Miss Lacey's Love Letters Read online

  "I can tell the master you're back." A growl-like noise rumbled in the back of Argus' throat, "But he ain't gonna like it."

  "It's alright, Argus," Noah spoke up from behind. "I already know they're here."

  "Mr. Worthington..." Valeria bobbed a curtsy when she saw him. When she glanced in her aunt's direction, she saw an expression on her aunt's face that was similar to the butler's. Noah Worthington was far from being Lydia's favorite person in the world.

  "I confess I am surprised to see you again, Miss Woll. After the way I behaved last time, I assumed you would never return."

  "The fact that we're standing here has everything to do with my niece, and nothing to do with me!" Lydia interjected. She wanted him to know exactly how she felt. "If our visit angers you, blame her."

  "Angers?" Noah chuckled as he repeated the word. "Why on earth would I be angry?"

  "You want nothing to do with us. You made that quite clear.

  "My behavior was nothing against you, Mrs. Langley. You should not take it personally. As I said, I was unaccustomed to receiving visitors." Noah's gaze lingered on the bundle in Valeria's hands. It had been many years, but he knew what she was holding. "But that is no excuse for my ungentlemanly behavior. That is no excuse for abandoning decorum."

  Valeria spoke up. "I am afraid my manners left something to be desired as well."

  "On the contrary, I am sure your reaction was appropriate. My behavior was inexcusable. You expected a gentleman, but you got a boor."

  Lydia nodded in agreement. "You're right about that, sir! I so wanted to like you, but you made yourself so very unlikeable!"

  "My apologies. I would like to make it up to you, if you would give me a chance. Would the two of you care to stay for supper?"

  Before her aunt could utter a word, Valeria said, "We would like that very much. Before I forget, however, there is something I would like to give to you." Her hands trembled as she held out the bundle of letters. Abigail Lacey was an obvious sore spot, and she did not know how he would react to seeing the letters. "I thought they should be returned to you."

  He accepted her bundle with the slightest of smiles. "You have my thanks, Miss Woll."

  "They really were beautifully written," Lydia told him. "My niece kept insisting they were not ours to read, but I could not resist. To be honest, I regret nothing."

  "Fair enough."

  "For what it's worth," Valeria began, "I am sorry about Miss Lacey. Truly sorry."

  "Not a day goes by when I am not sorry about what happened. I wish there was a way to go back, a way to prevent her accident." Noah looked down at his scuffed boots and sighed. "But life goes on, even when you want it to end."

  Valeria could feel tears burning behind her eyes. Apparently, twenty years had done nothing to dull the ache of his heart. "That's so sad, Mr. Worthington."

  "Enough of that. If it's possible, I would rather not speak of the letters again." Noah turned to his butler. "Argus, if you don't mind showing them to the dining room? I think we should have an early supper."

  "Rrrrr..." Noah didn't flinch when his butler growled at him. "If I must..."

  As the butler led them to the dining room, Lydia whispered, "I like him better today."

  "As do I," Valeria agreed. "He seems much more amiable. Perhaps we caught him in a bad mood before?"

  "Either that, or we caught him in uncommonly good spirits today."

  Several minutes later, Noah joined them in the dining room. To Valeria's surprise, he actually looked like a gentleman. He had made an effort to comb his hair, he had tied a cravat, and he was wearing a dark green greatcoat. It must have been a bit old, because it fit snugly against his shoulders, but he looked much less roguish than before. Valeria did not know which version she preferred: the gentleman or the rogue.

  "You cleaned up nicely," Lydia praised him.

  "Thank you. I tried to make an effort." Noah tried to disarm her with a smile, but the crease between Lydia's eyes would not budge.

  "Please tell me that awful Argus won't be the one preparing our food!" Lydia whimpered. "I don't think I could stomach the thought!"

  "No," Noah's answer was accompanied by a chuckle. "I am sure I would not want to eat anything that was touched by Argus' hands. I do have a cook. And a maid."

  "I think it would be difficult to be a recluse with servants lingering around," Lydia said.

  "Then perhaps I am only a partial recluse." He chuckled again. "I do not try to avoid people so much as I try to avoid social situations."

  "Such as this?" Lydia asked.

