But the marquess was not a man to judge the woman he loved by such trivial standards. Claudia was certain that he would come with all due haste once he knew of Eden’s isolation.
As for Donal, Claudia would make sure that he was nowhere in evidence when the marquess arrived. Miss Waterson already showed admirable talent for her work.
Claudia sealed the missive with satisfaction and took pains to hide it in a safe place until she could post it. That task accomplished, Claudia went downstairs. Eden stood by the window in the sitting room, distress clear on her face.
“My dear, you look troubled,” Claudia said. “May I help?”
Eden turned to her with a strained smile. “Oh, I have just been woolgathering, Aunt.”
“An apt occupation in these climes,” Claudia said dryly. “But take care not to let the rustic odors cling to your person.”
Eden started. Careful, Claudia warned herself. She must not let on that she’d seen anything of Eden’s conversation with Shaw.
“Donal—is he with Miss Waterson?” Eden asked wistfully.
“They are getting better acquainted in the nursery. I’m sure you agree that it is best for Donal to eat his meals there, so that he can become accustomed to his new schedule.” She took Eden’s arm. “Come. We’ve had little time to talk, with you so determined to save the local population. I realize that I have neglected my part in the running of this household. I wish to become involved in your projects and make this more of a home for both of us.” Until such time as circumstances free you of your current madness. “Please, do tell me about your village, and the farmers. Let me know how I can help.”
This time Eden’s smile was genuine. “I am so glad to hear you ask. I had thought you did not approve.”
“It doesn’t matter, dear Niece, if it is what you wish to do. I have been harsher than I should have, I daresay. Please forgive me.” ,
“Of course. But there is so very much to improve…”
Lost in her new passion, Eden prattled on about roof repairs and her plans for the tenants’ dinner on May Eve. Claudia shuddered to think of it, but she hid her true feelings readily enough and agreed to help Eden with the arrangements.
It might even be possible to use the gathering as a means to emphasize the vast gulf that lay between Eden and the people she wanted to help. A few discouragements, and Eden would be more than willing to abandon this notion of becoming a female country squire.
Or of keeping her plowboy lover.
Eden had not forgotten her quarrel with Hartley, or all that he knew about her. It lay in the back of her mind all the while she spoke with her aunt, just as the memory of his touch haunted her.
How did he know? Mrs. Byrne would not have talked, and certainly not my aunt. Who?
It was all she could do to behave as if nothing had happened, as if she had nothing to conceal from Claudia. And when her thoughts were not on Hartley, they were with Donal, “caged” in his gloomy nursery with the prim Miss Waterson.
The only happy circumstance of the afternoon lay in Claudia’s decision to begin helping her with the charity work and the tenants’ fair. It marked a return to the comfortable rapport that had marked their relationship before Spencer’s death.
She and Claudia were still in accord when they sat down to dinner, though the table seemed terribly bare without her son. Eden was prepared to summon Donal from the nursery, governess or no governess.
“Your governess will not remain above a week, and you shall be the one to wish her gone.” Hartley Shaw was so sure she would surrender to her maternal desires. But the traditions of English society had been created for a reason. Who was Eden to upset such time-honored methods?
So she told herself, again and again, while the meal dissolved to ashes in her mouth.
When the dinner had been cleared away and she and Claudia had retired to the sitting room, Mrs. Byrne and the maids began to bustle about the house on some new, mysterious task. Too distracted to concentrate on her needlework, Eden watched curiously as they carried armfuls of candles of all shapes and sizes. Glancing at Claudia, she slipped from the room and followed the housekeeper.