The comforting sound of gurgling water woke Siofra. Her head pounded as if someone had used her as an opponent at Gentleman Jackson’s famed boxing arena, but she was alive.
Why did she hear water?
“Siofra, you daft woman! What were you thinking?” She opened her eyes to find Lysander bending over her. He helped her sit up against his shoulder, and she turned into him, tears cascading down her cheeks. His arms encased her, and she wanted to hide there forever, but her cheeks weren’t the only source of dampness.
“Why am I wet?” Her voice came out as a croak.
She pushed away from him to look down at her sodden dress. It clung to her like a second skin, but what alarmed her more were the splatters of deep red that showed even against the black of her dress. Was it the troll’s blood? Hers? She shuddered with revulsion.
“I had to wash the iron away, didn’t I? You near killed yourself.” He held a cup of water to her lips and bade her drink. “Why? Why didn’t you come back like you said?”
“The troll. He took another man.” She took a deep breath from lungs that burned. “I had to stop him. We have to save Rob…and those children or changelings…whatever they are.”
“It’s done. Your people raised the alarm. The troll had a dungeon underneath his cellar.”
Fresh tears sprang to her eyes. “All this time, he’s been preying on our village. Why didn’t you do something?”
“I am sorry, Siofra. The fey world operates outside the human realm. There are so many places he could have gone after he was banished. But, you’re right. We should have done more.”
“You should. He looked like a man, but he wasn’t. He…changed at the end.”
“Likely a glamour. A false image he presented in order to appear more human. Those children? Merely pigs, though the townsfolk haven’t realized that. They believe he did away with them like his late wives.”
“Pigs! That…that is appalling! How could he maintain such glamour?”
“Magic.”
“If that’s what magic does, I want nothing to do with it. It’s dark. It’s filthy. An abomination!” She wept even harder, her shoulders quaking.
“I understand those thoughts, but you are forgetting your own experiences with magic. If not for magic, you would never have found this place…or me.”
Yes. They were sitting by the river in the Forbidden Wood, and she had no recollection of having traveled there. She had so many questions but no strength to ask them.
“You saved me.”
“You called me.”
“How did you hear?”
He smiled, sliding her sodden hair behind her ear. “I was listening.”
Siofra’s eyes slid shut, and she sighed. So tired.
“Now, it’s time you were resting in your bed. Come back and see me when you’re feeling better. We should probably discuss different matters.”
She nodded, but she was already sitting in the chair beside her bed, shivering as if she would never be warm again. Maeve and Kelley bustled in with hot water for the copper bath then Kelley rushed over to undo her dress. “Oh Miss, you’re home! Mrs. Sgot said you have to soak in these herbs before you sleep and drink this. Very important.”
They peeled off the cold, wet garments and helped her in the water, then Maeve stoked the fire. “Can’t have you catching a chill.”
Lady Gretchen called out through the door. “Siofra?”
Kelley nearly tripped over herself rushing to the door. “She’s in the bath, Lady Gretchen.”
“What a relief.” She swished into the room, pulling her skirts around her. “Siofra, darling, are you alright? What were you thinking, confronting that awful man alone? If you hadn’t saved the earl’s son with this adventure, I’m certain your reputation would be in tatters.”
“I’m sorry, Lady Gretchen. I wasn’t thinking.” Siofra’s voice felt much stronger after drinking Mrs. Sgot’s strange brew.
“Indeed. We must put this whole business behind us. Maybe you should consider going to London for the remainder of your mourning.” She settled a hand on Siofra’s shoulder. “It might cheer you, dear. I’ll let you rest now. Perhaps you should stay in bed for a few days. This has all been rather much. Miss Dawd is leaving us tomorrow. I can’t say I’m sorry. She never really took as a companion and role model for you as I’d hoped. Well, good night.”
For the next two days, Siofra drifted in and out of consciousness. Her throat and body ached, and her mind tormented her with pictures of the troll, gargantuan disfigured hands reaching out with murderous intent. She woke screaming on more than one occasion. Had she imagined Lysander at her side, cooing softly in some foreign language?
She blinked, shifting her head. Why did her thoughts feel like a fog-filled meadow?
When her gaze lifted, she found her eyes locked on Lysander, his tall, brawny frame nearly bursting out of the spindly floral tapestried chair. “I cannot tell you how incongruous you look in this room. How did you come to be here?”
“You called…again. Screamed, actually.”
“How did you hear?”
He squeezed the hand he was holding. “I was listening.”
A single tear slid out of her eye and trailed her cheek. “I’m so very glad. Is…everyone…alright?”
“Everyone, meaning the man the county says you’re chasing after?”
“I never.” She regarded his solemn face. Did he believe that rubbish? Then why was he here? “I assure you. I—”
“I would never suspect you of clandestine meetings with a strange man.”
Siofra burst into laughter. “Only you, but I agree my behavior of late would lend itself to unseemly gossip, however unfounded. Are you certain Rob is in good health? What does he say about his entrapment?”