  "No. I am happy to have your company tonight," Noah assured them. "I only hope I am not too late to make a good impression."

  Within minutes, a middle-aged maid presented them with a bowl of soup. Valeria was pleasantly surprised by the taste.

  "This is quite good."

  "I am glad you like it, Miss Woll. This soup is one of my favorites."

  "We don't have a cook. Not yet. Believe it or not, I do all of my own cooking."

  "Really? And are you a good cook?"

  "I would like to think I have some talent, but I am afraid I can't make anything as delightful as this." Her mouth tingled every time the silky broth touched her tongue.

  When he saw Lydia's grimace, he asked. "Is something wrong, Mrs. Langley? Is the soup not to your liking?"

  "I like it well enough," Lydia was quick to reply. In truth, her pain had returned, but she did not want to say anything to spoil the conversation. If Mr. Worthington and her niece were getting along, she did not want to interrupt them.

  "You know, I was not always a recluse."

  "Really, Mr. Worthington?" Valeria pressed.

  He nodded. "Shortly after Abigail's death, I took some time to do some traveling. I thought it would make me forget my despair."

  "Did it?"

  "Not exactly, although my travels provided me with many welcome distractions."

  After taking a few more sips of her soup, Valeria asked, "Where did you travel?"

  "Africa. Egypt, and the Nile River,"

  "Oh, that sounds very exotic! Did you see the Pyramids?"

  "Yes. The Pyramids and the Sphinx." When he saw Valeria's eyes light up, Noah smiled. He had lived too long without companionship. To speak to someone who was genuinely interested in his life was a welcome change. "As you venture deeper into the African wilds, you see all sorts of strange fauna. Once, I got chased by a wildebeest. They're much more dangerous than you might imagine."

  "Well, I am glad you escaped with your life." Valeria flashed a smile in her aunt's direction, but Lydia's attention was fixed on the maid, who had returned with their main course: turkey and carrots.

  "Sometimes I wish I hadn't escaped with my life. There were a few times I hoped a tiger would eat me."

  "That's terrible!" Valeria squealed. "Surely you don't mean that?"

  "I had nothing to return to, Miss Woll. My life was full of emptiness." After sampling a bite of his turkey, he added. "It still is."

  "Life is what you make of it, Mr. Worthington. It is full of love and loss... for all of us." Valeria kept her eyes on her aunt as she spoke. She remembered too well how her uncle's death had affected Lydia. "All we can do is pick up the pieces and try to move on."

  "It sounds like you are speaking from experience," Noah observed. "Have you lost someone you love, Miss Woll?"

  "My parents died when I was very young. I barely remember them."

  "I'm sorry to hear that." His eyes fell on Lydia. "Your aunt raised you, then?"

  "No. Until seven years ago, I lived with my brother. A much older brother. He raised me, more or less. But Lydia and I have always been close."

  Despite her pain, Lydia's lips were pulled into a smile. "My favorite niece," she said.

  "My favorite aunt." Valeria abandoned her fork and laid a gloved hand against Lydia's wrist. "And Henry was my favorite uncle. His death was hard on me as well."

  "So, you are no stranger to loss," Noah
observed.

  "Not at all."

  "But you have never lost someone you loved," he went on, "someone you were in love with?"

  "Seeing as I have never been in love... no," Valeria admitted. "I have not had that misfortune."

  "I am sure your aunt understands how I feel. I would wish that pain on no one. But... enough of that." He skewered a cooked carrot, shoved it into his mouth, chewed aggressively, and swallowed. "About my travels in Africa... I once had a white-eyelid mangabey as a companion."

  Valeria nearly dropped her fork. "A... a what?!"

  "A type of monkey," he explained. "He would sit on my shoulder and steal my food. A cheeky chap, he was. I called him Pilfer."

  "Even though you were sad, you must have enjoyed your travels?"

  "I did. There were times I might have tricked myself into believing I was happy." Noah stroked his chin, raking a hand across the light beard that covered it. "When I returned... oh, you should have seen the beard I had! I looked like Zeus. Or Confucius, only not as wise."

  "I envy your travels, Mr. Worthington," Valeria said. "I've always wished I could travel."

