AN: Sorry for the delay in posting this chapter... and I'm afraid it isn't any happier than the last one.
Miss Evershed did not sleep easily in her bed that night. She lay awake, alternately weeping and fuming, and it was only when dawn's light broke over Kieley that she at last drifted into fitful sleep. She awoke much later, to the clattering sounds of people descending the stairs to breakfast, but the new day found her in low spirits and nursing a nauseating headache. She had never felt so listless and it took a great deal of willpower not to simply turn over in bed and go back to sleep. Nevertheless, she dressed and made her way downstairs - her absence would be noticed by Lady Radford and would only invite awkward questions.
In the breakfast parlour, Ruth helped herself to a fortifying cup of tea, glad that her tardiness meant she would not have to endure any company as she did so. Or so she believed. She had not got beyond her fourth sip when the door opened and Edward entered. "Good morning, Ruth!" he smiled merrily, and then he caught a glimpse of her face and halted, his geniality checked. "Good God, are you quite well?"
His sister-in-law smiled wanly. "Good morning, Edward. I am well enough - I have a slight headache…"
He frowned, disbelieving, and took a seat. For a while, there was a peaceable silence, and then Edward asked, "And would your headache have manifested itself had you not taken a walk about the grounds with Sir Henry Pearce yesterday?"
She jumped as though scalded, and spilt her tea in the saucer. Then, in stunned accents, she whispered, "However have you come to such a conclusion?" Edward removed the cup from her hands - they were trembling so badly that he feared for the safety of Miss Evershed's gown - and set it down on the table between them before replying.
"Sir Henry departed immediately after your conversation. You returned to the house half an hour later looking as though the sky had fallen in on your head and this morning you seem… sadder than I have ever known you. Might I inquire as to what passed between you?"
Ruth shook her head, but Edward's hand on her arm made her pause. "Please, my dear. You look so very unhappy. I should like to help." Kindness was the last thing Miss Evershed felt she could bear; before she knew it, she was weeping into her handkerchief.
At last, she raised her head, and admitted, "Sir Henry made me an offer of marriage yesterday." Edward frowned and opened his mouth to interrupt, but she shook her head and continued very quickly, "It is not what you think. He… he only… only offered out of friendship."
"Friendship?" Edward echoed hollowly. "Did he say so outright?"
Ruth shook her head again and wiped her eyes. "No. But some things need not be said for them to be obvious." She rose and turned away to the window. "'Tis done, Edward. He will not come again."
Her brother-in-law was quiet for a very long time. He hardly knew what to say. "And you, my dear? What shall you do now?"
"Rosalind - Mrs North - has written to Lady Harris, to accept their offer of employment on my behalf. I shall leave after the New Year." Edward was by her side in a moment, his hand reaching urgently for her own. "My dear, you cannot - "
She smiled wanly. "I can, Edward. I must." Her voice was light, but there was a touch of steel under it that gave Mr Bailey pause. Had he had his way, Ruth should have been settled in his home as his wife by now, to be cared for and loved for the rest of her days. But her will was as strong as his own and there would be no chance of such an offer ever being accepted. That was abundantly clear.
Even so, he sighed. "I suppose I cannot make you another offer. If you would not accept Sir Henry, you will certainly not accept me."
Her smile widened. "No," she agreed softly. "Now, do not feel sorry for me. It was all a silly dream, my dear Edward - and now it is over. All shall be well again, soon enough."
Unfortunately Mr Bailey did not share Miss Evershed's quiet confidence.