“For that, you will have to ask your humans. He is well. That is the end of it.”
“Ahh. Have any of my humans seen you?”
“Nary a trace.”
“Very good. Thank—”
“Will you be even more beholden to me?”
She chuckled. “Seems to be my lot in life. What I was going to say is that you excel at…uh…”
His brows rose, but a slight smile lifted the corners of his mouth as she struggled to find a way to thank him without using words that would bind herself to him for future favors.
“What I mean to say…You are an exceptional…friend.”
“Anam cara. And why I will always hear you, even if I’m not visible. Speaking of which, someone approaches. When you’re able, come to the Wood.” He disintegrated right before her eyes, fading from sight as if a cloak of mist took him from her.
Her door swung wide, and Maeve stepped into the room, carrying a tray. “Ah, good morning, Miss. Did ye finally have a good rest? Ye set-to a right wail the last coupla nights. Always quieted pretty quick, though.” She set the tray across Siofra’s lap. “Almost as if ye had yer own private nurse. Lysander? I believe ye called ‘im? Not that we got any Lysander around ‘ere now, do we?”
Siofra felt a warm blush stain her cheeks. “Anam cara.”
Maeve chuckled as she added a bundle of faggots along with a stout log to the embers in the fireplace. “And where would ye get a soul friend, Miss? Been hidin’ ‘im in the woodpile? This fireplace is a right mess. Now that yer awake, I really need to have these ashes cleared out.” She looked back at Siofra. “How’s that tea? More lemon?”
“Maeve, what did you mean? Who is a soul friend?”
“It’s you what said it, Miss. Anam cara. Soul friend.”
“And what does it mean…soul friend?”
Maeve cocked her head. “It’s like having someone what’s a part of you. Family, even, but mostly, it’s yer special loved one. You gonna eat that or stare at it?”
Siofra raised the cup and took a sip. Did Lysander really think they were like family or even more intimate, a loved one? She sighed. It sounded wonderful.
She was able to eat half a roll before her eyes felt heavy again. When next she woke, no Lysander sat beside her bed, smiling with reassurance, but she felt much more alert. Tomorrow, she might even walk to the Forbidden Wood. For now, she should see if she had the strength to dress and walk down the stairs.
She grabbed at the bell pull then swung her legs over the side of the bed. She didn’t have to think much about which dress to wear. They were all black.
Kelley knocked once then came through the door, holding out a cheerful pale grey dress with a lavender overlay. “Look what came for you, Miss. It’s ever so lovely.”
It was, and Siofra was ready to leave behind the black. How had it happened? She’d thought darkness would shadow her thoughts forever, but she wanted smiles and gaiety.
“Oh, yes, Kelley. Let’s try it.”
When Siofra entered the morning room, Lady Gretchen was not alone. Rob Redgrave bolted out of a chair, nearly toppling it. “Siofra!” His gaze darted to Lady Gretchen and widened. He had completely forgotten his manners. “Miss Blàrach, what a pleasure to see you…up and about.” He bowed over Siofra’s hand. “I was saddened to hear of your ill health.”
Lady Gretchen tut-tutted. “We do not stand on ceremony, Master Rob. Of course, you and Siofra are life-long friends and have been through a trying ordeal together.”
Not exactly together, but Lady Gretchen didn’t need any details.
“Do you see this roomful of flowers?” Lady Gretchen gestured with her hand. Indeed, every surface of every table and window sill were filled with hothouse blooms. “All from Master Rob. He has visited each day in hopes of finding you well.”
Siofra took Rob’s hand. “They are very lovely, Rob. And you? How are you? What are your plans?”
“I will ask cook if there are any more lemon tarts,” Lady Gretchen said, standing. “If you will excuse me. Pray, continue your conversation.”
Siofra laughed into her hand. “Not very subtle, unusual for her. She isn’t prone to leaving me alone with men.”
She took a seat on the sofa and patted the spot beside her. “What can you tell me, Rob?”
He sat quickly and heaved a sigh. “You were absolutely right. I can’t think how you saw what no one else did.” He shook his head. “To this day, I cannot remember how I ended up in a barred room, like a jail cell, underneath his home. It’s abominable. Did you hear Mr. Paorach vanished and so have his children? The authorities are searching for him, but I…I have a feeling he is long gone. What of you, Siofra?”
What in the name of heaven had Lady Gretchen told the village about her sudden illness?
“I was concerned for you and agreed to take a ride with Mr. Paorach, if he would tell me where you were. Only, he became angry. He stopped at the bridge by the loch and threw me in the water. I think he meant to drown me, but then…he vanished. I screamed so long I injured my throat.”
“Are we not two tragic fools?” Rob gave a nervous laugh. “Siofra…dear. I…” He stepped away from the couch and dropped to one knee. “I can think of no one that I would rather have at my side for all my days. Will you be my wife?”
Siofra’s jaw dropped. Why? Why had he done this? “I don’t understand, Rob. Of course, we are friends, but…why? Are you in such a rush to be riveted? What of your new career?”
