Page 10 of A Shadow Amongst the Roses

Footsteps approached. Eliza did not turn at once. Stillness was too often mistaken for invitation.

“Eliza.”

Clara came into view with a shawl over her arm, her expression open, her manner composed. The kind of calm that entered a space and began shaping it without force.

“I was told you’d gone out,” Clara said. “I thought I might find you here.”

Eliza rose. “Good morning.”

Clara’s gaze rested on her, attentive without scrutiny. “You should have taken a cloak. The air is colder than it appears.”

“It’s refreshing,” Eliza replied.

Clara offered the shawl anyway, as one did a courtesy rather than a correction. Eliza accepted it, draping it over her shoulders.

“Thank you.”

“I hope I didn’t overwhelm you yesterday,” Clara said. “I tend to organize when I’m uncertain. It helps me feel settled.”

“I understand,” Eliza said. And she did.

They turned back along the path toward the house, the stone visible again through the bare branches. They walked together for a few steps, Clara matching her pace without guiding it.

“The steward hoped to review some accounts this morning,” Clara said. “Nathaniel has been considering a few changes. Nothing pressing, but he is keen.”

Keen, then. That same forward momentum dressed in helpful concern. Pressure that knew how to smile.

“I may come in afterward,” Eliza said. “Once I’ve finished my walk.”

Clara nodded easily. “Of course. You shouldn’t feel obliged to adjust your day because we’ve arranged ours.”

The phrasing was careful. Thoughtful. Eliza noted it.

“Is Thomas still at the north boundary?” she asked.

Clara blinked, then smiled. “Yes. He was asked to go at first light.”

Asked. In the manner of men who assumed agreement would follow.

“By the steward,” Eliza said mildly.

“Yes. Nathaniel noticed the damage yesterday.”

“I’m sure he did.”

Clara spoke again, as though to reassure herself. “Thomas takes his responsibilities very seriously.”

“He always has.”

A pause. Then, gently, “You seem fond of him.”

Eliza met the observation without flinching. “He has known this family a long time.”

“So have you,” Clara said, simply.

They reached the fork in the path. Clara slowed.

“I won’t keep you,” she said. “But do come in when you’re ready. Nathaniel will want your thoughts. You understand estates. How they function.”