Chapter 167

Neither Cassandra nor Eugenia spoke as they watched Simon make his way along the path. Their bewilderment was mutual, and a glance between them confirmed that neither had any explanation for his presence.

Simon continued towards the bend in the path, seemingly unaware of their scrutiny. Then, without warning, he turned his head.

He came to a halt as his gaze settled on the two women.

For a brief instant, he looked just as surprised as they were, and Cassandra wondered whether he might approach them to explain himself.

Instead, a slow, smug smile spread across his face. He lifted two fingers in a careless salute, then turned away and continued along the path as though their discovery amused him.

Eugenia stared after him, her lips pressed together in displeasure.

“Of all the insufferable—” She cut herself off, apparently deciding that whatever description she had in mind was unsuitable for Cassandra’s ears. Her irritation was plain enough without it.

“He knows we saw him,” Cassandra observed.

“Of course he knows. He wanted us to see him. There are times I can’t stand him.”

Eugenia gave a disbelieving shake of her head. Then she tapped Cassandra lightly on the arm. “Come along. We should return to the house.”

They resumed their walk, though Eugenia’s earlier enthusiasm had diminished considerably. Cassandra could see that her companion was still thinking about their discovery, turning it over in her mind as they followed the path that led back to the house.

What troubled Eugenia was that neither of them had known he was staying.

She suspected her mother was responsible. Octavia had invited Simon to the wedding despite knowing how Draven felt about him. It was entirely plausible that she had gone a step further and offered him accommodation without consulting anyone else.

Eugenia hoped she was wrong, though she could not imagine who else would have made such an arrangement.

By the time they reached the residence, Cassandra seemed to have reached a decision of her own. She thanked Eugenia for the tour and mentioned that she needed to prepare for an appointment that afternoon. It was a convenient excuse, and Eugenia appeared too preoccupied to question it.

Cassandra went upstairs, leaving Eugenia to seek out her mother.

Octavia was in the solar, seated beside a small table stacked with correspondence. The room was brightly lit, and Merissa occupied an armchair near the window reading a novel.

Octavia had just finished reading one of her letters when she made a noise in her throat to get Merissa’s attention.

“This is from your mother,” she told her, setting the letter aside. “She wishes to know when you intend to return.”

Merissa’s brow furrowed. She closed her book and rose to her feet.

“May I read it?”

“Of course, my dear.” Octavia held out the letter to her.

Merissa accepted the letter and read through it, her frown deepening as she reached the end.

Octavia watched her with quiet understanding.

“Do you wish to go home?” She asked gently.

Merissa lowered the letter. “No. But Mother told me I was to return immediately after the wedding festivities. I’ve already stayed longer than she originally intended, and if I overstayed, she’ll be furious with me.”

Octavia considered this. Merissa had been a delightful guest, and she could see no reason to send the girl away if she wished to remain a little longer.

“You needn’t return just yet if you don’t wish to,” she said. “I can write to your mother and explain that you’d like to extend your stay.”

Merissa looked up, her surprise giving way to delight. “You would really do that for me?”

“Why not? You are welcome here, my dear. I’ll speak to my cousin and see whether we can persuade her to allow you a little more time with us.”

Merissa’s face brightened. “Thank you. Truly, thank you.”

Octavia smiled and reached for the next letter on the table, already considering how best to phrase her reply. She had always found it difficult to turn away someone who was in need of her assistance, especially when a simple kindness might make them happy.

Just then the door opened, and Eugenia entered.

Octavia looked up, a smile forming. “There you are. How was the tour?”

“Very pleasant.” Eugenia glanced towards Merissa, then back at her mother. “Mother, may I speak with you?”

The seriousness in her voice made Octavia pause. She set down the letter in her hand and studied her daughter.

“Of course. What is it?”

“I saw Simon coming out of one of the cottages on our way back. It appears he stayed there last night.” Eugenia held her mother’s gaze. “Did you arrange that?”

Octavia’s face fell. She let out a weary sigh before answering.

“Yes. I told him he could stay in one of the cottages if he wished. I didn’t think it wise to accommodate him in the main residence, knowing how Draven would react.”

“Does Draven know?”

“No.” Octavia looked uncomfortable. “I intended to tell him, but the opportunity never arose.”

Eugenia stared at her in disbelief.

“The opportunity never arose?” she repeated. “Mother, when Draven finds out that Simon has been staying here without his knowledge, he will be furious. You know how he feels about Simon, and you know how he will interpret your decision to keep this from him.”

“I know, Eugenia. I know.” Octavia’s voice grew more pleading. “But Simon needs us. Whatever his faults, he is family, and I cannot simply turn him away.”

“That doesn’t mean you can make decisions like this behind everyone’s backs.”

“I’m not trying to hurt Draven. I thought I could help Simon without upsetting anyone. I believed that allowing him to stay in one of the cottages was a reasonable compromise.”

“And you don’t think Draven will be upset when he discovers that you’ve concealed it from him?”

Octavia fell silent.

Eugenia looked away, struggling to contain her frustration. She loved her mother and knew the goodness that lay behind her decisions.

Octavia had always been generous, always willing to believe that people could change if someone gave them enough patience and kindness. Just like Draven, Eugenia also admired that quality in her, but she had also seen how often it left her mother vulnerable to disappointment.