  "Really? And where would you like to visit?"

  "I always wanted to visit France, seeing as it is so close. But it seems we're always at odds with the French."

  "Boney's dead, and the Battle of Waterloo is long since over. It should be safer now."

  "Perhaps," she agreed. "Or... I've always wanted to visit the Americas. It sounds so wild there."

  "I can't imagine anything wilder than Africa."

  "Nor I," Valeria agreed.

  A short time later, everyone finished their food. Lydia declined dessert on account of a sour stomach, which was really the least of her worries. The pinching pain in her lower back was almost too much to bear.

  And when she rose from her chair, she fainted.

  Chapter Six

  With the help of Argus, Noah was able to carry Lydia to one of the guest rooms. It took her a few minutes to come around.

  "Where--?" Lydia looked around the room, at the unfamiliar surroundings, with panic in her eyes. When her gaze landed on Noah's face, she realized where she was. "Oh dear. Did I swoon?"

  "I'm afraid so."

  "Lydia!" As soon as she saw her aunt return to consciousness, Valeria ran to her bedside and stole a hug. "I was so worried!"

  "Oh, you needn't worry. I'm sure I am quite alright."

  "Are you sure, Mrs. Langley?" There was a crease between Noah's eyes: a deep worry line. "I should send for a doctor."

  "No! No doctors!" Lydia sat up in bed, gently brushing her niece aside. "Please, I cannot stand doctors. I've been through worse. I am sure I will survive this as well."

  "Are you in a great deal of pain?" It was her niece who asked the question.

  "Not a great deal," Lydia lied. "Only a bit."

  "I thought your pain subsided as of yesterday."

  "It did. Mostly," Lydia lied again. "I'd like to think I'm very strong, dear. I'm sure I will manage to shake this off."

  "Nevertheless, you should rest," Noah advised her. "I want to do the right thing. Are you sure I should not send for the doctor? What if your condition takes a turn for the worse? I would not want it to be on my conscience."

  "Goodness, Mr. Worthington! You make it sound as if I am dying!" Lydia brushed off the suggestion with a careless flick of the hand. "And even if I did die, how could it possibly be on your conscience? I was the one who adamantly protested against the presence of a doctor."

  "I... suppose." Valeria thought he seemed reluctant to cede to her aunt's demands. "Is there anything else I could do for you, Mrs. Langley? Anything to make you more comfortable?"

  "Well, for one, you could tell Argus to stop leering at me."

  When Noah turned around, he saw the butler sneering in the doorway. "Argus?"

  "Yesshir?" Argus' slur was so prominent, Valeria wondered if he was in his cups.

  "Would you mind excusing yourself? I think you make the ladies uncomfortable."

  "Yeah, yeah..." Argus muttered a disrespectful response. When Valeria saw him stumbling away from the door, it left little doubt in her mind. The old codger had to be foxed.

  "Is there anything else I can do for you, Mrs. Langley?"

  Noah's concern had Lydia smiling. He had changed completely. He seemed a bit more like the man who had written the letters to Miss Lacey. "If I can rest, I am sure I will be fine. Although..." Lydia's gaze drifted to her niece. "Perhaps we should stay the night? I don't want to impose on you, of course, but I am not sure I would be able to make the journey in the state I'm in."

  "Lydia..." Valeria sighed. "I am sure the last thing Mr. Worthington wants is--"

  Noah interrupted. "It is no imposition, Mrs. Langley. You are welcome to stay as long as it is necessary."

  "Good. You are so gracious, Mr. Worthington," she praised him. "Now... if you don't mind, I would like to have a word with my niece."

  "Of course." Noah retreated to the door and politely bowed his head. "If you need anything, I won't be far."

  "You are too kind," Lydia praised him again. "You're nothing like the brute we met three days ago."

  "I'm glad to hear it. Good night, Mrs. Langley. Miss Woll."

  As soon as he was gone, Valeria collapsed on the bed with her aunt. "Oh, I can't stand this! It kills me to think you are unwell!"

  "I'm not unwell."

  Valeria, who had her head crushed against a pillow, sat up in bed with a hooked eyebrow. "What did you say?"

