Page 34 of The Ones Left Behind
“Because she cares too much?” Hornsby asked. “A lot of people care, you should know.”
“It is more than that.”
Hornsby rubbed his chin. “Wondered if that might be the case. Well, you can’t hide forever, but we are here for now.”
Matthias did not bother scolding Hornsby for his impertinence. It would do little good, and he was correct anyway, curse him. They hobbled up the three steps and he unlocked the door to the empty house. His decision to leave had been sudden, with no time to send staff ahead to prepare. It was just what he needed.
Matthias rested in the first chair they came to, still in Holland covers, while Hornsby brought in their belongings. All the previous night Matthias had lain awake, thinking about Kitty’s words.
His behaviour had been that of a stranger. Never before had he been so surly, and she had only said the things she had because she cared. Now he realized he had to do something, because he did not want to stay this way. It was nigh impossible for him to curb his churlishness while she was his housekeeper. She had overturned every gentlemanly principle he had ever been taught... and how could he possibly separate the hurt of her rejection from his physical hurt when her presence endangered his very soul? He needed a few days to think.
When Hornsby returned to see how he did, Matthias had resolved to learn to manage on the crutches at the very least. Hopefully, by managing the physical, he would better handle the rest.
“Hornsby, I wish to go into the open meadow behind the house. There used to be a paddock adjoining it which should be as good a place as any to practicce.”
Hornsby grinned, revealing a wide gap between his front teeth. “Aye, Major. But first, you have to take your medicine like a good boy.” He held the up the vile cordial Kitty had made.
“Cordial is the greatest misnomer to date.” Matthias scowled but swallowed the medicine, chasing it down with some brandy.
They spent two hours out in the field until Matthias learned to manage a few steps with the crutches without putting weight on his broken leg, or having the crutches slip out from under him.
“By Jove, I think you finally have it!” Hornsby praised.
“Finally...” Matthias exaggerated the word. “...and I am covered in bruises and blisters for my pains.”
“Mayhap in a few days you won’t notice them.”
Matthias hoped that in a few months he would not need them, but kept the sentiment to himself. At least he still had his leg. “There is a stream over that rise we can bathe in.” Matthias pointed. “It should be refreshing at this time of the year. “
“And it’ll save me from haulin’ in a bath for you,” Hornsby said with a grin.
“That, too, Sergeant.”
Once they were in the water, Matthias sat back and allowed it to flow across his body, relishing the coolness after his heated exertions.
“It almost feels as though we’re back on the Peninsula, don’t it?” Hornsby was carving a stick as he sat in the stream.
“Do you miss it?”
He shrugged. “Things seemed simpler. I didn’t mind it.”
“Do you wish to go back?” Matthias had not thought to ask; he had been so consumed with his own misery. “I appreciate your devotion in seeing me home, but you have no obligation to stay.”
“I know. I think it’s just hard changing positions, like.”
“Yes. I know what you mean.”
“’Sides, I do like the food and comfortable bed at the Close.”
With that, he sprang from his spot under the water and speared a fish, laughing with glee and as naked as the day he was born. Unfortunately, he was no longer a babe.
“Hornsby! For the love of all that is holy, put some clothes on!” Matthias covered his face as though to hide the sight.
His old batman just laughed. He held up a good-sized trout. “I caught us some dinner!”
* * *
Kitty triedto pretend nothing was out of the ordinary when Matthias left, but she was concerned that the servants would not listen to her whilst he was gone. She need not have worried on that score; the house still operated in a seamless fashion and the other servants treated her with deference. Despite this, she felt more isolated than before Matthias had left. “But at least you have a warm bed and plenty of food to eat,” she reminded herself. Added to that, she had independence and the freedom to roam the estate… and be alone with her thoughts.
