“Is that you, Barron? I feared you would not return in time for our dinner party tomorrow night.” Tabitha turned toward the drawing room door as he entered, but she gasped at the sight of him.
Lena was also shocked at the haggard look upon his face. He walked gingerly, as if his bones would shatter into a thousand pieces.
“Barron!” Tabitha rose and went to him. “What has happened? Are you well?”
He looked up at his sister, but it was as if he could not quite see her. He patted her hand, and although he did not smile, his gaze upon her was gentle and kind. “I am well, Tab. You mustn’t worry about me.”
“Something has happened to upset you,” Tabitha insisted.
“While in town, I received some bad news, but nothing that need concern you.”
Tabitha pressed her lips together and gave him the look that said that it was up to her to determine what should concern her and what should not, but Mr. Vipond patted her hand once more and then leaned over to kiss her cheek. “I’m off to bed, Tab. I have been working without rest and I find myself to be quite exhausted.”
And then he left, shutting the drawing room door behind him.
Tabitha stared at the closed door for a moment, then returned to the sofa next to Lena. Her eyes had darkened with worry, but after a moment, she rubbed her finger at her forehead as if to erase the wrinkles there and smiled at Lena. “Come, Lena, split the last jam tart with me.”
And Lena obediently split the jam tart, took one bite of her half, and gave the rest to Tabitha, who seemed to eat it without noticing.
Lena’s eyes also wandered toward the closed door, remembering Mr. Vipond’s expression. What in the world had happened?
And why could he not tell his sister?
—From Lady Wynwood’s Spies, Volume 10: Heir
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This post relates to Camille Elliot’s Lady Wynwood’s Spies, a Christian Regency romantic suspense series set in 1811 London and featuring intrigue, espionage, botanical alchemy, slow-burn romance, and themes of faith and redemption.
• Lady Wynwood’s Spies Series Reference Page
• Reading Order: Lady Wynwood’s Spies Reader Journey Roadmap
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