Page 24 of The Ones Left Behind
“If that is so, then where have they all been during her time of need?” Sir Nigel had the audacity to ask.
“They, sir, have been on the Continent, fighting against Napoleon, not sitting in their warm houses in England, withholding God-given blessings from widows in need. Now, if that will be all? Hayes, be so good as to show Sir Nigel out,” Matthias ground out through a clenched jaw. He was ready to strangle the man.
“It would be my pleasure, my lord,” Hayes replied as he ushered the pompous baronet through the drawing room door and then the heavy oaken portal of the front entrance.
Hornsby started clapping the moment they heard the front door shut with a thud. “Could a person be more blinded by self-righteousness?”
“This will not be the end of it,” Matthias predicted ominously.
“Very likely not,” Hornsby agreed. “But at least in the village we servants can do our best to mitigate his insults. And given the way he was carrying on, you can bet the entire household is aware of his villainy by now and will support Mrs. Gordon.”
Matthias nodded. “Do what you can.”
“Would you like a tray, so you may break your fast?”
“Yes. If you would not mind helping me to the study. I should prefer to eat in there. And refill my flask while you are about it.” He handed his man the silver flask, directing, not asking. He knew very well Kitty had told them to ration his spirits.
Now he needed to think. Something would have to be done, because he feared this was far from over. He knew from experience that Nigel did not play fair and would never accept that he was in the wrong.
Matthias had known from the first that Kitty’s presence in his house would not be simple, and certainly the solution would not be either.
* * *
Kitty had takenher time in returning to Thackeray Close. She had sent the groom back with the pony trap and walked, needing time to clear her head. She was burning with rage, deeply hurt and humiliated; word of the quarrel would soon spread, and most likely she would be forced to leave. She had nowhere to go and it would be the hardest thing she had ever done to leave Matthias while he was injured. Whether he knew it or not, he needed her and she supposed she would have to endure the cruel words at least until he was better, because no one else was able to stand up to him.
With renewed determination, she stopped in the herb garden to find what Mr. Satterlee had recommended. While she was scouring the wide beds, she heard what she thought to be shouting coming from inside the house. She stopped and frowned, trying to listen through the open windows. Masculine voices were definitely raised. She crept towards the house, trying to discover what was happening without showing herself. Very well, she was eavesdropping.
“Yes,well, I came to speak with you about my sister-in-law. I have been told she is living under your roof.”
“Do tell me how it concerns you if she is? Did you not wash your hands of her with twenty pounds and—allow me the indulgence of plain speaking—a swift kick out of the door?”
“Sir Nigel!”Kitty exclaimed under her breath. The audacity of the man! He must have come straight here, though she should not at all be surprised. Had he not confronted her on the main street of the village for all eyes and ears to see and hear?
She hurried closer to the house but stopped when she heard more of their conversation.
“If that is so,then where have they all been during her time of need?” Sir Nigel had the audacity to ask.
“They, sir, have been on the Continent fighting against Napoleon, not sitting in their warm houses in England withholding God-given blessings from widows in need. Now if that will be all? Hayes, be so good as to show so Nigel out.”
“Bravo, Matthias.”He was defending her. He had always despised Sir Nigel, so it was not shocking to hear him oppose the baronet, but it was touching nonetheless.
She leaned against the back of the house between two of the terrace doors, and waited for Sir Nigel to leave. A few minutes later she overheard Matthias ask Hornsby for more liquor and then request assistance to his study, which was the room on the other side of where she stood. She needed to speak with Matthias, to convince him to accept her help. Her heart quailed at the alternative but she lifted her chin and stiffened her spine. If he truly wanted her to leave, she would.
As she was about to step through the terrace doors, she heard Hornsby return.
“Oh, good man,” Matthias said.
“Thomas brought your tray. Eat more than you drink, mind. The missus wouldn’t be pleased.”
“Mind your own business, Sergeant. ’Tis only to dull the pain. When my leg heals, I won’t need it.”
“As you say, my lord. Now, make certain you eat Cook’s blackberry tarts. They are the best I’ve ever tasted.”
“Cook is one of the jewels of the Close,” Matthias agreed.
When it seemed as though Hornsby had left again, Kitty garnered her courage and stepped through the door.
“I was wondering when you would come in,” Matthias said smugly.
