Athena’s fingers relaxed and curled about Caitlin’s. Her smile became something more than just another gesture of impersonal benevolence. “Thank you, Caitlin. My name is Athena.” She slipped her hand free. “As you said, we have had more than enough excitement for one day.”
“Yes.” Caitlin got up and took the handles of the chair. “If you’ll just say a word or two to Harry—he’s in the cookhouse, probably fretting himself to death.” She hesitated. “Do you wish me to send for Mr. Munroe?”
“That will not be necessary. I can do a number of things without my brother’s help.”
Ah, a sore spot. Caitlin well remembered how masterful Niall Munroe was, and it was no wonder that he’d have a protective streak where his sister was involved. In his world, men expected obedience from their women—and Athena was less free than most. Did she chafe under her brother’s rule?
There were some things even great wealth didn’t buy—not freedom, not loyalty, and not love. Ulysses knew that only too well. And Caitlin was more grateful than ever that what she had didn’t depend on the crutch of money.
As long as the troupe survived.
Caitlin wheeled the chair around and pushed it out into the backyard. “I think,” she said softly, “that you can do anything you set your mind to.”
Athena did not reply. Caitlin respected her silence. It was the beginning of a friendship that surprised her, and likely surprised Athena even more. Caitlin had a feeling that it was not the last wonder to come of today’s events.
They were halfway to the cookhouse when her feeling was proven correct. A tall figure came striding across the lot with fell purpose in every step.
Niall Munroe. Caitlin pulled the chair to a stop and listened to her heart thunder like her horses’ hooves. “I think your brother has come for you, Athena,” she said.
Mr. Munroe was not a man to waste time on formalities. He looked at Caitlin—once, again—and then turned to his sister.
“Are you finished with your visit, Athena?” he asked.
“Quite finished. You did not have to fetch me. I was—”
“I would prefer you to go straight home. Miss Hockensmith is waiting at the carriage, and she will go with you.”
“What is this about, Niall? Why—”
“It need not concern you. I will take you to the carriage.”
Athena’s mouth set in an obstinate line, so unlike its usual gentle curve. Caitlin looked from sister to brother. Oh, yes, there was rebellion here. “You didn’t have to worry about your sister, Mr. Munroe,” she said. “She has been quite safe with us.”
His face reddened, a most unexpected sight on one so exalted. “I wish to speak to you, Miss Hughes. If you will kindly remain here until I return.”
“Of course. I have nothing better to do.”
He ignored her mockery and stepped into her place behind the chair. As he pushed his sister away, Athena glanced back at Caitlin. It was a look of hidden anger and an appeal Caitlin did not know how to answer.
She set her jaw and waited. She was under no man’s orders, least of all Niall Munroe’s, but he was paying the bills. And she was determined to find out more about the kind of man who acted as if he owned the world and everyone in it.
At the edge of the lot, Athena and Munroe met another woman—Miss Hockensmith, whom Caitlin remembered from Athena’s first visit—and Niall lifted Athena into the waiting carriage which had been joined by a second, smaller vehicle. He “and Miss Hockensmith held a brief conversation, and then he turned on his heel and started toward Caitlin. Miss Hockensmith stared after him.
Caitlin met him with a provoking smile. “Do you always treat your sister as if she were a servant, Mr. Munroe?”
“That is none of your affair, Miss Hughes.”
“Then why do you want to speak with me? Surely I am too lowly for a fine gentleman to dally with.”
That intriguing flush returned, playing up the sharp lines of his face. He pulled a rolled paper from his coat and held it out to her.