Page 7 of A Lady's Past
“Perhaps,” Diana admitted. “However, I escaped before their theory could be put to the test. They found me in Naples, but I managed to stow away on a ship, and then another and another until I was in England.”
“You must be an extraordinary person to have survived all of that.” It wasn’t a compliment. Jane seemed to be thinking aloud.
“I did what I had to do. In Scotland, our home was surrounded. I kept to myself and stayed in barns and hunting shacks. Finally, I read a news article claiming the English agencies were also looking for me. I have no idea what they want, and while prison is better than starving to death on the streets, I would prefer to keep my freedom regardless of the country. If I must go and live in Switzerland, I shall learn to climb mountains. All I really need is a place to rest for a week or so, my lady. I realize my presence is dangerous for your Society. I have no interest in putting you or anyone in danger.”
Jane stood.
Of course she was being removed from the house. Why would anyone want to help her? She had nothing to offer. Diana got up. She would gather her cape and her gun and make her way somehow.
“I will tell Mrs. Grimsby to prepare a room. You may sleep for as long as you need. I will have food brought to you for your meals if you wish, or you may join us in the dining room. I’ll leave that up to you.”
Chest tight, Diana didn’t know how to respond. “You want me to stay?”
“Of course. I think you will make a fine addition to the Everton Domestic Society, if you want to stay. Even if you don’t choose to work, you will need to rest for a while. I imagine it has been some time since you’ve had a good night’s sleep.”
The night in Jacques’s arms flashed through Diana’s mind. She didn’t know what she’d been thinking, asking a stranger to hold her through the night. She might have been molested. Still, the memory of being in his arms was sweet and warm. It was the only pleasant memory she could conjure for the past three years. Two years in prison with her parents and a year on the run trying to get back to England had left her little time for comfort. “I can’t imagine how I can help the Society, my lady, but I will take you up on your offer of a warm bed.”
“Wonderful. I will have your weapon delivered to your room. You should go to the breakfast room, where I will see that Cook brings you some soup and bread. It is past the lunch hour, and I imagine you’re hungry. Then you can rest.”
Tears welled up behind Diana’s eyes. It was impossible that there were still good people in the world. She was sure they had all gone, as she’d seen so little kindness given without payment. Flinging herself into Jane’s arms, Diana wept. “Thank you.”
Jane patted her back. “There now. You’re safe here. I will do everything in my power to keep you safe for as long as you choose to stay with us.”
Embarrassed by her show of emotion, Diana straightened and wiped her eyes. “What types of tasks would Everton want me to take on?”
Shaking her head, Jane smiled. “If, in a week, you wish to discuss an assignment, I have something in mind. First you must rest so that you can think clearly and make good decisions for yourself.”
They walked to a room with a long table and Jane said, “Have a seat, Diana. I will see what Cook has, and when you are finished eating, Mrs. Grimsby will take you to your room.”
It was impossible. She shook her head. After a minute, a large man in livery entered the room and stood just inside the door. One of the guards Jane mentioned. It seemed Lady Jane was serious about protecting Diana, even though she had no reason to do so. She could turn her in to the authorities and collect a five-thousand-pound bounty. Maybe Jane had read the report about the missing chemist, too.
No. She wouldn’t believe anything bad about Jane Everton. She would try to accept that good still existed in the world.
* * *
For two full days, Diana slept and ate. It was heaven. Her room was clean and well thought out. A dark wood writing desk sat near a window that overlooked the garden. She had a view of the hothouse and a lovely path that meandered through the garden. She imagined in spring there were many flowers, which were now dormant. Her bed was as soft as a cloud and covered in azure curtains. As far as she was concerned, she may as well have died, because nothing could be better than Everton House. She finally felt well enough to stay awake and read a newspaper. Perhaps she might begin to figure out how to get herself out of this mess. Maybe she could hide in the Everton Domestic Society indefinitely. She would have wages if she did her job well, and a safe place to stay. What more could she expect from her life? She should be dead, yet here she was, in a clean gown with three more in her wardrobe.
No. It was too dangerous. Once she repaid Lady Jane for everything, she would move on and keep Everton’s safe.
The knock on her door startled her. No one had bothered her for a full two days except to bring her trays of food and collect the tray later. Servants scratched gently, but this was a full and demanding knock. “Hellooo…”
Diana cleared her throat. “Come in.”
A gray-haired woman, no more than five feet tall, wearing a voluminous gown better suited to a summer picnic than a November afternoon, glided in. She sparkled with emeralds around her neck and wrists. “Dear child, I am Lady Honoria Chervil. Lady Jane tells me you’ve had a tough go of it since your parents passed. She told me all about having been shuttled from one relative to the next. You can rest assured you are well and home here. We shall be good friends I am sure. I have several bottles of very good whiskey and I’m happy to share.”
Lady Jane had lied for her. She didn’t know how to respond. “It’s a bit early for whiskey, but I thank you for the offer.”
Honoria looked out the window as if gauging the time of day. “I suppose you’re right, my dear. Perhaps later we can indulge. Now, tell me what I can do to make your stay here more comfortable. I’m told some dresses and gowns close to your size have already been delivered. Do you need toiletries?”
“Lady Jane was kind enough to provide a brush for my hair. I think it will be fine.”
Trooping over to the vanity where a pitcher, bowl and the brush sat, Honoria shook her head. “This will never do.” She turned and grinned. “Never you mind. Leave it to me.”
“There is no need to make a fuss. I’m not even sure if I’ll be staying here long.” A knot formed in Diana’s throat. It had been so long since anyone cared for her needs, she was at a loss.
Full of joy and life, Honoria sat on the edge of the bed. “It really doesn’t matter how long you stay, my dear Diana. You must have some small creature comforts. It’s really the only point of living. Well, that and falling in love. I do so enjoy a good love story.”
Diana’s mind immediately flashed to the memory of Jacques’s shining dark eyes and the kindness within them. “I’m sorry, my lady. I have no love stories to tell.”
