Shadows in the Moonlight: The sensational and devastatingly romantic new novel from the number one bestselling author! by Santa Montefiore

Author:Santa Montefiore [Montefiore, Santa]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781398720039
Publisher: Orion
Published: 2024-06-19T16:00:00+00:00

Past

Chapter Eleven

On Monday morning, our French lesson is interrupted by Mr Pengower. He strides into the schoolroom and declares that he wants to take Robert to the chapel to give him a critical lesson on the importance of family and legacy. Robert jumps down from his chair. He delights in his father’s attention. I remember what Cordelia said about Felix always being left out and I feel sorry for him. ‘I would like you to accompany us, Miss Swift,’ Mr Pengower declares. ‘I dare say it will be of interest to you, too.’

I put on a bonnet and follow them outside to where the carriage awaits us in the sunshine. The hood is down and two black horses are standing patiently, nodding their heads to fend off the flies. It reminds me of our excursion to the travellers’ camp the day before and I hope that Robert doesn’t let his mother down by telling his father about it. Excitement is a dangerous thing when one has secrets to keep.

Mr Pengower offers me his hand and I climb in, taking the seat with its back to the horses. I don’t mind facing the wrong way, but I sense Mr Pengower would rather face the direction in which we are travelling. Robert sits beside his father. His eyes are dancing with happiness. A movement in one of the upstairs windows draws my attention. It’s Felix. He’s got his nose pressed against the glass and is watching us with a sad look on his face. I want to tell Mr Pengower to bring him too, but it’s not my place. I’m here to observe, not to interfere. But the more I’m drawn into this family’s dynamic, the more I want to influence it. I must remain detached.

The carriage drives through the grounds, up the track beneath the plane trees and over the stones and long shadows that are shortening gradually as the sun makes its slow climb up the sky. I sit quietly and take it all in. Robert is asking his father questions, much like those he asked his mother the day before, and I leave them to it and listen to the cheerful twittering of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves as the breeze slips through the branches. It’s another hot day and I cool myself with my fan, but it gives little relief. I feel the sweat forming beads on my nose and down my back, beneath the corset. How women can wear these things all day, every day, is unimaginable. They are tight and uncomfortable. I suppose, if I were a Victorian woman, I would get used to it. But I’m not and I won’t. I shift on my seat and try not to let the heat get to me. I’m wearing too many layers. If only I could take them all off and sit in my chemise and drawers!

Unlike his brother, Cavill, Mr Pengower does not include me in his conversation. Mr Pengower is a man who is keenly aware of status and of people’s places in the world.

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