Page 1 of The Elusive Phoebe (The Widows of Lavender Cottage #1)

As seen in Widows of Somerset

In which we meet Phoebe Atwater

L illian sat at her desk in a beautiful morning room Oliver had commissioned just for her.

Her harp was joined by a pianoforte. The light was perfect for all of her endeavors.

They had just had breakfast together, and he planned to ride out to visit the tenants of their joint estates.

But he stepped back in the doorway, his grin contagious.

“Have I told you that you look beautiful right there?”

“Right here? In this spot?” She considered him. “Not yet. You’ve told me over there by the piano, in the kitchen, the attic.” She felt her face heat. “That time in the nursery.” She coughed, and he laughed, obviously delighted. “And in our bedroom every morning.”

She reached for him. He stepped across the room in two strides, pressing his lips to hers. “Well, you are. You astound me. Your heart, your mind, your hair, you. You are beautiful.”

She kissed him back, loving him more than ever.

Then he handed over a stack of letters. “The mail came.”

“Oh, thank you!” She began sifting through her correspondence. The widows kept in touch often, the ones who had married and those still in Somerset. Their words were some of her most entertaining.

The top letter was not from one of them, though, but from a dear friend she’d known as a child—Phoebe Atwater.

Dear Lilly,

I came home, and your parents told me that you have recently become widowed and then remarried since I have talked to you last. I sorrow that we have not been in touch during what must have been challenging times.

And that is entirely my fault, but if you hear of my past circumstances, you might understand somewhat.

I’ve been living in the farthest north location you can imagine, on my late husband’s tiny holdings.

I was sequestered away. And the details I may share some day, but suffice it to say, I was unable to contact anyone to let them know my situation.

But he has passed away, a carriage accident on the cliffs.

And I will not speak ill of the dead, much, just to say I am finally free.

I am writing to seek out a place of lodging.

I am a good tenant. I don’t need much, just a bit of independence.

If you could write back with any news of some situation available, I would most appreciate your assistance.

Yours, etc.,

Phoebe Atwater

Lillian began her response immediately.

My dearest Phoebe,

How thrilled I was to receive your letter.

In truth any news of you would have made me smile, but to hear your situation so greatly improved has filled me with immense happiness.

And I have a solution to your dilemma: Lavender Cottage, the home I lived in when I was newly widowed.

It resides on my estate, and I would be only too happy to let it to you.

Please come at your earliest convenience.

I am anxious to introduce you to a group of women here who I think will be of utmost help in your situation.

My friendship,

Lillian