Broken (Disappeared #2)

Chapter Twenty-Six

Louisa and Theodosia sat in a patch of sunlight in the nursery on the floor. The latter was dressed for dinner in a voluminous white silk dress with her hair expertly curled at the temples.

It had been a month since she had returned to England and she hadn't been able to see her Nextic friends even once. Her father forbade her to leave the house and she was allowed only to walk on the lawn a little with her mother.

Theodosia felt claustrophobic and desperately missed Ahuil. The only thing that kept her sane was Louisa's sweet company and her whispered conversations with Sarah about her friends' progress. They had all learned excellent English thanks to a tutor and would soon be ready to start work.

That afternoon, the two sisters were pouring over a book of English songbirds. It was a favorite of theirs because of its beautiful drawings. Theodosia was surprised to find that Louisa had memorized many of the birds' common and Latin names and could recite facts about their habits with ease.

"I only wish I could identify their songs," Louisa said mournfully as she traced her finger over the page. "I want to spend hours in the woods and learn all of their music by heart."

Theodosia kissed her curly head. "We will go soon enough. Papa cannot force me to stay inside forever." She hated to see Louisa sad. "At least we have his library and all the art supplies we could ever need."

The little girl brightened and fetched her sketchbook. Her sketches and watercolors of songbirds were marvelously realistic. Theodosia marveled at the little girl's intelligence as they looked over her latest drawings.

"Mama said I should spend more time learning the pianoforte," Louisa said suddenly, looking up at her big sister. "But why should I when I'm far better at painting?"

Theodosia pulled at one of her curls. "One cannot impress in a drawing room with sketches. It is far better to play, sing, or dance. Or so it is thought, anyway."

Louisa frowned. "I shan't do any of those things. I hate them."

One of the maids cracked the door open. "They're about to sound the gong for dinner, my lady."

Theodosia sighed, kissed her sister once more, and went downstairs. Sarah was at the bottom of the stairs, her face pinched and white. She moved towards her as if about to say something. In fact, the maid had been trying to speak to her all day but the countess or other servants kept interrupting. Theodosia hadn't thought much of it but in that moment she knew something was wrong.

The countess appeared at the bottom of the stairs in full eveningwear. Sarah scuttled away immediately.

"Late again!" the countess said. "You spend so much time in that nursery you would think you were a child too."

Theodosia descended, her expression defiant. "Is it so bad I love spending time with my sister?"

"She should focus on becoming a lady. You fill her head with nonsense."

Theodosia pursed her lips. Her mother had been far less compassionate since her return. "You will find that Lou is cut from the same cloth as I," she said bluntly. "You could not tame me and you won't be able to tame her either."

"It is not about taming," Lady Stafford replied, her voice rising. "I want the best for Louisa and it is not too late—" The gong sounded, interrupting her. She shook her head and swept off.

The chandeliers in the dining room blazed with candles. Theodosia sat at her usual place. Henry, Edward, and Cecilia exchanged looks. They had probably been gossiping about her again. Their cruel remarks had escalated in the past weeks, so much so she dreaded mealtime with them. Her parents only infrequently policed their comments.

Theodosia shot her siblings a forbidding look. She did not have the strength to fight with them. She hadn't been sleeping much of late. Memories of Ahuil and the time when they had loved each other took over at night, frequently leaving her weeping and hopeless.

Lane, the butler, entered the room and stood up straight in the corner, his hands behind his back.

"Please excuse the intrusion," he said in his rich baritone, interrupting Theodosia's unhappy thoughts. "I would like to take this opportunity to introduce our new footman. He is here to replace Oliver. He comes highly recommended by an esteemed family from Scotland and it is my hope he will serve you well."

He beckoned to someone at the kitchen door. Theodosia raised her eyes to see an exceedingly handsome young man dressed in the sharp livery of a black coat trimmed in gold braid, a high white cravat, and tight black breeches. His brown hair was bound, his face freshly shaven, and he had the most astonishing golden eyes Theodosia had ever seen.

It was Ahuil, of course. Ahuil in the guise of a footman looking completely unlike himself and yet, if it was possible, more handsome than ever. Theodosia's breath caught in her throat. Her heart beat rapidly. Both the countess and Cecilia looked at him with open mouths, their glasses suspended in their hands, forgotten.

"May I present Anthony, your new footman," Lane said solemnly.

Ahuil bowed. As he straightened, his eyes fixed on Theodosia's for a moment. Not long enough to garner attention but enough to convey a message.

I'm here, his expression said. And this time there's no way you're getting rid of me.

**********

Guys! This is the end of Broken. However! There is one more book: Anew. I'll be posting it here when I can.

Two things. If you loved Broken, please like or comment on it. I also REALLY need reviews on my Amazon page so if you feel any desire to leave a review, however short, I would be eternally grateful: http://amzn.to/1VyYErD

If you're dying to read Anew now, you can find retailer links on my website: https://bronwynkienapple.wordpress.com/anew-book-iii/

Thanks so much for reading and for your support! It means so much to me. xo