Freeing Ebony

Chapter 20

Chapter Twenty

Ebony couldn’t help but feel somewhat giddy after she’d kissed Henry. She couldn’t help but want to kiss him after what he’d said.

Purity cannot be stolen, it can only be given to the one you love.

The flaw she carried around with her he’d completely dismissed. He didn’t care … or at least he didn’t think she was responsible.

The way he held her made her feel so important and wanted. And when they broke apart he just watched her, even when she turned away to watch the scenery out the window. She could feel his soft gaze on her the whole time.

If this was a taste of what was to come, then she couldn’t wait.

Ebony had never been to Yorkshire, nor any other county before Vernon had found her. She’d never been further north than Suffolk but she’d heard that the north of England was spectacularly beautiful.

She and Henry didn’t kiss again for the duration of the journey but they sat together, either holding hands or leaning on each other. She enjoyed the closeness. She knew he was very proper and traditional so he would be quite formal about beginning a courtship. That was what rich people did – court? What would they do if they were courting? What did rich people do for leisure? She’d seen several fine people attend the opera when she was performing but she’d much rather sing in an opera than see one. She didn’t need to do any specific activities, just spending time with him would be enough for her.

“We’re here,” Henry announced, rousing Ebony from her light sleep. She’d been laying on his shoulder but he hadn’t complained. She immediately looked out the window to see a large, yet charming cottage. It had several miss-matching additions but it only added to the magic of the quiet house. She was mere feet from her little sister, she could fear the sheer excitement building in her.

The driver opened the door for them and he helped Ebony down. She took in her surroundings and her smile grew wider and wider. Henry offered Ebony his arm and they walked together down the path. He rapped a few times on the door and they waited a minute before it was opened by a woman.

She was older, but she had a kind face that was covered in lines from smiling so much. Her hair was silver and twisted into a bun on her head. Her eyes were hazel and her smile was very friendly. “Henry!” she exclaimed, immediately pulling her grandson into a tight hug.

Henry chuckled and hugged his grandmother back. “Grandmamma, I’ve missed you.”

His grandmother kissed his face repeatedly. “I’ve missed you too, my darling. How are you? Your mother’s letter nearly put me into my grave. Are you hurting? I wanted to come to London but a week in a carriage isn’t good for me.” She began to check him over meticulously.

“I’m alright,” he promised. “How is Celeste?” he asked.

“Oh, she’s wonderful,” she replied. “I’ve been tutoring her, teaching her to read and such. And you must be the famous Ebony. I’ve heard so much about you. Come in, come in.” She beckoned them into her homely sitting room. Even though nothing matched, her furniture and decorative possessions all worked well together.

“I hope only good things, Mrs Alcott,” Ebony said carefully, unsure of what Celeste might’ve told her. She wasn’t proud of a lot in her youth – especially stealing from people while she sang. His grandmother was important to Henry and she didn’t want her to judge her.

“Of course, your sister has nothing but nice things to say about you. She’s been looking forward to seeing you for a long time. Celeste!” she called out. “Come downstairs please!”