Rebecca cocked her head to the side and stared wordlessly at her father. She did not wish to argue with him, and despite her need to defend Thomas’ actions, her father had already granted her the freedom to go to the cliffs. She wouldn’t say anything that would jeopardise the small bit of trust he still had in her.
“That is clear, Father.”
“Please be careful. I do not wish to see you in the state you were in three days ago.”
“I promise you, I will be careful.”
She briefly embraced her father in gratitude before turning on her heel to find Connie and inform her of the wonderful news. She was certain that Connie would also be relieved to be in the fresh air after tending to Rebecca in her bedchambers.
As she walked the narrow steps, a smile formed on her lips only to be met with a hint of sadness. She was already aware that a future with the charming and handsome Thomas was impossible, given their respective positions. She was the daughter of a physician whose only title was that of Doctor.
She did not come from a noble lineage. Her family was not wealthy, and she had not attended the most prestigious finishing school, or any, for that matter. Not that it was of importance. One’s education and scholastic opportunity did not determine whether one possessed grace and kindness. It was not something that went hand-in-hand.
Thomas did not seem to care that she possessed no title, and that her family was not wealthy. He enjoyed spending time with her even though he knew her father was the town physician.
Her smile faded as the thought of a future without Thomas alarmed her in the most surprising way. She came to an abrupt stop in the midst of the hallway and her hand unknowingly reached for her heart. Imagining a future without Thomas was bleak, but it was the best option.
But the best for whom? Certainly not for her.
“Are you well, Miss?” Connie asked her so suddenly that it startled her.
She jumped and nodded. “I am perfectly well. In fact, I am delighted.”
“Wonderful, Miss.”
“Indeed, it is,” Rebeca said with a smile. “Prepare my easel and my painting supplies, please. We are headed to the cliffs. My father has granted me permission to go and wishes you to accompany me.”
“Of course, Miss. Right away,” Connie said, a bright and cheerful smile on her lips.
She’d been right. Connie was as relieved and delighted at the news as Rebecca was. The fresh air was needed by them both.
Chapter Seven.
Something wasn’t right.
Thomas shook head in disapproval as he stared at his easel. Although the view around him of Weymouth Bay and the cliffs and the town to his right was picturesque, something was wrong. His painting appeared dull and lifeless, entirely uninspiring. It lacked passion and heart, and Thomas knew the precise reason.
After his mother had rudely prohibited him from ever seeing Rebecca again and referred to her as “that woman”, Thomas had been in a mood. A dark cloud of anger and resentment had been following him around ever since, and his tolerance for his family had been very low. Even towards his brothers, who had little to no say in the matter because of their mother’s rank.
Even his eldest brother, Charles, had come to him late the previous evening, informing him of their mother’s conversation with him. The dowager duchess had asked Charles to ensure that Rebecca did not set foot on the estate grounds, and that she should be dealt with accordingly if she did attempt to do so. She’d also made it perfectly clear that Thomas was not allowed to go anywhere near Rebecca, and that her reasoning for taking such drastic steps was that she wished to protect the Melton family name.
Her reasons, however, were not good enough for Thomas. She did not personally know Rebecca, nor had she made any attempt to meet her. His mother was in no position to pass judgement, although she had planted a seed in Thomas’ mind that Rebecca was not to be trusted. Thomas despised himself for even contemplating the idea, although it was only for a moment. Rebecca was not the kind of woman who would be capable of doing such things.
Nevertheless, there was very little that Thomas was able to do, although the mere thought of his mother trying to control him was infuriating. His actions have not been childish or immature, but clearly his mother thought otherwise. He had rescued Rebecca, and this was how he was treated.
He groaned in agitation and brought his brush up to the canvas again, desperate to find the inspiration inside him. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed movement, and as he turned, his sombre mood lifted. Making their way up the side of the hill towards the cliff were Rebecca and her maidservant. The maid carried an easel and Rebecca carried a folding stool and her leather satchel. He assumed the satchel container her art supplies as she’d had it with her when he’d encountered her at the beach, sketching.
Rebecca was dressed warmer than necessary, but it was most certainly due to her father being overprotective of her. Thomas had accepted that the doctor did not want him near her, but seeing Rebecca at that moment, neither the physician’s words, nor his mother’s threats carried any weight.
“Rebecca!” he said, calling out to her as she came closer.
The young woman stopped suddenly and her eyes widened. The expression on her beautiful face alarmed Thomas and his blood ran cold in his veins. Would she back away and leave? Had she also been threatened by her father if she were to come near him?
Thomas held his breath as he watched Rebecca slowly turn towards her maid, afraid that she would turn and walk in the opposite direction.
Much to his surprise
