Straw in the Wind (16 page)

A
dam was still asleep when Celia woke. Over breakfast in the kitchen with the gossipy cook, Celia quickly discovered that everyone at Leighton Manor had recovered from this mild version of measles at one time or another, usually in childhood.

‘I'm so pleased my brother won't be able to pass it on,' she said to Maggie.

‘Would anyone mind if I went for a walk, do you think? Compared to London, it's so lovely and fresh here.'

‘You go, Miss Chapman. I'll tell Miss Finn, and Oscar will see that Mr Chapman is comfortable. He's a good sort.'

The morning was beautiful, though cold along the country lanes while the dew was still rising from the ground. Then the sun came out to dispel the frost and everything sparkled. It was such a pretty morning, the air fresh and crisp. Rabbits raced across the fields, birds of prey hovered overhead and a hedgehog trundled across in front of her. Celia had fallen in love with the peacefulness of her surroundings. Leighton Manor was a handsome, yet homely building.

The long-case clock in the hall was chiming eleven when she got back and she guiltily sped upstairs to see her brother.

His face brightened when she went inside. ‘Serafina said you'd gone out.'

‘It's such pretty countryside here, and I was tempted to go further than I meant to.'

‘It has done you good for your cheeks have a healthy glow to them.'

‘Mama said she can't imagine how you didn't catch this disease when you were an infant, and that she hopes you soon recover in time to take her to the altar,' she told her brother.

‘I'll try. How is the agency coping?'

‘You don't have to worry. I've put Andrew Parsonage in overall charge of the agency, and Edgar has promised that either he or his clerk will visit every day to advise them on any legal problems that might arise.'

‘That's good of him.' He smiled. ‘Have you been introduced to Miss Sara Finn yet? She's been looking after me wonderfully well.'

‘That dark-haired young woman?' She lowered her voice and smiled at him. ‘My dear Adam, I think you've made a conquest there. She was taken aback a bit when she learned I'd come here to care for you, until I revealed that I was your sister, then she was all smiles. Even then she told me quite firmly that I wasn't to tax your strength. At this very moment she's probably hovering outside the door to make sure I don't.'

‘Then you'd better do as you're told. Sit in that chair by the window because I have something to tell you about her. The young lady is the object of my search, and although she doesn't know it I have confided in Finch Leighton. So be discreet, and befriend the girl if you can.'

‘Sara Finn is the missing sister! From looks alone I'd never suspect that she's related to Charlotte and Marianne. Not that she isn't quite lovely in her own way . . . she is. Such big eyes, and a sweet little face . . . and she has quite a provocative way with her.'

‘She certainly has.'

‘Sara Finn,' Celia mused, and smiled. ‘The name is so very nearly Serafina when run together. Do you think she deliberately changed it so she wouldn't be found?'

‘Why wouldn't she want to be found?'

‘Obviously she's a bright young woman. She has a job that she seems to like, and judging by the appearance of the house she does it very well. She has an employer who is kindness itself, and he treats her with respect. She is earning a living. Why would she want to change that when the chance of her background being beneficial to her is practically nil?'

Celia was right. Why should she? Adam admitted to himself that he'd missed the similarity of name entirely. That couldn't be a coincidence, surely. He gazed at his sister with new respect. ‘Actually, there's a chance that her name could be Mary Fenn. Our Serafina lived on a farm with a family called Fenn. There were two girls about the same age and most of the family was lost to cholera . . .' He began to shiver. ‘Sorry, this happens now and again. I was thoroughly soaked and chilled to the marrow.'

Pulling the blanket up to his chin she plumped up his pillows and gently kissed him. ‘Enough talking, Adam. I'll read your notebook while you try and sleep.'

Eventually her brother's teeth ceased their chatter, but he was restless. There came a knock at the door and the housekeeper came in. She carried a tray with a bowl of broth. The aroma made Celia's mouth water.

Waking with a start, Adam said apologetically, ‘I'm not hungry.'

Celia observed the way the young woman handled herself. ‘Just a spoonful or two to warm you up inside,' Sara Finn said gently and she tucked a napkin under his chin. ‘Maggie made it especially for you, and since a chicken lost its life in the quest to help you regain your health, the least you can do is oblige all concerned – especially the chicken – by eating it.'

