Broken (Disappeared #2)

Chapter Twenty-Two

Sarah was silent as they headed towards the edge of the wood together. Theodosia's unhappy expression was enough to halt an army of questions. As befitted a lady, she eventually cast aside her bad mood, though, and linked her arm through her maid's.

"I'm sorry I'm so cantankerous," she said, sighing. "You can't believe how grateful I am that you've managed all this and so quickly. I promise I'll explain everything to you as soon as we have enough time."

Sarah smiled up at her. "I'm just glad you're back, my lady. I was so worried about you."

They parted at the end of the path so that Sarah could return to the house. Theodosia took a little-used path that led to the estate entrance and found the hired coach waiting for her at a bend in the road. On the back sat borrowed luggage stuffed with who knew what. Theodosia got in the carriage, rapped on the roof, and the driver went on as if everything was perfectly normal.

The coach meandered through the well-groomed estate with its fountains, endless lawns, and pruned bushes. Theodosia almost felt as though she were returning from a long trip to Europe. It was almost too easy to slip back into her old life.

The great mansion towered in front of her and her mouth grew dry as she thought about how her family would react to her return. She was glad for her nervousness, though. It kept her from thinking about either Ahuil or her future.

She saw Lane, their butler, open the door and stare as the carriage pulled up at the front entrance. He barked a quick order to someone inside and opened both front doors. A footman hurried out a moment later to retrieve her luggage and another helped her out of the carriage.

"I'm sorry I wasn't able to give you advance notice," she said breezily to Lane, who bowed as she approached. "My crossing from France was booked at the last minute."

"It's good to see you, Lady Theodosia," he said. "Your departure was so sudden we didn't get to say goodbye."

His craggy face was even stiffer than usual, as if he were struggling for composure. So there had been gossip about why she had disappeared so suddenly to Europe! Well, let them talk.

"Yes, it was a sudden decision. I simply couldn't wait to see the continent. If only the trip could have been longer. I did so enjoy myself."

The butler nodded and murmured his approval politely, being careful not to meet her eyes. She smiled at him and passed into the foyer. It was just as opulent as she remembered. Nothing had changed.

"Are my parents at dinner?" she asked casually as Lane took her overcoat, gloves and bonnet.

"Indeed. I'll announce you."

After quickly patting her hair and straightening her dress, Theodosia swept into the dining room. Her parents, older brothers George and Henry, and younger sister Cecilia were gathered around the table. All eyes immediately went to her. Her mother, the Countess of Helenshire, dropped her salad fork and it clattered to her plate.

"Theodosia, I had no idea you'd be back from the continent so soon," she stammered, her pink cheeks turning pale. "What a lovely surprise." She looked at her husband, the Earl of Helenshire, a portly man whose normally red face had turned crimson with anger.

Theodosia sat at her usual place and smoothed her skirts as if nothing was awry. "It's lovely to see you all after my trip," she said calmly.

Henry, her elder brother by two years, peered at her from across the table. His freckled face was full of mirth. "You fairly stole off in the middle of the night. Were you so afraid of marrying Mr. Merton?"