Broken (Disappeared #2)

Chapter Twenty

The ornamental gardens were a shock to Theodosia's system, even though she hadn't been away that long. The beech hedge maze, the fragrant rose garden filled with rosy pink and creamy white blooms, and the slate pathways lined with expertly pruned trees were all meticulously maintained by their army of gardeners. It was nature completely mastered and tamed. The oddness of it struck her for the first time.

She crept carefully behind hedges and through patches of trees to avoid being seen. It was strange to be hiding from people she had known all her life. She felt a flush of shame, as if she had done something very disgraceful indeed.

Reaching the servant's entrance, she rang the bell. Martin, a footman, answered.

"Don't open the door any further!" she said, ducking behind it.

"Who is it?" Martin asked.

"It's a surprise for Sarah. Please get her immediately."

"Erm..."

"Now!" she hissed.

"If you insist," Martin said, and then she heard footsteps retreating down the stone corridor beyond.

Within a few minutes, Sarah came flying out, her cap askew on her bright blonde head. She rounded the door and her hands flew to her mouth. Counter to protocol, she threw herself into Theodosia's arms and hugged her tightly.

"What a surprise! Lady Theodosia, oh my goodness, I'm so happy to see you! Are you alright?"

Theodosia was almost brought to tears by her maid's dedication. She kissed her rosy cheeks and grinned broadly. "I'm fine, Sarah."

The petite maid looked about. "Did anyone see you?"

"I hid from Martin. Tell me Sarah, how long have I been gone?"

Sarah scanned her mistress anxiously, taking in her loose hair and scanty dress. "Two months, my lady. They said you had gone to the continent to travel before entering into marriage. That a cousin in France was going to be your chaperone. But I knew that couldn't be true. None of your things had been packed and you'd never said a word to me."

"Yes, you're quite right. And I know I look a fright but I haven't been doing anything scandalous, I swear."

The maid nodded. "I believe you, my lady. I've been telling the servants I packed you up myself and knew well in advance. Your parents cross-examined me too but I said I knew nothing."

"Bless you, Sarah." Theodosia squeezed her small hands. "And Louisa, how is she?"

"Saucy as anything but well."

Theodosia laughed. "Just as I imagined. We will talk further but first I need you to sneak me upstairs and dress me."

"I believe that will be impossible until everyone's gone to bed my lady. Everyone's home at the moment."

Theodosia bit her lip and thought. "Just so. Then I shall ask your help in another regard. I require lodging for three friends of mine. We'll need clothing and food for a woman, a man, and an eight-year-old girl."

Sarah's eyes widened but she was too well trained to comment. "The gamekeeper's cottage is free at the moment, my lady. Wait one moment while I find the key."

The maid retrieved it within minutes and promised she would return as quickly as possible with supplies. Theodosia stole back through the garden carefully, like a thief in her own home.

She eventually made it to the edge of the woods. Yoltzin was under a tree, crawling after a grasshopper with saucer-like eyes. Ahuil was pacing back and forth. Relief flooded through her when she saw him. He avoided her gaze but she was too happy he was still there to take much notice of his surliness.