Page 58 of Gone With the Rogue
“I’m really not one to speak about the rules of Society, Mrs. Feld. I doubt many gentlemen have broken as many as I have.”
She laughed. “I think I should learn how to break more of them myself. I liked you the minute I met you, Mr. Stockton. I can see why Julia has been so taken with you.”
Garrett smiled but felt it was best not to say anything. He had no idea how much Julia had told her friend.
“What Julia didn’t tell you about me is that I have been considering joining the Sisters of Pilwillow Crossings. Julia was helping me learn how to cook so I could tell Sister Francine that I knew how to do something other than play the pianoforte and do a fine stitch of embroidery—neither of which would be useful at the abbey.”
Garrett had sensed a sadness in Mrs. Feld when he first met her at Julia’s house. Now he realized it was more than sadness. There was also a controlled restlessness in her, too. He hadn’t noticed it the other times he’d been around her because his focus was always on Julia. Now that he was looking at her more closely, he could see it. Like Julia, Mrs. Feld also wanted to break free of something. He wondered what it was. Her mourning perhaps?
“No, she didn’t tell me about that.”
“I’ve sworn her to secrecy, as I must now hope you will stay silent, too. My parents would never understand my thoughts and I would rather not burden them since I have no clear answer yet.”
“You have no cause to worry about me talking with anyone about your private matters.”
She nodded. “I was sure of that and realized I didn’t want you and Julia to have any secrets between you. Not any of my making, anyway.”
“Tell me, Mrs. Feld, do you think joining the sisterswill settle your disquiet and give you the peace you are searching for?”
“I thought that at one time. Now I’m not so sure. I don’t know where I’m suited anymore, Mr. Stockton. I do want to help people in need, but Julia helped me realize I am woefully ill-equipped to be of much service to the women who are at Pilwillow Crossings.”
“There are many ways to help the downtrodden without making it a lifetime commitment.”
She seemed to think on what he said before looking at her shawl and nodding. “Do you mind if I ask you a personal question, Mr. Stockton?”
Garrett had no idea what she might ask, but he said, “Go ahead.”
“Did you find what you were looking for during your many travels?”
“I found the fortune I was seeking, Mrs. Feld, and in doing so discovered it didn’t bring contentment, only the brevity of happiness. After traveling around the world, I’ve now found that what I really wanted was right here in London after all.”
“Perhaps you had to visit all the other places to realize that. Thank you for telling me.”
“Life is not without its challenges no matter where you are. It’s all in how you handle them.”
“I think I’m coming to that conclusion myself. I hope you don’t mind, but Julia told me of your interest in each other. You disturb her greatly. In a good way. Not that she needed it, but I told her I approve.”
“I’m glad she confided in you. No one means more to me than Julia.”
“You’re going to be able to help her with the duke, aren’t you?”
“Yes,” he said confidently. He didn’t intend to fail.One way or another, he would free her from the duke’s control.
“Thank you for bringing the donation and for your help last Saturday and today. I hope to see you again soon.”
Garrett nodded.
The drizzle had become a heavy mist as he left Mrs. Feld’s house. He made the short walk over to Poppinbrook Street and slowed his steps as the white house came into view. Though it was in the most expensive area of Mayfair, it was a simple home. No fancy arched entrance or iron gates. Just a flat front house with three steps up to a plain door. In his mind’s eye he envisioned the kind of house he’d dreamed of building there. Big, impressive, and expensive. He took a few more steps and stopped.
A chuckle rumbled in his chest. He didn’t care whether he tore down the house or left it standing. He didn’t care if he built a new house or lived in an old one as long as Julia and Chatwyn lived in it with him. Being with them was what mattered to him now.
Wiley stood under the short overhang and waved to him. It pleased Garrett that Wiley had taken an interest in helping him with the house.
“Why does it seem as if I’m always waiting on you?” Wiley asked good-naturedly as he shook Garrett’s hand.
“Because you usually are.” Time wasn’t something you paid a lot of attention to when you were on a ship.
“I didn’t mind today. Miss Osborne has returned. I visited with her yesterday afternoon.”
