Saving Grace by Wendy Soliman

Author:Wendy Soliman [Soliman, Wendy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wendy Soliman Publishing
Published: 2013-06-04T23:00:00+00:00

***

Eva felt more alive with every minute she spent beneath Lord Torbay’s roof, even though she saw nothing of the gentlemen for the rest of the day and was left to her own devices. With a library of books at her disposal that was no hardship. The servants were polite and attentive, every courtesy was extended to her and, best of all, William wouldn’t appear unexpectedly, making unreasonable demands.

‘I am pleased to inform you that your daughter is well,’ Lord Torbay told her across the dinner table that evening.

‘You have heard from Mrs Grantley?’ Eva was filled with anxiety and excitement. ‘Please tell me everything.’

Lord Torbay laughed. ‘Grace and Olivia’s son fed the ducks together.’

Eva wiped a tear from the corner of her eye and sat forward, greedy for any scrap of information about her daughter’s welfare. ‘Gracie loves to feed the ducks. But is she all right? Did she seem unhappy about my absence? We have never been parted before.’

‘By all accounts she appeared well, if a little subdued.’

‘Hmm, subdued.’ Eva bit her lip. ‘What do you mean by that exactly?’

Lord Torbay threw up his hands. ‘I can only tell you what has been told to me, Lady Eva.’

‘Yes, of course. I’m sorry.’

‘Did Olivia notice anyone watching her?’ Isaac asked.

‘No, but I had one of my men driving her carriage and he thought they might have been followed from the park. They managed to lose their pursuers, if indeed they were being pursued, so all is well.’

‘How can you be so sure?’ Panic surged through Eva. ‘Mrs Grantley could be in danger.’

Lord Torbay remained perfectly unruffled. ‘Olivia can take care of herself.’

Eva frowned. ‘You don’t seem terribly concerned about her.’

‘Olivia wouldn’t thank me if I interfered. Trust me, I know what I am doing.’

‘He usually does.’ Isaac’s censorious tone lightened the mood. ‘It’s infuriating.’

‘Was it worth Mrs Grantley exposing herself?’ Eva asked, unable to treat the matter in the same casual manner as Lord Torbay. ‘It doesn’t sound as though she learned anything to assist with your enquiries. Unless, you are not telling me everything.’

Lord Torbay sighed. ‘On the contrary, I learned a very great deal, but in your anxiety for your daughter, you haven’t given me an opportunity to enlighten you.’

‘Then please do.’

‘Once Mary made the connection between Olivia and you, Lady Eva, she was most forthcoming.’

‘I told you she would be.’ Eva leaned forward expectantly.

‘It seems your husband tells everyone you have gone to the country to visit your family.’

‘Ah, so that’s the story he is putting about. I did wonder.’

‘None of his servants believe it. They all know he never lets you out of his sight and rumours abound in the servants’ hall. Anything from white slave trading to running away with a rich lover, apparently.’

Eva glanced at Isaac, who winked at her. She was furious with herself, and with him, when she realised Lord Torbay had noticed the gesture.

‘I can well imagine,’ she said with asperity. ‘However, news of my absence doesn’t help your situation.

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