‘No. They did not.’
‘Can I offer you some eggs, some bacon perhaps?’ Mr Xavier still stood beside her, lifting lids from trays to serve her.
If there was anything Serena needed, it was sustenance. Something to give her strength, and she could almost taste the salty goodness of that bacon just by its smoky aroma. She nodded. ‘Thank you.’
‘What happened?’ No time for trivial conversation.
‘He tasted the food, but I would not call it eating. He seemed happy to welcome me at first. But ...’ But what? Then they’d shared a profound moment of intimacy and now he wanted nothing to do with her. Because she was no better than everyone who had no faith in him. ‘I cannot be what he wants me to be. I cannot give him what he is asking.’
Resignation registered in Mrs Jones’s eyes and she nodded, but Mr Simon’s face showed only distrust.
‘I told you there was no point in bringing her back.’
‘Simon. Keep your thoughts to yourself,’ his father chided.
‘It’s true. She has been bad news from the beginning. Why am I the only one who can see it?’ With a scowl, he scraped his chair back, dumped the napkin on the table and strode from the room.
Mr Jones’s brows knitted together. ‘I apologise for Simon’s ill manners, Miss Bellingham. Xavier, go after him and have a word, will you?’
Mr Xavier nodded. ‘Yes, Father.’ He gave Serena what might have been a wink of encouragement, if it wasn’t for the grimness of his countenance, and then followed his brother.
Serena forked perfectly-cooked egg into her mouth and waited for the Joneses to berate her. The couple shared a glance which she couldn’t read, and Mr Jones covered his wife’s hand with his, before excusing himself. ‘I must be about my business, ladies. I’m sure you have many things to discuss.’
No sound remained besides the clinking of china. Mrs Jones turned to her with a sympathetic expression.
‘It will pass.’
Serena paused, fork half way to her mouth, confused. ‘I’m sorry? What will pass?’
‘Eddie’s infatuation.’
‘Oh.’ Serena let her gaze fall, along with the fork. ‘How can you be so sure?’
‘It always does.’
Wonderful. She was naught but the latest infatuation in a long string of them. But what if her infatuation did not pass? What then? Would this misery last forever?
‘He will settle down. Give him time. You are still the best person, in my opinion, to help raise him out of his despair.’
Serena blinked at her. Less than a week ago, this woman thought the best was for her to leave. ‘You’ve had a change of heart, I see.’ She was too tired, too upset to hide her anger. ‘You all thought I was a bad influence on him last week, and now you want me to be his saviour? Well, only God can save him from his despair. I have no such power, as much as I wish I did.’ It was too much pressure. Too much expectation. And her refusal of Edward’s proposal would not help matters.
Mrs Jones broke eye contact and appeared to be studying her empty plate. ‘I was overly hasty in my judgement, I admit. But Xavier tells me of the way Eddie responds to you. You appear to have more power over him than you realise. But you should consider carefully. Even if he returns to his right mind, there is no guarantee that he will still hold you in affection, or that he will remain stable. Or, indeed, if he will still attend you. He doesn’t take notice of me, and I am his sister.’
Mrs Jones clearly believed Serena had strong influence over Edward at present. But she didn’t. Unless she agreed to marry him, perhaps. But then she had no idea how long his happiness would last if she said yes. True happiness needed to come from within. From peace with God. A peace he most certainly did not have. Serena drew in another deep breath and released it slowly. Perhaps that was the answer. She must convince him he needed God. She could not walk away from him without at least trying to help. Serena cared too much for that. But Mrs Jones also made an important point. Edward’s mental and emotional state could not be trusted.
‘I will endeavour to speak to him again, Mrs Jones. Beyond that, I stake no claim.’ The words came out sounding resigned.
‘Thank you, my dear.’ Mrs Jones looked relieved.
Serena tried to form a smile but was sure she failed. How she would do any good, she could not foresee or comprehend.
Once again, Edward met her at the door in disarray, as though he cared not for his appearance. His eyes were shuttered; not closed, but void of energy and vibrancy. Defeat hung like a weight from his shoulders, and they slumped even more when he looked at her. He turned and shuffled back to the chaise, where he flopped into a recumbent position, leaving her standing there.
She soon realised Edward had no wish to see her. That thought sent regret spiralling to the pit of her stomach. Had she hurt him so deeply? Serena gazed at the food tray the family had insisted she bring again and sighed. ‘Should I leave this for you?’ She doubted he would eat, even though Becker had filled it with his favourite foods.
Edward waved a dismissive arm, but said nothing.
Unsure whether that meant he wanted the food, she scanned the room for a space to put it. The tray from last night remained just where she’d left it. A sideboard stood mostly empty against the wall. Biting her lip, she set the new tray down and hurried for the open door, flames of heat rising on her neck and face. Shame for her behaviour. Embarrassment over his sudden reproach. Serena couldn’t escape fast enough. Her hand was on the doorknob, pulling it closed behind her when he spoke.
‘It is not my fault, you
