Page 45 of The Viscount's Daring Cinderella
I am eagerly looking forward to your reply, Flora.
Your friend,
Beryl
CHAPTER 18
Beryl did not wait for a response from Flora. Even when her cousins treated her badly Beryl had never dared importune on her friend. But now she needed Flora, for it would be too devastating to linger at Bowden Park. Beryl had approached Theodore to secure one week’s leave from her duties and he acquiesced. She wondered if mayhap he understood how infuriated she was at his proposal. For whatever reason, he decided not to discuss the matter any further, and she avoided spending more time than was necessary with him. She needed the space. On the few occasions when they had been alone, she could feel his piercing eyes upon her, and she did not understand what it was that he was searching for.
Why could he not see they were made for each other? Now that they had gotten to know each other, she thought they were perfectly matched. She had such hopes. She wanted him to choose her so much, but he did not. Her thoughts were interrupted by the long-awaited response from Flora.
Dearest Beryl,
I was pleased to receive your letter but ever so sad to learn that you are heartbroken.I was filled with dread when I discovered the reason you wished to flee Bowden Park. You are enamored with the viscount, but he will not commit to a marriage. Dear friend, my heart aches for you, and I wish that I could be there to comfort you. I should have counselled you to guard your heart lest it be shattered, because it will take time to mend. It will not be easy for you to become whole when the source of your pain is with you in close confines. My poor darling, know that I will be there with you in spirit.
Of course, you are welcome to stay at Basildon Estate as we remain in town for the remainder of the season. I have written to Martha, our chief housekeeper, and she will have a room prepared for you, and she will see to your comfort. I know how much you appreciate the outdoors and you are fond of lakes. I am sure you have not forgotten the beautiful Morden Lake. You will find it as tranquil and pleasant as it ever was.
I trust you will find some solace while you are at Basildon Estate, and you will decide what is best for you. Surely, you must be contemplating your future as a governess at Bowden Park.
Please write to me as soon as you arrive. It would put my heart at ease.
Love,
Flora
Now that she had heard from Flora, she would leave shortly, but first she must speak with Louise and Mattie. She certainly did not want them to feel that she was abandoning them. They had lost so much already and had grown attached to her which meant leaving for even a short time would upset them. She had been kind, patient and understanding so the children looked toher for guidance and support. She hated that she had to leave, yet she needed the time to take care of herself, to reduce her hurt and anxiety.
Beryl left her room and joined the girls for breakfast. She felt Louise’s small brown eyes gazing at her quizzically.
“Are you well, Lady Beryl? You have not had breakfast.”
Beryl looked down at her plate; she had succeeded in pushing the food around it, but Louise was right. She had not eaten. Louise’s words caused Mattie to look at her with a forlorn expression. It stabbed at Beryl’s heart.
“I am well, Louise. It is kind of you to ask.” Beryl rested her fork down and took a sip of tea as if to delay the inevitable.
“What is it then?” Louise persisted.
“You are leaving us, are you not, Lady Beryl?” Mattie piped up and her eyes shimmered with tears that were threatening to spill over.
Louise’s mouth dropped open, her gaze accusatory.
“I will be going away, but it will only be for one week.”
“A week? A week is seven days. You will return after seven days?”
“Absolutely, Mattie. I will.”
Mattie took a long, deep, slow breath. Beryl could see that she was trying to be brave.
Beryl smiled reassuringly. “I know this is hard because we have a routine and it will change this week. But we are going to think of some new special routines together when I get back.”
“Can we come with you?”
“I am afraid not, Louise. There is something that I must do alone. I can promise you that when I return, we will have breakfast in the garden if weather permits. Also, I will allow you both to decide on the games we play each day for a week.”
Mattie’s lower lip trembled. “You promise?”
“I promise. I expect you to be well behaved young ladies while I am away. Can you do that for me?”
