe.

Eva peeled her off, laughing. “Now there is the happy poppet I remember. I love you, you know.”

“I love you too, sister! And I shall miss you very much.”

“Let us save such talk for tomorrow when I bring you to Mrs. Mortimer’s. I have had enough good-byes for one day.” She straightened her sister’s collar, all askew from such exuberance. “How about you enlist Dixon or Mary to haul down a trunk for you? I will be up shortly to help pack your belongings, after I have had a word with Sinclair.”

“You are the best sister ever!” Penny raced from the room, a rousing rendition of “Rule, Britannia!” on her lips.

Eva nibbled on her nail. She’d still rather hold off on sending Penny to school, but she was out of options. Unless Bram’s money came through, the estate would be gone. So would she—to Tuscany with Mrs. Pempernill if the woman took her on as Mrs. Mortimer had suggested she might.

She strolled from the sitting room, intent on finding Sinclair, when a knock rapped at the front door. Eva opened it to a lad wearing a brilliant scarlet cap, his nose just as red and no wonder. A December wind barged in uninvited, nipping Eva’s cheeks.

“May I help you, young man?”

“Aye, miss. I were to deliver this letter to Inman Manor.” He held out a creamy white envelope.

Her heart raced as she retrieved it. She wouldn’t be surprised at all if it was yet another revenue addendum adding on even more to the property taxes. Yet this paper was far too fine, and with a bloodred wax seal securing the back of it, it was clearly a missive from someone of stature.

She glanced past the young man. No pony cart. No horse. Odd, that. Her gaze drifted back to the young fellow. “Did you walk all the way from town?”

“I did, miss.” He tipped his hat.

“Well then, I should think you will need a cup of warmed milk before braving a return journey. Go to the kitchen entrance and tell the cook that Miss Inman sent you.”

“Caw! Thanks, miss.” He tore around the corner of the house before she could even say good day .

Eva pushed the door shut against the cold air, then set off down the corridor, still intent on her mission to find Sinclair. As she walked, she ran her nail beneath the seal, then immediately popped her finger into her mouth, the sting of a paper cut sharp on the skin ... which probably wouldn’t have happened if she’d had an actual nail to slit the thing in the first place.

Or a letter opener.

Sighing, she unfolded the letter.

Dear Miss Inman,

Your inquiry into the position of lady’s companion at Pempernill Hall has been accepted. Your qualifications and references meet the criteria, and we are delighted to inform you that your duties of lady’s companion to Mrs. Eleanor Pempernill may begin at once. Please send your acceptance correspondence as soon as possible, and we will work out the details of your compensation.

Sincerely,

Miss Fanny Goshorn Assistant to Mrs.Pempernill

Eva stopped right there in the corridor, shock a cold shower tingling over her body. While it was good to know she had some employment lined up, she didn’t really want to be a lady’s companion. Always at the beck and call of a demanding older woman. Making travel arrangements to places she’d never been. Worst of all, she’d miss her home. Inman Manor was all she’d ever known. And yet, still shy of the full tax amount, she’d miss her home anyway—for tomorrow she would lose it unless Bram came through with the relic money.

She stuffed the note back into the envelope, chafing at the unfairness of it all, for her, for Penny. And then there was Bram. He’d worked so hard on the dig. If that curmudgeon Mr. Grimwinkle let him and his uncle go at the end of the year, what would they do?

The more she thought on it, though, the more a beautiful thought took root. Growing deeper. Practically bursting out of the soil in her heart. She might lose her house, but that didn’t mean Bram and his dear uncle had to lose everything as well. As soon as she dropped Penny off at Mrs. Mortimer’s tomorrow morning, she would pay Mr. Toffit a visit and persuade the man to keep that curator position open until the end of the school year. After all, the society didn’t even have the building ready for a museum yet, so it shouldn’t be a problem.

Hopefully, at least.