  "I'm not unwell," Lydia repeated herself. "Well... I suppose I am in a bit of pain, but it is nothing dire."

  "But you fainted!"

  "That was a bit of theatrics. I was hoping Mr. Worthington would let me stay... so you could spend more time with him."

  "Are you serious?! You had me worried to death!"

  Lydia gently patted her niece's trembling hand. If she was trembling, she must have been more worried than she realized. Lydia would have said anything to quell her niece's worries, even if it meant lying. "I am fine," she insisted. "Now... as for Mr. Worthington, the two of you were getting along so well, I thought I would help it along. If we're stuck here, he'll have no choice. He will have to get to know you better."

  "Is this some sort of matchmaking scheme?" Valeria, who was trying to look cross, appropriately crossed her arms. "Because if it is, I haven't heard anything more ludicrous in my life!"

  "It isn't a matchmaking scheme, dear," her aunt quickly corrected her. "I just... I think it is unfortunate that he has kept himself hidden away for so long. Mr. Worthington could benefit from a companion. You were getting along so well, and he seems so pleasant now."

  "A companion." Valeria's voice was flat. "You want me to have a male companion!? What exactly are you suggesting, Lydia?"

  "A friendship. That is all." Lifting her chin, she added, "However, I should think matchmaking isn't entirely outside the realm of possibility. He is quite handsome, don't you think?"

  "No." Valeria answered without a moment's hesitation.

  "Well, I think he is handsome, in a rugged sort of way. And he might be a bit older than you, but I think it would be possible to reawaken his heart. If that should happen, I am sure it would be quite a romance! Judging from his letters, he's very--"

  "Lydia!" Valeria exclaimed. "I have no romantic interest in Mr. Worthington, nor do I have a romantic interest in any man!" And it was true. She had already decided she was going to decline Harold's proposal.

  "Very well, but I am sure Mr. Worthington would make a wonderful husband."

  "Yesterday, you hated him," Valeria reminded her. "It didn't take you very long to warm up to him again."

  "True."

  "And now you think I should marry him?!"

  "Well..." Lydia shrugged. "I am sure it wouldn't be the worst idea in the world."

  "You're insufferable." With a roll of her eyes, Valeria rose from the bed. "And Mr. Worthington is insufferable too. And the butler...
he's the worst of all! I am stuck in a house of insufferables!"

  "Yes, yes. I'm insufferable. Now, if you don't mind, I really could use a rest. It has been a long, trying evening."

  "Very well." Valeria moved to the door. "I should speak to Mr. Worthington about where I should stay. It would be optimal if I could stay in the adjoining room. That way, you could call on me if you needed anything."

  "I'm sure that won't be necessary. I'm really not unwell."

  "So you say."

  Before her niece passed through the doorway, Lydia shouted, "Valeria!"

  "Yes?"

  "You will spend time with him, won't you?" She tried to look as innocent as possible as she asked the question. "With Mr. Worthington?"

  "I am sure I will. Goodnight, Lydia."

  "Goodnight, dear."

  As soon as Valeria disappeared, Lydia collapsed on the bed and closed her eyes, squinting away tears. She wasn't in the best of health, and she was afraid. She was afraid of abandoning her niece, afraid of her pain, afraid of what might be waiting for her after death. As her condition worsened, her fears became more prevalent, and her lies became more swift.

  More than anything, she did not want her niece to worry.

  Chapter Seven

  If she was going to be stuck at Steeridge, Valeria was determined to make the most of the situation. When she passed Noah Worthington in the hallway the next morning, they exchanged the usual pleasantries, then she pounced on him with a request.

  "We should go for a ride." He was staring at her as if she had said something ludicrous, so she added, "On horseback."

  "Outside?"

  She had to chuckle at that. "Generally that is where one goes for a ride, although I have seen a few rooms at Steeridge that might be large enough to accommodate a horse."

  "Sarcastic minx," he chided her. "As much as I hate to decline your invitation, I am afraid I must. I would rather not go out."

  "Because you are a recluse?"

  "Precisely."

  "I thought it was people you avoided, not the outdoors."

  "If we went for a ride, there is always a possibility we might cross paths with someone. I would rather avoid any scenario that might end in human interaction."