“Your family is from Cornwall, is it not?”
“Indeed. But I left Cornwall with my mother when I was three. We have lived in London ever since.”
Rhett hoped to keep her talking, at least hoping to bring some life back to her. “And your mother? Is she still alive?”
Elizabeau finally looked at the old man, trying to figure out why he was suddenly solicitous. For days he had hardly said a word to her.
“She is,” she replied.
“I imagine she is a beauty such as you.”
Elizabeau shrugged, turning back to the chomping goats. “My mother and I have had little to do with each other since I was born. She attends her charities and her entertainments and gathers with friends, but has never had much time for her only child.”
Rhett lowered his bulk down onto the edge of a wall that was half-demolished; Renard had intended to extend it last spring and had even knocked down several stones, but that was as far as it went. Now it was about hip-high and perfect for sitting.
“Did you go away to foster, then?”
“At Framlingham Castle in Norfolk.”
“I see,” the old man replied. “I have visited Framlingham on a few occasions. A long time ago, mind you, but….”
She suddenly bolted to her feet, moving around him and heading for the front of the manse.
“If you will excuse me, my lord.”
Rhett hardly had time to answer as she practically ran from him. He pursed his lips with regret, knowing she was affected by the same thing that was affecting Rhys. It was a truly despondent situation for the both of them. But he let her go without a further word, hoping to speak with her at some later time. She was a young woman with a massive burden to bear; the situation with Rhys was only making it more difficult.
Elizabeau didn’t know why she was in tears by the time she rounded the northwest corner of the manse and headed into the courtyard. The old man hadn’t said anything offensive or sad. But she did not feel like talking and it was as if every word out of her mouth somehow caused her more pain. She knew Rhys was seated over by the shed that housed some of the farming implements they used around the estate; she had seen him earlier, sitting there in the sun and working intently on some piece of armor. Now as she moved into the courtyard, she didn’t even bother to look over and see if he was still there. She didn’t want to know.
Elizabeau wasn’t sure where she was going; only that she had to walk and clear her head. She was somewhere over near the barn where a path led off into the vegetable fields. She thought it might be a good idea to walk in the fields where no one would bother her with idle chatter. She no sooner put her foot on the path than Carys was suddenly beside her.
“A beautiful day, is it not?” the young girl greeted, squinting up into the sky. “Where are you going?”
Elizabeau didn’t want the girl to see the tears in her eyes and she very quickly, and not so discreetly, wiped them away. “I… I was simply walking. It is too beautiful a day to sit about.”
Carys looped her arm through Elizabeau’s companionably. “I agree,” she said happily. “I was going to gather some vegetables for Mother, but I think I will walk with you instead.”
“Nay, you mustn’t,” Elizabeau saw the look of disappointment on the girl’s face and hastened to clarify her statement. “What I mean is that you must not anger your mother. Surely she wants her vegetables now rather than later.”
Carys made a face to imply that she did not care what her mother wanted. “She shall have them soon enough. Shall I show you where a family of rabbits burrow? They just had babies.”
Elizabeau didn’t want to see any rabbits. She just wanted to be alone. Couldn’t anyone in this family leave her alone?
“Carys,” she came to a halt and faced her, struggling to be pleasant. “Although I would greatly love your company at any other time, would… would you please allow me to walk on my own for a while? I… I am not feeling well and would very much appreciate it if you could leave me to my own thoughts for now.”
Carys wasn’t offended but she was puzzled. “Where are you going to go?”
Elizabeau forced a smile and patted the girl on the cheek. “Just… around. I will not go far, I promise.”
She was already walking away, leaving Carys standing there, puzzled. “Very well,” the girl watched her walk away, a bit morosely. “But hurry back. Mother will not be happy if you are late for the meal!”
Elizabeau waved to her to let her know she heard her. She was walking quickly, blindly, wanting away from Carys and Rhett and Rhys. She wore the light blue Perse surcoat this day, hating the garment, knowing with every step that it reminded her of Rhys. Everything around her reminded her of Rhys.