Chapter Forty-Three

Summer had finally given way to autumn, and the leaves were already changing into a colourful tapestry of greens and yellows with varying shades of brown, even burnt orange. The constant breeze shook them from the trees; they spiralled in the air, some falling to the ground, others gusting away, out of sight.

A stray leaf settled on Eliot’s coat sleeve, the lemon-yellow a striking contrast against the black. “How are the girls?”

Renard shrugged. “Still upset even though it’s been a week since I told them of my posting to Beckway.”

The friends had grabbed the chance for yet another ride as they knew such opportunities would soon be rare indeed. Not only would Renard be leaving to live in Beckway, but Eliot had also decided that, after his initial visit to Salmarin, he would move to the coastal city to learn and eventually run Ruvane’s business.

“They follow me everywhere,” said Renard, sighing. “I’m not used to them being my shadows. I won’t lie, I know I’m going to miss them and their mischievous ways, not seeing Mother every day, not having Father to talk to. I’m hoping I’ll be kept busy enough, so I won’t miss them too much.”

“It had never occurred to me,” said Eliot, “the extent to which one could miss someone you see every day. It was only when we returned from Cloud Mountain, did I realise how much I’d missed Mother and Lina. It certainly took me by surprise.”

“Is Lina more accepting of you going to Salmarin?”

“For now, only because I’ll be visiting. I don’t know how she’ll be when I eventually leave though.” Eliot looked at Renard. “I can’t imagine not seeing you, my friend.”

“Father said the master I’ll be with in Beckway makes frequent visits to Salmarin. I’m hoping, in time, he’ll take me with him.” Renard’s smile faded. “As much as I know I’m going to miss my family, the thought of rarely seeing you is harder to come to terms with. You’re the one I can speak to about anything, who shares my interests, who–”

“Who puts up with your peculiar thoughts,” finished Eliot, grinning.

Renard raised a brow. “As I put up with your pig-headedness.”

Eliot fell silent for a moment then said, “And you’re the only one I can speak to about my father.”

Slowly, Renard nodded for there were no words to ease that particular ache.

They rode a little way in silence before Renard said, “Any news of when Master Aridai and Mistress Sela will be here?”

Eliot’s mouth turned down as he shook his head. “After the letter telling us they’d be delayed by a week or so, we haven’t heard anything. But Uncle Leighton thinks it could be any day now as it’s been near eight days since they first said they’d be here.”

“Are you still planning on returning with them to Cloud Mountain?”

“I haven’t mentioned it to Mother, but I want to if only for a few days.” He lowered his head, his voice soft. “To look into my father’s eyes again.”

The young men, more brothers than simply friends, parted company by the broad oak to return to their respective homes.

Instead of heading towards Vernell, Eliot impulsively turned Fordel in the opposite direction and urged him into a canter then a gallop towards the border with Deverell. He reined in the horse as he came within sight of the house, keeping his distance.

As he stared at the house, not knowing why he’d come, a small carriage approached from the other direction and stopped before the gate.

Eliot recognised Nicholas in the driver’s seat and frowned, wondering where the usual carriage driver was. When he saw Perrin exit the carriage, he nudged Fordel forward and dismounted.

“Master Eliot,” said Perrin, an uncharacteristically wide smile on his lined face. “How good to see you again. Is Lady Marcelin well? And Miss Lina?”

“They’re both well,” said Eliot before he looked up at Nicholas and nodded a greeting.

“Master Eliot.” Nicholas doffed his hat.

“How are you, Perrin?” To Eliot, it seemed as if Perrin had aged considerably.

“I am well, Master Eliot.” He glanced at the house. “There are only a few of us here now, many of the younger ones have left though Nicholas and his brothers remain as Cook is still here,” he said, referring to their mother.

Eliot wanted to ask about Climence but instead said, “She treats you well?”

“Yes, Master Eliot. Though Madam spends much of her days in her chambers with only her maid in attendance. She usually takes her meals in her chambers also. She no longer leaves the house. Most nights, she.” He stopped, his gaze downcast.

“Perrin?”

“I hear her walking the corridors,” he said, his voice low, “talking as if to her father. Most times, she searches for Lady Marcelin. And weeps.”

The momentary twinge of pity Eliot felt swiftly dissipated; surely it was no less that what she deserved. “Perrin, if there is anything you need, promise me you will send word to Vernell.”

The older man smiled. “Thank you, Master Eliot, but there is no need to–”

“No. I insist. You’ve been part of our family since before I was born, you and Cook.” He clasped the faithful butler’s hand, ignoring his obvious consternation. “I give you my word, you and Cook, both your families will always be looked after, no matter what.”

Clearly overcome, Perrin bowed. “Master Eliot,” was all he said.

Eliot made his way to Vernell at a sedate pace, mulling over what Perrin had told him about Climence. It seemed hard to believe that Marcelin leaving her had affected Climence so badly. He debated whether he should tell his mother about Climence’s state of mind. Then he remembered she’d plotted to have his father sent away to be sold into servitude, and his heart hardened. Let Climence suffer the consequences of her own selfish actions.