When Adam opened his mouth to protest the housekeeper put a spoonful of broth inside and he had no recourse but to either swallow it or spit it out. Adam would not resort to the latter, he was too much the gentleman, Celia thought, and she grinned when he swallowed it.

‘There's a good boy,' Sara Finn cooed, something so unexpected that Celia was forced to stifle a giggle when her brother's eyes widened.

‘Damn you, Miss Finn, you're taking advantage of my good nature and mocking me,' Adam said weakly.

‘Yes, I know. Now do stop feeling so sorry for yourself and eat,' she said, and managed to slide another spoonful in.

Celia's chuckle brought a grin to the girl's face. ‘Luncheon will be served in the dining room at half past the hour. Mr Leighton said he'd be honoured if you would join him, Miss Chapman.'

Colour flushed her cheeks. ‘But I'm here to look after my brother.'

‘He'll be taking a nap as soon as he's eaten this broth, won't you, Mr Chapman? Doctor's orders. Besides, you've got to eat. We can go down together if you wish.'

‘Thank you for being so good to my brother.'

‘It's a pleasure.'

Celia sucked in a breath when Adam gazed up at the housekeeper through feverish eyes and murmured, ‘Is it a pleasure?'

‘Didn't I just say so, Mr Chapman? Now, do open your mouth and eat this before it gets cold.'

‘I'm quite capable of feeding myself.'

‘Then why am I doing it?'

Helpfully, he offered, ‘Because you've trapped my arms under the sheet and have given me little choice.'

After her brother obediently opened his mouth for the next spoonful, Sara stood and held out the bowl. ‘Prop yourself up on the pillows, then.'

When Adam freed his arms and shuffled himself into a more upright position, she handed him the bowl and warned, ‘I'm staying until you've eaten every morsel, mind.'

‘Bully,' he grumbled, and when her brother's grey eyes engaged those of Serafina, the girl gave him a quick, shy smile and a faint flush appeared on her face. ‘You must tell me if I become too overbearing. It's my greatest fault.'

‘Is it? It seems to me to be a rather endearing characteristic.'

When a smile lit her face at the compliment a sudden affection for the young woman surged through Celia. If anyone could nurse Adam back to health quickly it would be Serafina.

Not only did Celia share a pleasant lunch with Finch Leighton, he made it clear that he expected her company for dinner, and she could only oblige him.

He looked handsome in a dinner suit. And she was pleased she had her lavender gown to wear, even though he couldn't see it.

‘How is the invalid?' he asked her.

‘Sara has him organized. He's regained his appetite and is eating a light dinner at the moment.' She laughed. ‘Maggie has made him an apple pie for pudding, and Sara won't let him have it until he's eaten his broth,' Celia told him. ‘Not that Adam minds. I think he's rather enjoying being made a fuss of.'

‘As most men do when they're indisposed. There's nothing like a woman's concern to make a man feel . . .
wanted
.'

‘Adam should be ready to travel in a few days if the doctor is agreeable. I feel as though I've intruded by coming here. It was silly of my mother to panic.'

‘If she hadn't I would have been denied the pleasure of meeting you, and of enjoying the pleasure of your company. You must see the week out, at least. I'm given to understand that your mother is to marry a colleague of mine, Edgar Wyvern.'

‘Yes, at the end of January. My mother and I were addressing the invitations when your servant arrived with news of Adam's illness. I recall that you were on Edgar's guest list. The invitations are in hand and one will be sent to your London address.'

‘My thanks.'

‘It's short notice, I know, but my mother and Edgar saw no need for a long engagement. I do hope you'll be able to attend. It will be an afternoon wedding service followed by a buffet and a reception at Edgar's home. Then the following week we've been invited to the theatre to see the play
The Thirst For Gold.
Have you seen it?' Celia softly laughed. ‘I'm so sorry, I do hope you'll forgive that slip of the tongue.'

Finch aimed a grin with unerring accuracy in Celia's direction. ‘People do it all the time, my dear, and they usually embarrass themselves over it more than me. As a matter of fact I have seen the play, many years ago. It's about a group of people seeking their fortunes in the new world. It has many a dramatic tableaux and I found it to be completely tedious.'

