“We still have unfinished business to discuss.”
“You should concentrate on Miss Patience,” Anne said.
“Just like fair Eve in Paradise Lost, she is the one searching for knowledge. Not I.”
Teach was surprised that Anne knew the details of the
poem, but he kept his features guarded. “Are you saying you’re
above temptation?”
Relief washed over Anne’s face when she saw something
over Teach’s shoulder. “I’m saying I don’t have to partake of the fruit to understand the difference between good and evil.”
Teach glanced at the room behind him, annoyed when he
saw who it was. The scowl on Patience’s face no doubt matched
his. “This isn’t finished between you and me,” he whispered
through clenched teeth.
As if emboldened by Patience’s presence, Anne scooted
beneath his arm and backed out through the door, her eyes
flashing defiance. “In that case I’ll be sure to keep my pail
handy.”
5 2
C H A P T E R 6
Teach
The sun was warm overhead. Too warm, and Teach felt sick to
his stomach. He leaned against the rough wood of the gardener’s shed, fingering the large red bloom in his hand. He’d never cared much for roses but knew Patience liked them.
He moved impatiently from one foot to the other, wishing
he’d chosen a different spot to rendezvous with his fiancée. The rose garden had been her idea. Not very original, but after two hours of interruptions by both Drummond and Lady Hervey,
he was willing to go just about anywhere to get some time alone
with her.
Twirling the flower in his hands, he wrinkled his nose at
the scent. It was heavy and cloying, so very different from
his mother’s favorite blossom. He remembered how she used
to decorate the house with delicate snowdrops, their light
5 3
perfume filling the rooms. When they bloomed, it was like a blanket of white, signaling the arrival of spring.
After her death five years ago from a prolonged illness, his
father had ripped up that section of the estate, letting the entire staff go. For several months Drummond had lived in seclusion, allowing the house and grounds to deteriorate. Teach had been
off at school at Eton but had come home and managed to talk
his father into rehiring the gardener and acquiring new staff.
He’d pointed out that his mother would have been appalled at
the estate’s condition, and it hadn’t taken long for the neglect to be repaired.
Now there were stone figures standing as sentinels through—
out the gardens, much like the stone wall around Drummond’s
heart.
At length Teach heard Patience’s voice, and he straightened,
anticipation coursing through his veins. It had been too long
since their last tryst. Although he didn’t feel well, he was sure Patience could renew his spirits.
As long as she didn’t say much.
Except she wasn’t alone. Walking beside her was a young
girl, her ear held in a painful grip by a tight-lipped Patience.
“Where is he?” Patience demanded.
“I told you, my grandfather isn’t here,” the girl wailed, leaning her head to the side in an effort to lessen the pain.
Teach took a step forward. “What’s going on?” he asked,
uncomfortable at the sight of Patience using unnecessary force.
5 4
The girl’s ear was bright red, and she had tears in her eyes. “What’s your name?”
“Ruth, sir.”
“Let her go,” he said.
Patience’s mouth dropped open. “Why?”
“Because you’re hurting her.”
“I asked her where her grandfather, the gardener, was,
because I wanted to speak with him,” Patience said.
“Please, sir. He’s worked here for several years and won’t
work for anyone else,” Ruth said, a single tear sliding down her cheek.
“But when Edward and I are married, he would still be
working for a Drummond.” Patience turned on Teach. “Tell
her. Convince her that her grandfather could make more money
if he came to work for us.”
Teach didn’t appreciate the fact that Patience was already
planning to take one of his father’s staff with her when they
married. And he didn’t like her talking about their upcoming
nuptials so soon. He’d arrived only a few hours ago. “You heard
her. Her grandfather enjoys working here. Now let her go.”
“She merely said he’s worked here for several years,” Patience
insisted.
“But she also said her grandfather won’t work for anyone
else.”
“But my father is a baron.”
There it was, the insidious reference to the aristocracy. Teach
5 5
recognized the disapproval in her voice. He’d heard enough at school to recognize it. William was the only aristocrat who didn’t seem to mind Master Drummond’s low birth.
“Excuse me, sir, but Master Drummond would like to see
you.” The voice came from behind them.
The three turned and saw Anne standing there, a cross look
on her face. Patience released Ruth’s ear, and Ruth ran to Anne’s side, her small hand finding Anne’s.