Broken (Disappeared #2)

Chapter Twenty-Four

"I think I'll marry Edward Merton now," Cecilia said, looking up from her embroidery. "Since you seem to hold him in so little regard."

They were shut up in the parlor the following morning. Beams of golden light flooded the elegant room but all Theodosia wanted was to be outside. She paced in front of the windows impatiently. "Do that," she snapped. "I could not care less."

Cecilia raised an eyebrow, her needle poised to complete another rose. "My, you're touchy. Things on the continent didn't go as planned?"

"It was wonderful. Couldn't have been better."

Cecilia put down her work. She sat up straighter on the small settee. "You weren't in Europe, were you? After all, you've never wanted to go. And why would Mama send you in the middle of the London season? It doesn't make any sense."

"Believe what you want," Theodosia said. She paused in front of the window. The warm August light lit up the lush fields beyond. She wondered what Ahuil, Xochitl, and Yoltzin were doing and how they had spent their first night. She hated to be cooped up, unable to see them.

"Henry believes you have a lover in the village and that's why Mama and Papa sent you away," Cecilia put in.

Her sister turned around, her cheeks flushing. "A likely story. You all invented that theory because you think I can't do any better. I know your spiteful ways."

Cecilia picked up her embroidery again and studied it closely. "I didn't say it, Henry did," she said in a low voice, sinking her needle into the cloth. "I think you ran away. Frankly, I can't imagine a villager stupid enough to woo one of us. Papa would have him killed on the spot."

Theodosia had to agree with her. Wooing a Stafford daughter would be a highly dangerous proposition for anyone but the most qualified suitor.

Just then, the door creaked open and Sarah peered around the corner, her light brown eyes anxiously scanning the room.

Cecilia frowned at the maid. "Thick as thieves, the two of you. I'm going to my room to write."

Sarah came to stand by Theodosia at the window. The young maid was in navy muslin, her blonde hair combed back neatly. Her cheeks were pink.

"I sent my cousin to deliver food this morning, my lady."

"Are they quite well?" Theodosia interjected.

Sarah nodded then paused. "A bit anxious. They act as if everything is very new to them. My cousin had to explain how chimneys work. He said they were quite shocked to see a man riding a horse." The well-trained maid asked no questions but it was clear she was greatly puzzled by these strangers.

Theodosia decided it was time to open up. "Sarah, we have known each other since we were children. I consider us friends, not lady and maid, and friends must be honest. I have burdened you with a great secret and I consider it only fair to tell you the truth."

Sarah smiled. "I would do anything to help you. You know that."

"And I will protect you, just as I protect my secret," Theodosia returned. "Well then, here's the truth: I went to a place far, far away. A place where people live completely different lives from ours. That is why my three friends are so unaccustomed to our ways. I planned to stay there but a war broke out."

Sarah clapped a hand over her mouth. "My lady! Were you in much danger?"

"Yes. Despite my every desire, I decided to return here with my friends. I couldn't bear to leave them in such a place."

The maid looked at her with wondering eyes. "You did well, my lady. No wonder they look so confused and tired. They have come so far and from such terrible circumstances. I cannot even imagine what they've been through."

Theodosia took her maid's hands in hers and squeezed them while looking frankly at her. "Your compassion makes me so happy. The English are not open to foreigners and I fear for their future here. The truth is that they are the very best people, Sarah. Kind, open-hearted, and ever so loyal. Hard workers, too."

"I believe that, my lady. Yoltzin is such a sweet girl and her mother so smart." She blinked. "And Ahuil — well, he seems very much the gentleman."

A hint of a blush stole across the maid's cheeks. Theodosia laughed. "He is handsome, isn't he?"

Sarah colored even deeper. "Yes, my lady. I hope I am not being inappropriate."

"You would have to be blind not to see it."

"He seems very fond of you, if I may say so," the maid ventured.

Theodosia looked over the fields. "I suppose. We had a falling out." She took a deep breath. "Do you think I should marry a nobleman like Edward Merton?"

Sarah paused. "I want to tell you to follow your heart, my lady. But we don't live in a world where such a thing is possible."

Theodosia nodded, her gaze vague. "Quite right. A practical-minded noblewoman must marry a man of consequence. Provide for the future of her children."

"It is so, my lady. And yet I've always known you were not born for this life. One cannot live in water unless one is a fish."

Theodosia looked back at her maid, her gaze soft. "Just so. Let us forget this sad topic for now and turn to practical matters. Can we find work for my friends in the village?"

Sarah nodded. "Indeed. My family needs help on the farms. But, my lady, it seems since yesterday they are having a harder time communicating. Is English their first language?"

Theodosia paused for a moment. In the Nextic world, naturally-existing energy translated her language to theirs and now it seemed the energy was wearing off. Her stomach twisted as she realized how difficult it would be if they suddenly couldn't speak her language.

"No. Can we hire someone to teach them English?" she said, putting a hand gently on her maid's sleeve. "I will pay for it if you can be discreet. It's absolutely necessary they learn as quickly as possible."

"Don't fret, my lady." Sarah's lips curved into a tentative smile. "I'm certain it can be done. Another thing: Ahuil is asking whether we can provide him with a reference letter. I mentioned such a thing in passing the other day and he seemed quite taken with the idea."

Theodosia frowned. "I suppose I can forge one, if need be. Does he really need them to work in the village?"

"No, but he is quite insistent. He says he wants to try for the best employment he can get. I suppose he is an ambitious sort, my lady."

Theodosia sighed, willing herself not to think of him. "Tell him I'll draw something up."

Her mother's voice filtered through from the hall. Theodosia straightened up. "Please tell my friends that I will visit as soon as I can," she whispered, leaning close. "Papa forbids me to leave the house."

Sarah smiled and nodded. "I will reassure them, my lady. Leave everything in my hands."