Moonwitch

As Selena bathed her face in water from the basin, Beth went to the armoire. “What shall you wear? The rose sarcenet would be extremely becoming.”

“The burgundy-and-gray crepe, I think,” Selena replied, patting her cheeks dry. “The one with the matching pelisse. It will be more appropriate for traveling. We are sailing this evening.”

Beth turned to stare at her. “So soon! I expected you to remain for several more days, at least. Perhaps I should ask Drew to persuade the captain.”

Selena shook her head. The governor could have obliged Kyle stay for a day or two longer, but she didn’t wish to rouse her husband’s anger further. “No, it is what Kyle wants.”

“Well,” Beth said brightly, “I’m sure you will find America very pleasant. Indeed, I fancy you will have a wonderful life. How could you not, with a handsome husband who adores you—”

“Beth… it isn’t a love match. You know it isn’t.”

The look Beth sent her was full of sympathy and compassion. “Surely you’re mistaken. I thought the captain seemed very taken with you. Perhaps he just doesn’t want to admit his feelings.”

“No,” Selena said in a low tone, looking down at her hands. “Kyle doesn’t love me.” Her fingers tightened on the linen cloth in her hands. “Not yet. But he will. One day he will,” she vowed quietly, realizing suddenly how very much she wanted it to be true.

But then she caught Beth’s eye and was embarrassed to have confided so personal a thought, even with her closest friend. Briskly Selena completed her toilette and turned to Beth for help in relacing her corset.

“Will you be taking one of your maids with you to America?” Beth asked.

“No. I would enjoy the company, certainly, but their homes and families are here.”

When she was dressed in the high-waisted burgundy gown with the pale gray sash, Selena glanced around the room that had always been hers and sighed. “I suppose I ought to begin packing.”

“Why don’t you go and join your new husband?” Beth said gently. “I can pack for you, and you can check later to see if there is anything I’ve missed.”

“But the portmanteaus and trunks are in the storehouse—”

“I’m sure I can find someone to fetch them.”

“And the portraits of my parents in the salon—I would like to take them with me. I doubt Edith will appreciate them as much as I will.”

“I’ll see they are carefully wrapped.”

Selena gave a helpless shrug and smiled. “Very well, if you’re certain…”

“I’m certain!” Beth exclaimed, and with a grin, gave Selena an impulsive hug. “Now go! Captain Ramsey no doubt is wondering what has become of you.”

Selena was far more skeptical, but since she was anxious to find her factor and discuss how the plantation was to be operated in her absence, she pinned on an attractive hat that was bedecked with gray satin ribbons and made her way back to the clearing.

Her footsteps slowed, however, at the sight that greeted her. Ignatius Foulkes was sitting in a gig at the edge of the clearing, his portly bulk taking up most of the seat, while Kyle was preparing to climb up beside him.

Kyle paused when he saw her, one booted foot on a carriage step. He watched Selena warily as she approached, remaining silent when she reached them. When he offered no explanation as to their intention, Selena looked a question at the solicitor.

“The captain asked for a tour of the estate,” Foulkes replied in his most formal tone, with more than a hint of disapproval.

“Now?” she said without thinking. Then realizing she sounded critical of Kyle, stammered, “I mean…the festivities are not yet over.”

“I would like to see the property before we sail,” Kyle said finally, “and that leaves very little time.”

“Perhaps,” Mr. Foulkes told Selena, “you would care to come?” He turned to address Kyle. “Mrs. Ramsey would better serve you than I, sir. She is more knowledgeable about her particular holdings and therefore better able to determine the fair market value.”

“Market value?” Selena echoed, feeling a sudden sick dread in the pit of her stomach.

Ignatius nodded, his jowled face creasing in a stern frown. “Yes, my dear. The captain has not taken me into his confidence, but I rather fear he wishes to offer up the Markham plantation for sale.”

Chapter Six

Selena paled at the solicitor’s speculation. Reaching out, she grasped the edge of the gig to steady herself and looked up at Kyle with pleading eyes. “Please…” she said in a stricken voice. “Don’t… Why are you doing this? To punish me?”