His face wrinkled, and he looked confused. She patted the couch again. “What? I see plainly by your face that you are thinking something.”
“Siofra, you are a faithful friend, as faithful a friend as one could ever wish to have, but surely you know that your reputation will be in tatters when news of this reaches London. The Earl fears for you. He is ever so grateful for the service you have shown me, and…”
“Your father wishes to provide for me by having you marry me?” Siofra laughed then realized how that might appear to Rob. “I am ever so grateful for his consideration, and yours as well. You do me an honor, but I have no need of a protector. My parents have left me well enough, and if no man will have me…so be it.”
“You do not wish to marry?” He seemed dumbfounded by the very idea.
“It isn’t that at all. I do not wish to marry because I have to…because someone expects it of me.”
“You wish a love match. Siofra, you are a comely young lady with lovely manners. We might come to care for one another. You still have three months before your mourning is passed, and this has been a most trying ordeal.”
“Thank you, Rob, but I’m certain you will always remain my trusted friend.” Although not so trusted that she could ever tell him the truth of what happened.
He took her gloved hand in his. “Yes, a friend. I haven’t set my sights on anyone else, Siofra. If you should change your mind, I remain your trusted servant.” He kissed the air over her hand and rose.
With his retreat, Siofra was left with not a sound but the soft tick of the clock. She stared at the abundance of flowers in the room. He must have made a dent in the hothouse stores of the estate. So, the old earl feared for her reputation. There must be a great deal of talk in the village if the earl had sent Rob to offer for her. Very chivalrous, indeed, for the largest landowner in the area to tie his name to hers. But then, the earl had always seemed like a man who dearly loved his children.
“Siofra! Where is Mr. Redgrave?” Lady Gretchen sailed into the room, searching every corner as if Siofra could have hidden a large man behind a potted fern.
“He left. And before you ask…I do not wish to marry a man simply because I did his family a service. I did nothing, really, but say that I suspected Mr. Paorach of ulterior motives. Rob shouldn’t have to lose his freedom because of that.”
Lady Gretchen lowered herself beside Siofra. “Let us be frank, my dear. I know that your manner lately has been a trifle withdrawn. I do not mind long walks in the country. It clears the mind and heals the soul to commune with God in His creation. But this… You were seen leaving the bank with Mr. Paorach after warning Rob Redgrave to stay away from him. Ladies must not…endanger themselves for the sake of a man, particularly a man for whom they are not betrothed. The earl is absolutely correct in sending young Rob to offer for you. If you refuse him, I fear for your future.”
When put in those terms, it certainly sounded tragic. But that didn’t change Siofra’s mind. In a few short months, she would be free to do as she pleased, and she would have the money wherewith to do it. At the time of her parents’ death, the solicitor had held a frank conversation with her. If she chose never to marry, she could live frugally.
“I could never love Rob in that manner, and I am willing to chance that some man will see beyond the gossip.”
A sad smile crossed Lady Gretchen’s face, and she patted Siofra’s hand. Had she waited for a love that never came? “Well then. That is that.”
“You were right, you know.”
Her brows raised. “Do tell.”
“I love this dress. I’m ready to embrace the half-mourning.”
They leaned together laughing, and Siofra felt she and Lady Gretchen had made a turn in their relationship. Not that she assumed this would be the last of the “Ladies must not” lectures.
“I was thinking, Lady Gretchen. Now that Miss Dawd is no longer with us, might we have a few of the familiar faces again? I believe Maeve is coming along nicely as a lady’s maid. I certainly don’t wish for another. But I do miss seeing the staff who served my parents. I could speak to Mrs. Sgot.”
Lady Gretchen’s brows nearly disappeared in her hairline. “I have no argument with Mrs. Sgot. She’s a very fine kitchen manageress. And I realize your dear mother didn’t mind having brownies running to and fro in her household…”
Siofra gasped. “You know?”
“I do have ears, Siofra. One cannot miss the gossip in this village. Strange things happen. Mr. Paorach is a prime example. I was prone to indulge your mother’s flights of fancy, but having been here these last three months…one cannot discount the notion that fey folk inhabit the area.” She shook her finger. “Not that you should repeat that in the presence of the ton. I would fiercely deny it. I’ve no desire to get locked up with the Bedlamites. But if you feel that would make you happier…”
“It would allow Maeve to spend a little more time with me as a proper lady’s maid.”
“I will speak with Mrs. Sgot myself.” Lady Gretchen studied Siofra’s face a moment, frowning. “Your eyes are still very shadowed. Perhaps you should retire. If you like, I’ll have a tray sent up later.”
“I would appreciate that.” Siofra rose, but turned back when a memory from her youth surfaced. “And don’t forget to leave out a bowl of milk, but don’t say thank you when they return.”
And another day came to an end. Nestled in her bed, Siofra promised herself she would visit the Forbidden Wood the following day.
I have to know what Lysander wished to discuss.