Beneath the Major's Scars(22)

He laughed. ‘A grudging acceptance, ma’am.’

‘But this is not treating me as an employee, an independent     being who is quite capable of looking after herself.’

He did not respond to her grumbling, but strode across the park     and into the woods, describing to her all the improvements he had planned. It     was impossible to sulk and Zelah found herself voicing her opinion, telling him     her preference for chestnut trees to be planted in the park and suggesting an     avenue of limes along the length of the new drive.

‘These are long-term plans, Major. Are you planning to settle     here?’

‘Possibly.’

‘Then you should become more involved with the village. You     could support my brother-in-law in his efforts to oppose Sir Oswald.’

‘I wondered when we would come back to that. I have told you     before, Miss Pentewan, one of the reasons I like Rooks Tower is its isolation. I     have no desire to become embroiled in local disputes.’

‘But—’

He stopped. ‘Enough, madam. Sir Oswald may be perfectly     entitled to enclose the land, for all we know, and to cover it with mantraps. I     will deal with matters that concern me, and no more.’

There was a note of finality in his voice and Zelah firmly     closed her lips upon the arguments she wanted to utter.

‘Well, at least you could attend the summer assembly. It is     looked upon almost as an obligation, you know, to be seen there. Besides, you     would become better acquainted with your neighbours.’

He looked so fierce, his lips thinning and his crooked left     brow descending so low that for a moment she thought he might shout at her, but     he contented himself by saying curtly, ‘If I have business with my neighbours I     will call upon them. I see no point in social chit-chat.’

They were in the woods now, another few minutes would bring     them to the lane, so there really was no point in prolonging the argument.

There was a sudden crashing in the undergrowth and a hind shot     across their path, so close it almost brushed Zelah. It was swiftly followed by     a large stag. Startled, Zelah jumped back. The major pulled her into his arms,     twisting around to shield her in case another creature should plunge out of the     bushes.

He held her tight against him, one hand cradling her head     against his chest. She could feel the thud of his heart through the rough wool     of his coat. To be held thus was strange, unfamiliar, but she did not find it     unpleasant.

Zelah allowed herself to savour the feeling of safety and of     refuge as the silence settled around them once more, but as the shock abated she     realised her situation and pushed herself away. He released her immediately.

‘I beg your pardon. Did I hurt you?’

His curt tone only added to her confusion. Without his arms     tight around her she felt quite...vulnerable.

‘N-no. I—um—I have never seen a stag at such close quarters     before. Magnificent.’

‘So it is you!’ Nicky’s cheerful voice came from the     undergrowth at the side of the path. ‘We wondered what had startled the     deer.’

He emerged from the bushes, followed by a thin man in a faded     brown coat and breeches who touched his hat.

‘Major.’

‘Good day, Robin.’ Dominic nodded. ‘And to you, young Master     Buckland.’

‘But, Nicky...’ Zelah put her hand on her nephew’s shoulder     ‘...why are you out of school?’

‘Mr Netherby was called away and he cancelled his classes     today, so I joined Robin in the woods. Pray do not worry, Zelah. John the stable     boy was in Lesserton and he carried a message back for me, telling Papa that     there was no need to send the carriage to collect me. I have been having such a good time with Robin, following the deer. We     were doing very well until you startled them.’

Zelah gave an uncertain laugh. ‘I think they startled us.’

‘Ah, beggin’ yer pardon, ma’am.’ Old Robin took off his hat as     he nodded to her. ‘The hind turned away from yer voices and found us blockin’     her way, so she took off across the path and the stag followed.’

‘Are they not splendid creatures, Aunt?’ Nicky’s upturned face     glowed with excitement. ‘We have been following them all day.’

‘I trust you have not been near Sir Oswald’s land.’ Zelah     frowned, concerned.

‘I wouldn’t take the boy there, ma’am, you may be sure o’     that,’ Robin assured her. He turned aside and spat on the ground. ‘Not that Sir     Oswald owns all the land he’s laid claim to, whatever he may say.’

‘You know where the boundary runs?’ Zelah asked eagerly.

‘Aye, that I do. Not that the deer follow boundaries of any     man’s making.’

Nicky scowled. ‘Sir Oswald’s told Robin that he’ll shoot any     animals he finds on his land, but they’ve been wandering there for years, they     don’t know any different.’

Dominic shrugged. ‘I’ve no doubt Sir Oswald is trying to make     his estate profitable.’

‘Aye,’ said Robin, rubbing his nose, ‘he’s cutting down timber     above Lydcombe Park and that’s his right, on that piece of land. What’s going on     at Prickett Wood is another matter.’

‘If you know something, then you should tell my     brother-in-law,’ said Zelah. ‘Or Sir Arthur, who I think is the magistrate     here.’

‘Aye, p’rhaps I will.’

His response was too vague to satisfy Zelah, but before she     could reply Nicky addressed her.

‘I am very glad we met you, Aunt, for I was coming to the Tower     to see if you were ready to walk home with me. Robin has some work to do.’

The old man turned to the major, his eyes bright in his     weather-beaten face.

‘Thought I’d take a look at the moles in yer south lawn, sir,     if you still wants ’em gone?’

‘I do, Robin. If you wish, you can take yourself off to the     Tower now. Tell Mrs Graddon I sent you and she’ll make sure there’s a meal for     you tonight. I shall escort Miss Pentewan and Master Nicky to West Barton.’

It was on the tip of Zelah’s tongue to say that was not     necessary, but the look of delight on Nicky’s face silenced her. They parted     from old Robin and set off for the lane. She was not obliged to converse,     because Nicky chattered away quite happily to the major, describing his lessons     and his friends. The path was narrow and she was content to fall behind,     listening to their conversation.

‘This is where I shall bid you goodbye.’ They had reached the     lane and Major Coale stopped.

‘Will you not come to the house, sir?’ Nick gaze up at him     hopefully. ‘I know Mama would be happy to offer you some refreshment.’

‘Thank you, but no. I have work that needs my attention.’

‘But—’

‘Do not press him, Nicky,’ cautioned Zelah. ‘The major sees no     point in social chit-chat.’

He met her eyes, the glint in his own confirming that he     understood her. ‘Quite, Miss Pentewan. Good day to you.’





Chapter Seven

‘What will you wear to the assembly     tomorrow, Maria?’

Zelah was sitting in the drawing room with her sister. Dinner     had been a quiet affair, just the two of them since Reginald had not yet     returned from his meeting in Lesserton.

‘I thought my bronze silk with the matching turban. It has a     train, but I will not be dancing, so that will not matter. What think you,     Zelah? It is not new but good enough for the summer assembly, I think. After     all, it is not a special occasion.’

Zelah sighed.

‘It will be very special to me. I     do so love to dance, but it has been three years since I had the     opportunity.’

‘Goodness me, yes. I suppose you did not go to the assemblies     near Cardinham after...I mean—’

‘No, and I have added some new ribbons to my lemon silk for the     occasion,’ Zelah broke in, speaking quickly to cover her sister’s confusion.

‘I am sure you will look charming,’ agreed Maria, thankful to     follow a safer line of thought. ‘We will put your hair in rags in the morning to     make it curl—’