Page 84 of The Lovers (Echoes from the Past #1)

SIXTY-SEVEN

Elise alighted from the carriage, shook out her skirts, and took a moment to study the facade of Asher Hall.

She wasn’t sure what she’d been expecting, but the house looked the same as ever, solid and imposing, its numerous windows catching the afternoon sun and glowing, as if the house was afire.

The red cross had been scrubbed off the door, and there was no indication that anything had changed since Elise left in such a hurry nine months before.

A groom Elise hadn’t seen before ran toward the carriage, eager to see to the horses and luggage.

The front door opened, and Lucy stepped outside, ready to welcome her mistress home.

She looked healthy and well nourished, and Elise breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of her.

Elise would have hugged the girl, but Edward would disapprove, so they would have their own private reunion later.

Lucy would fill Elise in on all the goings-on, but in the meantime, she had to play the part of the mistress of the house.

To her surprise, everything was ready for their arrival, and most of the staff was there to attend to their needs.

Only three people residing at Asher Hall had died, which was a blessing considering how much worse the situation could have been.

Perhaps now Mistress Benford would be permitted to return home, since her services were no longer needed.

Elise ran her fingers over the damask bed hangings, remembering all the times James had come to her in this bed.

She wondered incessantly where he’d gone and if he was thinking of her.

If not for Charlie, her life would feel unbearably empty, and now it might be again.

Edward had forbidden Elise to have a cradle in her room, saying that the child belonged in the nursery with his nurse.

Elise would miss having access to him all day long, especially those precious moments when she took the baby into bed and they slumbered peacefully together, happy in their safe and warm haven.

Elise wondered if Charlie would miss her.

Perhaps he was too young to feel the absence of his mother and only needed someone to see to his needs, but she hoped that on some instinctive level, he would register that she wasn’t the one taking care of him.

Edward was in the other room, settling back into his own bedroom after having instructed Lucy to take the baby away.

She would be his nursemaid for the time being until Edward found a candidate to his satisfaction.

He wanted nothing but the best for his son, refusing to acknowledge that the best was to be cared for by his mother.

Elise would find a way around Edward, but she needed time to see what his plans were and how often he intended to grace them with his presence.

In the meantime, she would have a bath, dress, and join Edward for supper downstairs.

He seemed more kindly disposed toward her these days, so no good would come from displeasing him.

Edward was already waiting for her when she came down.

She smiled in greeting, and he bowed stiffly, watching her as if seeing her for the first time.

The past nine months had altered them both, or maybe it was only she that was altered.

Edward was the same stuffy, pompous man he’d always been.

Elise looked around, wondering if Barbara would be joining them, but then remembered that Edward preferred that she eat in her own room when he was at home.

The man couldn’t bear the sight of her, so Elise decided not to bring up the subject.

Perhaps in time, he would grow more tolerant of his daughter.

“There was a letter for you,” Edward said as they sat down across from each other. “It’s from your father. He says that all is well, and your sisters have adjusted to their new environment and are enjoying all that the West Indies has to offer.”

“You read my letter?” Elise asked, incredulous.

“You are my wife, my property. You are not entitled to any private business of your own,” he reminded her with a glint of warning in his eyes.

“You may read the letter after we finish dining. It’s in my study.

I shall write to your father and inform him of Charlie’s birth.

I will also remind him of the debt he still owes me.

He seems to think that all has been forgotten and forgiven, but there’s still outstanding business between us. ”

“So, I wasn’t payment enough?” Elise asked through clenched teeth.

“No, my dear, you were a deposit, so to speak. And Charlie is the interest on my investment.”

Elise said nothing more as Cook served the soup.

“I shall leave it to you to hire another maid,” Edward said. “It’s unseemly for Cook to serve at table. I will see to getting more lads for the stable since the previous two died. There’s just the one groom left, and Pete.”

“As you wish,” Elise replied woodenly. She longed to skip this awkward meal and go up to the nursery, where she could spend time with Charlie before Lucy put him down for the night. He no longer required night feedings, so she wouldn’t see him again till morning.

“I have invited Lord Fillmore to join us for supper on Sunday. His wife has been poorly, so I thought the poor man might enjoy some company. James will be joining us as well,” Edward added, his eyes never leaving Elise’s face.

Elise’s head shot up at the sound of James’s name. “Is James in London? ”

“Yes. I’ve summoned him home. I still have need of his services, as do you,” Edward replied, giving Elise a meaningful look. “I must admit that although I was furious with him for circumventing my orders, his judgment had been correct. I owe him for your life and the life of my son.”

“It’s kind of you to invite him,” Elise said, her tone flat. It took a lot of effort to keep the joy out of her voice, but Edward was watching her, so she had to feign indifference, even revulsion.

“It’s the least I can do,” Edward replied as he tucked into the fish course. He normally didn’t care for fish, but he was hungry after their journey and ate with relish, even commenting on the delicacy of the baked cod.

Elise could barely eat, thrilled by the knowledge that she would see James in a few days.

Having him back in the house would make things so much easier for them since no one would suspect anything if they saw two inhabitants conversing or taking a walk in the garden.

And the rest would fall into place, whether she was with child or not.

Elise couldn’t wait for James to see Charlie.

He looked nothing like the squalling infant James had seen the day he was born.

He was such a sweet, handsome boy, and she would be so proud to show him off to his papa.

Perhaps everything will work out after all , Elise mused as she picked at her fish.