Winchester Abbey

Chapter Nine

MCat had absolutely no response to Hannah's big news. Tea had been interesting, with everyone shooting mischievous glances in the direction of herself and James, who excused himself to go dry off. Mary Catherine herself only had one cup of tea before she went to freshen up for dinner. 

The fact that she had eloped was no real surprise. The fact that she hadn't told them until now... that was a bit of a shock. 

MCat wasn't ready for bed. After all, she had gone through all the trouble to put on a new dress after the horseback riding escapade, and she didn't think she had worn it quite long enough yet. For that reason, she decided to take a turn around the stone courtyard towards the back of the house. She made her way down the hall with a candle, blowing it out as she reached the back door and stealthily made her way out of it. Part of her wondered if James might be out, but she quickly reprimanded the notion. 

The night sky was silent and the breeze was cool as she wrapped her shawl more tightly around her shoulders. She felt bad for Charlotte. Matthew was just an actor, but what if there had been something more there? 

Isn't that what she had been hoping for all of them the entire time? 

A rustle came from around the corner and she froze. 

"James?" 

She cursed herself silently for saying his name. Stupid. 

"Afraid not, miss." the figure that emerged was slightly taller than her other male friend, and much more intimidating. It was Mr. Danhurst, the "Nobley" fellow, expression like stone.

"Oh, I am so sorry, sir." MCat said hurriedly (and quite Britishly, if she did say so herself). "I didn't think anyone would be out." 

He merely nodded. "It's a fine night for walking. That is - if it were appropriate for a woman to be alone at this hour. Shall I walk you back to your room?" 

MCat's eyes glinted indignantly. "I was planning on taking one more turn around the yard, if you don't mind." 

He nodded simply and offered his arm, much to her distaste. He seemed nothing like Mr. Nobley. Or JJ Feilds. Or either. Ugh. 

"What is your story, Mr. Danhurst? Traveling alone, I mean. Must be quite dull." 

"Quite." 

"This is the part where you must launch into a thorough explanation of your family, your life, and your history, in that order." she tried to tease, picking up part of her skirt that was trailing the ground. 

"I'm afraid I haven't the time for information that extensive." he said. They had reached the front of the house once more. "Shall we go in?" 

MCat furrowed her brow. As far as interesting companionship, he was painfully useless. 

"I suppose so." 

With that, he led her to the base of the stairs and said goodnight. She curtsied, hurried  up and into her nightgown, and went to Charlotte's room, as she had lost all fondness for sleeping alone in the strange house.