As he neared the tree-lined avenue leading to Leighton’s house, their home, he urged Fordel into a trot. Then slowed when he noticed an unfamiliar carriage in the courtyard. Halting, he dismounted and walked the rest of the way, leading Fordel.

Moving past a couple of trees, he saw a pair of tall-males with their horses, and he jerked to a stop. Picking up his pace, his view no longer blocked by the carriage, he saw, first, Leighton with his arm around Lina who was dabbing at her cheeks with her handkerchief, then Aridai and Sela. All were facing Marcelin who was standing in a quiet embrace with an unfamiliar tall-female. She was older than Sela but dressed in a similar manner with her hair hidden in cloth wrapped around her head. Frowning, he stopped.

The tall-female raised her head and looked directly at Eliot. Her eyes widened. “My boy,” she cried before covering her mouth and shaking her head.

Marcelin turned, eyes red with weeping as Sela hurried to the other female’s side and said something.

Aridai beckoned him closer.

Dropping Fordel’s reins, still mystified, he joined them as Aridai said, “This is Eliot, Mother, Ruvane’s son.”

The tall-female made no attempt to stop her tears. “I thought, for a moment I thought he had come back.”

Blinking rapidly, Marcelin smiled at him as she took him by the hand. “Eliot, this is your grandmother, Arditha, your father’s mother.”

Having wished for this moment since he’d found out about Arditha, now all Eliot could do was stare dumbly, his arms hanging loosely at his sides.

Arditha approached and placed her trembling wrinkled hands on either side of his face. “You were an infant when I last saw you. Now you are a grown man, the image of your father.” She kept trying to smile, but her tears proved too much. Holding him close, she said, “My boy, my dear, dear boy.”

Slowly, Eliot’s mind began to make sense of what was happening. Slowly, his arms came up to embrace his father’s mother, his grandmother.

He didn’t know how long they stood together, but when Aridai suggested they greet the rest of the family, Eliot didn’t want to let go. But, of course, he stepped back, wiping his damp cheeks with the back of his hand.

Leighton stepped forward. “Welcome to my home. I am Leighton, Marcelin’s uncle, and she has told me much about you. I am delighted to have you here.”

As the introductions were made, Eliot quickly greeted Sela. Looking around at his family that had unexpectedly grown, he noticed Lina standing quietly to the side, as if lost. He quickly went to her and put his arm around her shoulder. Seeing her uncertain smile, he was about to reassure her when Marcelin spoke.

“Mother Arditha,” said Marcelin, “I am so sorry for not staying in contact. I had written a few times, but when there were no replies, I foolishly thought you wanted to distance yourself. I should have tried–”

“Hush, my dear. That is all in the past now. And Aridai has explained.”

Still, Marcelin seemed troubled. She remained frowning as her gaze flitted about. “I wanted to tell you, to explain why I’d decided to marry again. I wanted you to know I hadn’t stopped loving–”

“Marcelin,” said Arditha. “There is nothing to explain. A boy needs a father. But it breaks my heart that you had to suffer such loss a second time.”

Tears filling her eyes once again, Marcelin said, “Dacey was a good man, an old friend from my childhood. He and Ruvane became good friends, and he’d known Eliot since he was a baby.”

“I am glad he knew my son. And he proved to be an excellent father; Aridai has told me what a fine young man Eliot is,” she said, smiling at Eliot.

Eliot’s heart beat a little faster. Rubbing the back of his neck, he shuffled from one foot to the other. After years of experiencing nothing but disinterest and harsh words from Climence, he didn’t know how to react to a grandmother’s loving words. Finally, he said, “Papa Dacey was a good father.”

Arditha’s gaze then went to Lina. “He also blessed you with a beautiful sister, so well-mannered.”

Lina’s eyes widened momentarily as a flush swept across her cheeks. About to curtsy, she frowned sharply at Eliot’s snorting chuckle.

“Come,” said Leighton, amusement lacing his voice, “let us go in. Floria will, no doubt, have refreshments waiting for us. My men will see to it your men are well taken care of, Aridai. They speak the common tongue?”

“Yes,” said Aridai. “And if you have need of extra help, they are eager to be of service.”

“Good, good.” Leighton’s voice faded as he led the way into the house.

Eliot hung back as did Aridai. “Uncle, is my, is Reuven well?”

“He is. Arodi is staying at the house with Sherah and Vashti. Reuven is happiest if either Arodi or I are there.”

The ever-present yearning he felt for his father eased somewhat as his smile widened. “My grandmother,” he said softly. “I can’t believe she’s here. Is that why your trip was delayed?”

Aridai nodded. “We went to Aiqos first before coming here. She asked us not to say anything for she wanted to surprise Marcelin and you.”

“I think ‘shock’ is a more appropriate word,” said Eliot, chuckling. He glanced around to see a stable hand lead Fordel away and paused, his fingers resting on his chest.

“Is something the matter?” said Aridai.

Turning to him, Eliot, still smiling, shook his head. “It’s a strange feeling, having a grandmother who loves me.”

Laughing softly, Aridai clasped Eliot’s shoulder, and they followed their family into the house.