Ravenwood(44)

Thankfully, Caleb said nothing of her writings and the discussion at the table focused on matters of the manor. Elinore only listened with half an ear, her mind occupied with her writings, with things she had seen, with people she had met. Would Caleb be interested in reading her stories when she was finished? Could she trust him to give an honest opinion? Was he serious about her publishing? Could he help her do just that?

“I fear we are boring dear Nora,” Hayter said suddenly, and Elinore flinched as he placed a hand over hers, patting her fingers.

“I beg your pardon?” she asked. She’d been quite distracted by her thoughts and hadn’t heard what they were discussing.

“I’m sure if Elinore,” Caleb said, stressing her full and proper name, “would like to participate in our discussion, she would. Perhaps after she’s had time to acclimate to Ravenwood she would find more of this interesting, or not. The choice is hers.”

“Oh, I’m sure young ladies have other things to occupy their minds. Things better than taxes and rent and yield of crops.” Hayter squeezed her fingers a bit and Elinore grabbed her glass of wine with the other hand, feeling like she wanted to snap her fingers at the servant to ensure it was steadily filled throughout dinner. Where such quick anger and impatience came from, she wasn’t sure. She’d always been more even tempered.

“I’m afraid I was quite lost in my own thoughts. Coming to Ravenwood has been an exciting new journey for me and my mind is over-occupied with details at the moment.”

The two men stared at each other hotly and Elinore leaned back slightly in her chair. She felt like a woodland creature watching two predators posturing before a battle erupted. Her eyes flicked back and forth from Caleb to Hayter and returned to Caleb again. Should there actually be a battle, she had no doubt of whom she wished to win. They were in the midst of a silent war - something transpiring between the two of them which she could not decipher. Hayter suddenly began chuckling and though it should have defused the tension, Elinore felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand.

“Young pup,” he said, addressing Caleb with what Elinore felt was quite a dismissive term. “You amuse me with your obstinance.”

Elinore took another long pull of wine, watching as Caleb’s fingers tightened around his cutlery. He did not answer Hayter and instead turned back to his meal. The rest of the dinner passed in silence.

Another dinner at Ravenwood successfully survived, Elinore thought.

That night, as she had continued to do that week, Mrs. Davenport came to dress Elinore’s wound, and again, Caleb accompanied her. Elinore’s wounds were still black, now with long lines trailing up her arm. Strangely, the wounds did not hurt like they had over the first few days. Mrs. Davenport’s face was tight as she worked, applying the poultice with heavy strokes. Elinore hissed.

“My dear?” Mrs. Davenport asked.

Elinore’s eyes darted from her to Caleb and back again. “It… burns. It’s not done that before.” She took a deep breath. “But I’m fine. Please continue.”

Caleb’s lips thinned as Mrs. Davenport worked, applying more of the foul smelling mixture and then re-bandaging Elinore’s arm.

“Is there a need for a doctor?” Elinore asked, thinking of the black lines running up her arm.

“Not to worry, my dear. We’ll take good care of you.”

It was hardly the answer for which Elinore had hoped. Mrs. Davenport and Caleb exchanged a look and then the housekeeper left Elinore’s bedroom. She was once again alone with Caleb. In her bedroom. As much as it made her nervous, it also thrilled her.

“I feel as though I’m being an awful lot of trouble,” Elinore said, trying to lighten the mood.

“Not at all,” Caleb replied, his manner stiff and taciturn. He cut a fine figure standing in the room, bathed in the soft light of a few candles and the fire that was lit in the small hearth. “How are you feeling?”

Elinore blinked, surprised by the question. “Fine. Rather robust actually. I quite enjoy being outside when the opportunity arises, although I must say I generally prefer the company inside the manor.” Elinore felt quite bold at her statement and something in her made her want to puff her chest out and almost preen as she spoke. Caleb’s eyes watched her carefully as she sat in the chair in front of the fire. He stood at quite a height over her, but she didn’t feel as though he was looming or exerting his size over hers. If anything, she almost felt as though he were more cautious than ever before.

“You seemed to enjoy dinner.”

She wondered if that was a remark toward how much she’d eaten. Certainly she could hardly believe it herself. After her substantial breakfast and then her morning snack with Alice, she’d also had a sizable lunch and then had nearly eaten as much as the men at dinner. She hadn’t noticed it until the servants came to clear their plates and hers had been as spartan as Hayter’s and Caleb’s.

“I did. Mrs. Thistlewaite is quite a cook. Her culinary skills are unmatched.”

“Agreed,” he said with a slight nod. “I must say, I doubt I can ever eat anywhere again without comparing the food at Ravenwood and having it come out superior.” He paused and her eyes were drawn to the slight movement of his fingers against his trousers. “I hope you sleep well tonight. Good evening.”

Caleb turned to leave and Elinore lurched to her feet, meeting him at her door. “Will I see you at breakfast tomorrow?” she asked. She could hardly believe she’d been so forward, but she simply felt like she had to know if she would see him again. She longed to be in his company, finding his presence filled her with things she didn’t know how to name.