Page 34 of Only By Grace
Her brows lifted ever so slightly as Ronan finished speaking. For a fleeting moment, she said nothing, her keen eyes shifting from Ronan to Grace. He had little doubt she was taking in the younger woman’s slightly rumpled but dignified appearance, and then she regarded Ronan with an expression that was equal parts curiosity and concern. Despite the surprise evident in her features, she stepped forward with a grace that belied the weariness Ronan knew she must feel.
“This is unexpected, even for you, Ronan.” Her lips curved faintly, though the gesture held more curiosity than amusement. She turned her attention fully to Grace, inclining her head with a graciousness that made Grace’s posture relax ever so slightly. “Miss Whitford, welcome to Donnellan Castle. I trust you will find our home a refuge after what I can only imagine has been a trying journey. I apologize that things are not well here, as you must know.”
Grace dipped into a small curtsy. “It is I who must beg your forgiveness, Lady Donnellan, for imposing upon your household so unexpectedly and at such a time.”
Lady Donnellan waved her hand dismissively, a gracious smile softening her features. “Nonsense, my dear. You are most welcome here. Perhaps,” she added with a touch of shrewdness, “you can be of some comfort to me whilst Ronan finds Maeve and explain how this all came to pass.”
Ronan kissed his mother’s cheek, and he was filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Mother. I knew I could rely on you.”
With a nod, Ronan turned back to Grace. “I will return as soon as I can,” he said quietly. “You will be safe here.”
Grace offered him a faint, understanding smile, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of unease. “Go,” she said softly.
With a deep breath, he turned back to his mother. “I must prepare to leave at once.”
CHAPTER 12
The ship's deck tilted slightly asThe Tempestdrew closer to the Irish coast, the breeze carrying the distinct tang of salt and earth mingling on the air. Joy gripped the railing, her knuckles white with tension as she scanned the distant shore. The cliffs of Ireland rose jagged and proud against the horizon, their rugged beauty not lost on her as she fretted over the purpose of their journey.
Now that they were finally there, the reality that they might find Grace very changed did nothing to ease the knot in Joy’s chest.
“Will she be different?” Joy wondered quietly, though loud enough for her sister to hear.
Patience glanced up from where she had been adjusting her bonnet. Her expression, equal parts concern and resolve, mirrored Joy’s sentiments. “I do not know, my dear. It is possible she may have been through a very trying time,” Patience replied. “But mayhap we will find her delighted with her adventure, none the worse for a week on her own.”
Joy knew her face must mirror her thoughts, which were full of doubt. Her imaginings, which were very colourful, had conjured her sister fighting off pirates and sea monsters.
Freddy sat on a barrel nearby, cradling Evalina. The little creature purred contentedly as he stroked her soft fur. “Perhaps Grace is even now enjoying a pleasant journey, unaware of our concern.”
Joy shook her head. “I cannot imagine she is at ease, not with all that has transpired.” The group fell into a contemplative silence, each lost in their own thoughts about what they would soon face. The sea rolled gently around them, the waves glinting under the midday sun. Seagulls circled overhead, their cries echoing in the open air.
As late afternoon approached, the distant outline of civilization began to emerge. Joy’s heart quickened at the sight. “Look!” she exclaimed, pointing ahead. “We are nearly there.”
Patience stepped forward, her gaze intent. “At last. We must prepare to disembark as swiftly as possible.”
AsThe Tempestdrew closer to shore, the details of the coast became clearer. The cliffs rose sharp and rugged, contrasting with the smoother water. Sitting atop one of the cliffs was an imposing castle—its stone walls bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun. This must be what the Castle of Athlin was like from Radcliffe’s story set in the Highlands, Joy mused.
The Kenmare harbour bustled with activity asThe Tempestdocked, the sounds of shouting sailors, creaking ropes, and seagulls mingling in the air. Joy practically leaped from the gangplank the moment it was secured, barely able to contain her energy. Patience followed more deliberately, her hand resting lightly on Ashley’s arm as they descended. Freddy brought up the rear, Evalina peering curiously from inside his waistcoat.
Ashley had efficiently secured a carriage, and soon they were winding their way along the coastal road towards the castle. Joy gazed out of the window, feeling her eyes widening with fascination as she watched the sheep graze to one side and water cascade down cliffs on the other.
The towering castle came into view as the sun shone late in the sky, now casting long shadows across the landscape. As the carriage pulled up to the front entrance, a young footman rushed forward to greet them. “Please forgive the delay,” he said breathlessly, helping the ladies down. “His lordship is preparing to leave.”
“Leave?” Joy repeated, alarmed. “Where is he going?”
“To pursue Lady Maeve,” the footman explained, his tone hushed as though speaking the words aloud might deepen the scandal.
The group exchanged grim looks of confusion before stepping inside. They were met by a stern-looking butler who eyed them with a mixture of curiosity and wariness.
“Good evening,” Ashley began politely. “We are here to see Lord Carew. It is a matter of some importance.”
The butler hesitated. “His lordship is occupied at present. There has been?—”
“Please,” Joy interjected, her tone imploring. “We are searching for our sister, Miss Grace Whitford. We believe she may be here.”
At the mention of Grace’s name, the butler’s posture relaxed a little. “Ah, yes. Miss Whitford is indeed a guest of the house.”
Relief washed over Joy, nearly buckling her knees. “May we see her?”
