Ravenwood(34)

Caleb’s shoulders seemed to stiffen at Mrs. Thistlewaite’s quiet words and Elinore felt the air in the room go thick.

“I’m terribly sorry that he was. Although I was quite grateful for the transport.”

“Oh, I didn’t mean to imply that you were at fault, miss,” Mrs. Thistlewaite hurried to explain. “It would have been better if your trip had been postponed a few days. But Mr. Vollmond wouldn’t hear of it.”

Not sure what to say, Elinore could only smile. “I’m quite happy to be here at Ravenwood.” Even to her own ears, her words sounded limp and flat. “Perhaps I could sit with Thistle for a bit, maybe read to him some?”

“I’m sure he’d like that.”

“Please tell Thistle to take all the time he needs,” Caleb added. “We don’t want him rushing back and injuring himself.”

“Thank you, sir,” Mrs. Thistlewaite replied, inclining her head to Caleb before addressing Elinore again. “And thank you, miss, for going off for help. I know you were… bitten while you did and I’m sorry for it.”

As Mrs. Thistlewaite mentioned the injury, Elinore swore she felt it flare under her bandages, hot and tender. “I only wish I had returned sooner with help.”

Mrs. Thistlewaite’s eyes drifted to the bandages on Elinore’s arm, her expression going uneasy and far away. “It’s a shame.”

“Mrs. Davenport has made me a fine poultice. I’m sure I’ll heal remarkably.”

Neither Mrs. Thistlewaite or Caleb were quick to agree and Elinore’s heart fluttered at their prolonged silence. “I met Alice yesterday. I feel we shall be good friends.”

Mrs. Thistlewaite’s eyes finally moved from Elinore’s arm and she smiled, the gesture making her entire face kind and warm. “She’s a handful, that one. I hope she’s not a bother to you.”

“Not at all. We share a great many interests and I’m already looking forward to what will be many long conversations on books, mythology, pirates and lore.”

Mrs. Thistlewaite chuckled in a fond, if somewhat rueful way. “Yes, that’d be Alice for certain. Well. I do thank you for what you did for my husband. Mr. Caleb said you might like some breakfast. What can I get you?”

Elinore’s eyes darted over quickly to Caleb’s plate at the table, where she saw a large slab of ham and a few eggs as well as some bread and some potatoes.

“Perhaps…” her voice trailed off as she wondered how rude it would be if she ordered all that food. But she was so hungry.

“Why don’t you just make her a plate like mine, Mrs. Thistlewaite?” Caleb answered and Elinore sighed in relief when the cook nodded. She came forward and surprised Elinore by giving her a fierce and fond hug.

“Thank you again, miss.”

“Think nothing of it.”

Mrs. Thistlewaite departed back to the kitchen and Elinore found herself again alone with Caleb. As she moved to sit at the table, he held her chair out for her. Unlike his uncle the night prior, he merely tucked it closer to the table once she was seated, neither lingering too long nor overly familiar as he did. He took his seat opposite her at the table, setting aside some papers he’d had in front of him.

“Please don’t stop on my account. My father was quite the business man and often read at the table. Much to my mother’s chagrin.”

“I could hardly sit here reading financial reports when I’ve such fine company.”

Her cheeks flushed with heat and she tried to hide behind her teacup, taking a sip. The flavor surged over her tongue, sweet from the sugar she added, but also spicy and a touch smoky.

“This is wonderful. What is it?”

“It’s a blend my mother used to make. It’s a bit of a chai with a breakfast blend, along with cloves mixed in. Do you like it?”

“Very much.”

There it was again - another smile like the one yesterday, his eyes crinkling at the corner. The color of them was quite pale and it was hard not to stare at them, noting the delicate ring of black around the edges. Her stomach fluttered as Caleb held her gaze and she finally looked away, sipping her tea to calm her nerves. He looked a little pleased with himself, as if he knew he’d set her swooning.

“Were you out hunting last night?” His smile faded a bit and she wished she hadn’t asked the question.

“Yes, but I was unsuccessful. We did not find the wolf.”

“Oh? But I heard one last night.”

His eyes turned sharp. “Did you? When?”

“Sometime after you and Mrs. Davenport checked my bandages. Perhaps an hour or so later.” Caleb frowned and she added, “Did you not hear it yourself?”

“I heard it, but my hearing is… rather attuned to the calls of wolves. I didn’t think it could be heard from the manor.”

“Oh.” She took another sip of tea. “It didn’t seem far off.”

He made a low sound, like he didn’t quite agree with her, but didn’t want to contradict her out loud.

“Are you going out again today?”

“Perhaps later. Some of the men are tired.”

A servant came out from the kitchen with a plate heaping with food and set it down in front of Elinore. She felt her mouth flood with saliva at the site and smell. Recalling her manners, she tried to eat with small measured bites.