Page 50 of A Lady's Past
As if she had looked into her heart, Honoria’s eyes filled with sympathy. “It wasn’t your fault, Diana dear. You were not to blame for what happened, and wishing for a different past will not make is so.”
Diana could not think why such a kind woman would have taken her part, but she was happy to have a friend and companion on this journey. Honoria was her only hope of ever seeing outside again. When the Horsemen had informed her she would be traveling north with them for her own safety, Diana assumed she was being carted off to some prison where they would ask a lot of questions and believe none of her answers. When Honoria said she was going too, things seemed less bleak.
“I realize I was not the direct cause of my parents’ deaths, but had I behaved differently throughout my life, things might have turned out better.” Emotion clogged her throat and built behind her eyes.
Honoria took her hand. “We are given circumstances throughout our lives, and we act according to our needs and wants at that moment. You can’t expect to have known five years ago that some action or inaction would lead to disaster. It’s illogical to believe that or berate yourself over the past.”
Everything about Honoria was surprising. “You know, when I first came to Everton House, the ladies said you were nonsensical and flighty, but such fun. You are nothing like they described. You do like to have fun, but there is nothing flighty about you.”
“Oh, I can act with great whimsy. All things for all times. Our association has required a different side of my nature, to be sure.” Honoria grinned wickedly. “I suppose we shall see your Mr. Laurent soon.”
Heart pounding, Diana forced her expression to remain bland. “I wouldn’t think so. He is a smart man and will keep his distance.”
“Even smart men fall in love, Diana.”
“It is possible his heart was leaning in that direction, but I have made certain he will alter his course. And just so, he has taken another route to stay away from me.” Her voice cracked, and she swallowed down the hurt she had caused with her cold regard in London. It was for the best. He had saved her, and that was that.
Honoria’s grin never faltered. “I think Jacques Laurent is made of stronger stuff than that.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Alex trotted up to the door. “We’ll be stopping shortly, ladies. There is a fine inn here and we shall enjoy a good meal. I know it will be inconvenient, but from this point on, we shall push a bit harder. We feel it safest to get to Buckrose Castle as quickly as possible. The castle is impenetrable.”
“So this will be our last decent night of sleep for a few days?” Honoria fussed with her cloak.
“I’m afraid so, my lady.” Alex kept his horse at a pace with the carriage, which had slowed as they approached the inn.
Once they arrived, he dismounted, as did the other three horsemen and Michael Rollins. This was the finest inn they had come to since leaving London. The stone building was lit with candles, and there were several men sitting watching the snow fall while drinking ale. Two boys ran over to help with the horses and carriage, while an older man with gray hair and a stooped walk came across the yard at a snail’s pace. He ordered the boys to care for the animals, then he stopped and talked to the Horseman named Oliver Graham.
Diana suspected all of the Buckrose Horsemen were titled, but none said so. Arrogance came with a title, and all four displayed it.
As Alex handed her down, she whispered, “If we are going to travel at night, we shall need ways to keep Lady Chervil warmer. This weather is quite hard on her.”
Worry flashed in his eyes, and he watched as Honoria pulled her cloak around her throat and ambled toward the inn without waiting for an escort. “I will procure a few furs and we shall ask for heated stones whenever we stop for food. Will that be sufficient?”
The genuine concern he showed surprised Diana. “I think that will be very helpful. Thank you.”
* * *
True to his word, the rest of the journey, though fast, was warmer. Alex had purchased four thick furs and managed to get two warm stones every time they stopped for food.
They turned down the lane to Buckrose Castle and Honoria sighed. “I shall miss all this pampering, but it will be good to get out of this blasted carriage.”
“I’m sure you will manage to be well cared for within the castle.” Diana watched out the window as a group of boys in school clothes laughed and played on the snow-covered field to the left. “What manner of castle is this?”
Honoria gazed in the children’s direction. “I believe part of the castle is in use as a school of some kind.”
The carriage didn’t stop, though the children paused their play to wave, and all four Horsemen waved back. Honoria waved as well and giggled.
“This is not what I expected,” Diana said under her breath.
The traveling party of five men on horseback and the carriage rounded the right side of the castle, where they approached a smaller entrance and a full line of servants waiting to greet them. The footmen were in black livery and looking very smart alongside the maids, housekeeper and butler. Ten servants in all lined the steps.
Alex handed them down as a man with gray around his temples and a slight paunch dashed over. “My lord, you are earlier than expected. I hope all is well.”
“Hello, Bates. We rode fast despite the weather. Better to be home should anything ill befall us. This is Miss MacLeod and Lady Honoria Chervil. They will be our guests for a few weeks, and have the run of the castle and grounds.”
“A pleasure to meet you both. Mrs. Bates is the housekeeper. She will show you your rooms and see to anything you need.” Bates bowed low.
