Ravenwood(52)

When she did hear another howl, she was confused even more. It wasn’t the same as the first. Then there was barking, the faint sounds of animals fighting and then…

“Miss?”

Elinore startled, clutching her robe around her like some dowager duchess.

“Miss, it’s George, from this morning? In the house?”

Elinore easily recognized him in the near dark, the same young face and somewhat floppy hair. “Yes, of course. George.”

“Are you all right, miss?”

“I…” Elinore looked away from George, to the forest and then to the manor. “I’m not quite sure what I’m doing here.”

Although she feared George would think her mad for saying such a thing, he only nodded grimly, as if this was what he expected. “I’ll take you back inside the house.”

He came around by her side, herding her like a sheep dog without actually touching her. Her gaze trailed back over her shoulder to the forest. Seeing nothing she forced herself to look ahead, watching George out of the corner of her eye.

“Did you hear anything? Like… a wolf?”

George’s lips thinned slightly. “No, miss. But my hearing is not so good as others at Ravenwood.”

“What made you come out then?”

“Mr. Caleb asked me to keep an eye on Ravenwood in his absence. On the manor and the people. I saw you leaving and came to check up on you.”

Elinore grasped her robe tighter around herself, only now feeling the chill of the night. “I’m glad you did. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

“We’ll get you back into the house and Mrs. Davenport can make you some tea.”

Elinore nodded, thinking that perhaps a hot cup of tea would be just the thing to soothe her nerves. George was a kind lad, walking at a slow pace that was easy for her to match in her bare feet and then taking her all the way upstairs to the door to her room.

“If you wait here, I’ll fetch Mrs. Davenport.”

Looking around at the quiet, dark manor, Elinore shook her head. “It’s so late. There’s no need.”

“She can make you some tea and you’ll sleep better.” Not waiting for a reply, George turned and left. Elinore wandered into her room, standing next to the low burning embers of the fireplace, trying to warm up. Minutes later, Mrs. Davenport knocked and then bustled in, a steaming mug in her hand.

“George told me your troubles. I’ve made a special tea to help you sleep.”

“I’m fine now, I was just… being foolish, I suppose.”

Mrs. Davenport nodded, holding the mug toward Elinore anyway. “Be that as it may, drink this up and you’ll feel warmer.”

Mrs. Davenport had gone to the trouble of making her the tea, and it was late at night. The least Elinore could do was drink it. She took the heavy mug and sipped, finding the liquid hot and spicy. Not quite like Caleb’s tea, but with some similar flavors.

“This is quite nice.”

Mrs. Davenport nodded again and then led Elinore to bed, helping her in and handing her the mug again once Elinore was safely tucked in the covers.

“It’s so ridiculous. I was awake, but just… not really thinking.”

“Have you had strange dreams lately?”

“Yes. Coming to Ravenwood has all the furniture in my head disarranged.” Elinore took another sip of the tea, feeling warm and languid. “You were right, this tea was just what I needed.” She yawned and Mrs. Davenport took the mug from her hands as she sunk down lower on the pillows.

“I’ve a great many helpful recipes,” she heard the housekeeper say before Elinore drifted off to sleep.

She didn’t dream.





Chapter Eleven





Much to her dismay, Hayter returned the following day alone. Elinore did her best to hide her disappointment as he came into the library where she was taking afternoon tea. The door opened and she sat up straight, eyes alighting to the doorway, hoping it was Caleb. To face the specter of Hayter was a sore disappointment indeed.

“Dearest Nora, look what a vision you are in the sunlight.”

Elinore set her tea-cup down and stood. “Uncle. How good to see you,” she lied. “Have you and Caleb returned from Haleton?”

“I fear my nephew had to stay behind to finish up the minutiae of our meeting. You know how it is.” He waved a hand grandiosely and Elinore managed to contain the scowl tickling her face.

“Of course,” she replied. “I’m sure your business is far more intricate that I realize.” She was quite good at lying when the situation called for it, she thought.

“I have brought you a small gift from town,” Hayter teased, his eyes bright with mischief.

Immediately, her chest tightened, not in excitement, but dread. A present from Hayter was not something she was interested in at all. “Oh?” she queried.

Hayter crooked a finger for her to come closer. Setting her jaw and squaring her shoulders, she set her book down and stood, coming across the library to stand before him.

“Were you waiting for a gift?” he cajoled.

“Truthfully, kind sir, I confess I hadn’t thought the slightest upon receiving a gift from you.”

His lips tightened at her phrasing and she felt a rush of pride. Yes, two could play the word game.