Celia (A Sinclair Society Novella)

Chapter Eleven

When I went down, it was still early enough that my guests were still seated at the table. I'd hardly sat down when Mr. Reynolds informed me he and his family would leave that morning. "It has been an eventful year and I believe my daughter could use some time at home," he said with a significant glance at Miss Reynolds.

"Of course." I would not beg them to stay. After all, they had not been my guests. "It has been lovely giving you here, even for a short time."

"We will see you when the Season begins, though," Mrs Reynolds proclaimed.

I allowed my gaze to drop. "Perhaps, but I do not think it is likely."

"Oh, yes!" she exclaimed without a pause. She beamed at me with complete satisfaction. "We've all heard your joyous news. Of course, you must relax and stay safe at home. We'll simply content ourselves with the company of your husband."

She turned away before she could see my reaction to that. Had it become well known that my husband had made a habit of leaving me at home? I don't know why I was surprised. It had happened often enough in the three years we had been married.

Mr. Reynolds had an annoyed expression on his face and their daughter was staring at her plate with stubborn sullenness. Part of me was curious about what was happening there, but was it any of my business? No, it really wasn't, and I wouldn't embarrass any of them by prying.

"I do intend to rest today," I said to no one in particular. "But Lady Anne is on hand to entertain you all."

"I, for one, look forward to seeing what Lady Anne has in store for us today," Lady Jonson declared with a smile. "After all, you have expended yourself wonderfully to entertain us, Lady Leith. It is well past time for you to have a day to yourself."

What would the dowager say to this?

Well, no doubt, she would take it as a sign of my failure and unworthiness to be Lady Leith, but I really needed some time to myself. And I also needed to see how Simon was after the events of the previous day. It seemed I was the only member of the family who ever gave him the time of day.

Horace entered then and gave a start at the full table. "It seems we are all out and about this morning," he said with a smile as he recovered himself. "The effects of the good country air?"

Mr. Reynolds gravely informed him of their intention to leave. The conversation turned to speculation on whether the pleasant weather would hold out. I ate my toast and drank my tea with some resemblance of peace.

While the Reynolds went to finish packing, the rest of our guests filled the sitting room. Horace claimed to have letters to write and retired to his office. I remained with the group until the dowager deigned to come down.

I had just despaired of her doing so when she swept through the doorway. "I've only just heard the news," she declared. My heart stuttered as I tried to work out what she could mean. "I tried to convince Mr. Reynolds that his daughter might remain with us for another fortnight, but he has stubbornly refused to allow it!"

Lady Jonson made sympathetic noises, something I couldn't muster the energy to do. I rose from my chair and excused myself.

"And where are you going?" the dowager demanded.

"I must see how Simon is after the events of yesterday," I told her honestly. "I will leave our guests in your care. Unless you wanted to accompany me to see your son?"

Naturally, she was offended that I would have even suggested such a thing. "Leave the poor boy alone, Celia," she urged, all the while keeping a smile on her face. "He is happy where he is. He doesn't need any of us looking over his shoulder, reminding him of all that he has lost."