Louise M. Gouge by A Proper Companion Read Free Book Online Page B

lane with their dusty games. The sameness of Greystone Village, which used to bore Edmond, now awoke a longing within his heart. Despite their unremarkable lives, these country folk had a certain security which seemed to define their character. They grew up knowing where they belonged and what they would do with their lives, whereas uncertainty had plagued Edmond since he first realized he would have to find his own way in the world.
    Not until he began his law studies at Oxford had he discovered his true passion. But Mother had decided law was an inferior profession for the youngest brother of a viscount. When she learned that Arthur Wellesley, an earl’s fourth son, had received his own title, political prestige and a vast fortune during his service in India, she declared that Edmond must obtain an officer’s commission in the army. She paid for it herself, less a generous gesture than simply another means of controlling one of her sons. He’d had two choices: accept her offer or become dependent upon his eldest brother’s charity.
    Of course Edmond rebelled, but after a misspent Season in London for which he still felt much guilt and had many regrets, his godly middle brother had brokered a truce. A surrender, actually, for Edmond had capitulated to all of Mother’s demands. But although he had managed to pay off his gambling debts, his service in America had brought neither fortune nor prestige, only wounds that matched the scars on his soul.
    “What a charming village.” Miss Newfield gazed about the scene as if surveying some grand garden. “So like Blandon in every way.”
    “What?” Mother stopped her march and turned to glare at her.
    Edmond caught up in time to see a slight blush touch the young lady’s cheeks. “Indeed? I suppose most English villages boast the same quaint scenery.” He hoped his cheerful tone would diminish her discomfort.
    “We are not here to chitchat.” Mother resumed her march, not stopping until she reached a tiny redbrick house where smoke curled from the chimney. “Humph. A fire at midday in October? Such a waste.”
    Edmond gritted his teeth. He would not be able to remain silent if she scolded the dear old pensioner who lived here, the woman who had been nurse to him and his brothers, supplying the love lacking from their only parent. While Richard had been the old woman’s favorite and no doubt the reason for his penchant for spiritual matters, Edmond and Greystone had adored her, too. If Mother refused to supply wood for her hearth, he would find a way to do it himself.
    * * *
    Cheered by Major Grenville’s pleasant rejoinder, Anna shrugged off her dismay over Lady Greystone’s reproach. Clearly she must not comment on anything unless asked. But, oh, how hard that would be when so many things sparked her interest, from the squirrels gathering acorns in the woods to the children playing outside the wood frame houses. Still, if she wished to be the best possible companion to the lady, performing her duties heartily as unto the Lord, then she must learn to remain silent.
    Lady Greystone stopped at a singular brick house amongst the wooden ones and ordered the major to knock. Curiosity seized Anna. Who lived here, and why did they deserve such a superior, albeit small dwelling? She gave the major a questioning glance and was startled to see anger in his eyes. He looked her way and the anger disappeared, replaced by a wry grin and accompanied by a shrug.
    The door was opened by an elderly, black-clad gentleman. The light in his pale blue eyes reminded Anna of Papá . In fact, his entire facade and bearing resembled a man of God.
    Lady Greystone stepped back. “Mr. Partridge.” She peered beyond him into the dimly lit room. “Has Mrs. Winters—”
    “No, no, madam.” The gentleman emitted a scratchy chuckle. “She is well enough for her many years.”
    The major leaned toward Anna to mouth “the vicar.”
    A bittersweet pang tore through her, but she forced a smile.