“See the conquering hero returns!” he brayed.
Adelia’s hands twitched. She wanted to stamp over there and slap him.
Thirteen
Adelia restrained herself. She smiled politely and let the throng of guests rush forward and surround Percy. He was accompanied by another gentleman-traveller and a bevy of male servants who began to hand out gifts and trinkets that Percy had collected on his latest travels. The noise had brought everyone out of the castle and even Theodore was now on the lawns, joining in the press of bodies around the jubilant explorer.
Adelia hung back. She noticed Oscar Brodie had been drawn from the gatehouse or whatever bush he had been hiding in and he was staring at Percy with great joy on his face. He was standing on the periphery of the circle around Percy, on his tip-toes, almost dancing as if he wanted to get closer but was too polite to push his way through. Polite, or nervous.
Theodore had neither politeness nor nervousness. She winced as she watched him elbow a guest out of the way, and Percy spotted him too. He roared something and grabbed Theodore’s hand in a firm shake, not appearing to let go. Oscar had followed Theodore, making use of the path that opened up behind him, and peeked around the side of Theodore. But Percy did not notice him at all. Percy clapped Theodore on the shoulder with his free hand, and spun him around, shouting and laughing about something. Adelia couldn’t hear the words distinctly and she wasn’t paying attention.
Behind him, the spurned Oscar Brodie looked furious.
Her view of Oscar was then obscured by the milling and movement of everyone around Percy, following him as he let go of Theodore and continued to greet the rest of the guests. Then Percy spotted Lady Agnes, who was sitting under the tree next to Captain Everard who had got to his feet.
Where had Felicia gone? Adelia wanted to look around but she kept her attention focused on Percy for the moment. He was now approaching the couple under the tree.
Captain Everard stepped forward with his hand out and a smile still on his face. He looked relaxed. Lady Agnes was sitting straight up, her hands gripping together on her lap, and her smile kept fading and then reappearing as if she were reminding herself to keep looking friendly. She was obviously not used to having to fake it; she didn’t spend a great deal of time in company.
Adelia inched closer, but she could not hear what was being said. Percy was now in front of the couple, talking to them, his back to the rest of the assembly.
People milled around. Percy and his aunt were obscured from view.
Adelia felt a nudge at her elbow. Felicia was there.
“Go and greet your husband!” Adelia said. “He must be looking for you.” Indeed, why had Felicia not been the first to rush to him – and why had he not demanded to see his wife first of all? Adelia thought she knew why. In truth, the pair of them needed their heads knocking together.
“There is too much going on,” Felicia whispered. “Take me inside, mama. I need to lie down.”
Adelia immediately put her arm around her daughter’s waist in case she was about to faint. She looked around desperately for help, hoping to see Theodore close by.
Percy was upon them all of a sudden. He smiled warmly, and his voice now was low and gentle. He looked at Felicia with genuine love in his eyes, and concern, and true sympathy. He nodded in greeting to Adelia but he kept his attention solely on his wife.
Adelia could feel the emotions in him. He did care. She softened in her opinion of him, slightly. This was the man she remembered, not the man whose impression had been tarnished in her mind over the past few weeks. “My dear, my dear, dear wife,” he murmured. “Are you well? This must have been a shock. Did you not get my letters?”
Felicia spoke weakly. “I – did. I received some. It – this is a surprise.”
“I am sorry for alarming you. May I escort you inside? We do have much to talk about.”
He was right about that. Adelia began to let go of Felicia so that she could pass her daughter over to her husband. But Felicia fell against Adelia and almost whimpered. “I don’t feel well! Please, let me go and lie down.”
“Let him take you inside.”
“Felicia, my dear...” Percy reached out again towards her.
Felicia gave a cry and broke away from Adelia, stumbling a few steps before turning and saying, with a great effort, “Thank you both for your kindnesses. I shall go and freshen up and prepare the household for your return. It is good to see you, husband.” She nodded her head, formally, painfully correct, and dashed away, her speed picking up as she got closer to the castle.
Percy watched her until she was out of sight. Then he turned to Adelia with some embarrassment on his face and said, “This is all so overwhelming for her, I’m sure. I am surprised to see all these people here; it’s not like Felicia...”
“Ah yes. I thought she needed some company and she agreed that an At Home would be fun.”
“I really haven’t timed my return very well!” he said with a forced laugh. “Oh dear. I am sure she’ll feel better after a little nap or something. Er...” He looked like he wanted to say something privately but they were being approached by all the guests and already a handful of people were within earshot. He shrugged helplessly at Adelia. “I had better take on my responsibilities as host.”
“Yes,” she replied, unable to stop a note of acid coming into her voice. “It is definitely time for you to take on your responsibilities here.”
He blinked but could not reply. Theodore was there by now, flanked