‘Then I shall take your word for it and decline the invitation.'

‘Good, because on that very night I'm having a supper, followed by a social evening of my own. You and Adam must join me.'

‘But I haven't said which evening it is yet.'

‘Well, tell me, so I can arrange my evening to interfere with your theatre engagement. You will then have a legitimate excuse.'

Colour touched Celia's cheeks. ‘Mr Leighton . . . you are quite devious by nature. Are you always so adroit at arranging matters to suit yourself.'

The laugh he gave was natural and open. ‘No, but it's a long time since I've met anyone whose acquaintance I'd like to pursue more.'

‘You're referring to my brother, of course.'

‘I'm actually referring to you, Celia, but it certainly includes your brother. You have a lovely speaking voice, you know; it's soothing. Can you sing as well?'

‘I can sing in tune, but that's about all.'

‘Then perhaps you'll sing for me after dinner.'

‘My voice doesn't have much volume, I'm afraid.'

‘I will not allow you to wriggle out of it for that reason, since my hearing is extremely sharp.'

‘Mr Leighton,' she protested, and her eyes sparkled with laughter. ‘I'm here to look after my brother.'

‘Sara is looking after him competently I imagine. She's very diligent. Tell me more about yourself, Miss Chapman . . . are you spoken for, perhaps?'

Celia began to laugh, ‘Perhaps I am . . . or perhaps not. Now you're being outrageous, as well as too personal for such a short acquaintance.'

‘Then I must change my approach. That green gown matches your eyes perfectly.'

‘It's lavender, and my eyes are grey . . . stop this at once, Mr Leighton. I will not allow a complete stranger to tease me in such a manner.'

‘Alas, I'm not quite complete, but a thousand apologies. I promise to behave myself from now on. You sound like a woman who can play chess.'

‘Now there's a challenge. Adam taught me to play. Are you good?'

‘Yes. I have a photographic memory, but you'll have to move the pieces for me, otherwise I knock them over.'

Mr Leighton was flirting! Amazed, Sara exchanged a grin with Oscar, then she began to clear the dishes away. Oscar helped her.

‘Is the fire lit in the main drawing room, Sara?' her employer asked.

‘It is, sir. I'll serve the coffee there, shall I?'

‘Thank you.' He got to his feet, made his way to Celia's chair and held out his arm. ‘If you would take my arm I'll escort you to the drawing room.'

‘Thank you, Mr Leighton.'

‘You are quite at liberty to address me as Finch,' he said firmly as he led her away, ‘because from now on I intend to address you as Celia.'

Sara couldn't help but laugh after they'd gone. ‘I'd never have expected Mr Leighton to act in such a manner.'

‘Oh . . . he always had a lot of charm with the ladies. They used to like it . . . but that was before Diana Milson got her hooks into him. Wrapped him up good and proper, she did, like a fly in a spider web.' He lowered his voice. ‘Mr Leighton intended to open a branch of the legal practice in Taunton. He thought that if he parted her from the fast company she kept she'd settle down and provide him with a family. She wouldn't have it.'

‘He said there was an argument?'

‘Yes, there was . . . and he always blamed himself for her death.'

‘What do you think of Miss Chapman?'

‘I think she's a sensible young woman who is a little on the shy side, and intelligent. Mr Leighton always liked females who can hold up their end of a discussion. He's taken quite a fancy to Miss Chapman, I feel. I haven't seen him so relaxed for a long time.'

‘And her brother?'

‘A pleasant young man with a great deal of integrity.' Oscar's lips pressed together and he fixed her with a sly grin. ‘I think he's got his eye on you. He always talks about you?'

She blushed. ‘Why would a professional gentleman like him take an interest in me?'

‘For the same reason Frederick Milson took an interest in you, I suppose. You're an attractive young woman and men will be men, especially if women encourage them by trifling with their affections.'

‘I'm not trifling with any man's affections, especially the affections of that sly Freddie Milson.' Sara felt quite put-out by the remark. Picking up the tray of dirty dishes she flounced off, leaving him to follow.