Page 57 of A Treacherous Treasure

Why did Mrs. Heywood have to make her life sadder, more uncomfortable, and more disappointing?God, it is too much to be borne.

She sighed. There was nothing to do but go downstairs, receive her friends, and hope Mrs. Heywood would stay in her bedroom.

Just as Rebecca and the Westbrooks were seated and talking companionably, she heard Mrs. Heywood’s strident voice in the corridor.

“We have callers?” She must have been speaking to a servant.

A few moments later, the woman entered the room, a sour look on her face.

“Good morning, Westbrooks,” she said in a strained voice, as if it hurt her throat to speak.

Caroline, Mrs. Westbrook, and Benjamin greeted her politely, and Mother and Margaret nodded and said “Good morning” as well. But the atmosphere in the room changed so completely, it was like a black cloud had suddenly blotted out the bright sunlight.

Mrs. Heywood, Mrs. Westbrook, and Mother carried the conversation. Rebecca listened for a chance to say something, nervous that her former mother-in-law would say something rude, but she was surprisingly agreeable and friendly. She did mention Arthur a few times, but not in the heavy-handed ways she usually did, soliciting pity. Instead, she sounded quite calm, although a bit aggressive in her domination of the conversation.

It was so unfair that Thomas couldn’t visit while Mrs. Heywood was there. He had been calling on her less often, and she wasn’t sure why, but she missed him. It felt strange to admit that, but she did. She missed his contributions to their conversations, his steadiness, his rational reasoning, and also his intensity; he really seemed to care so much, about almost everything. It was a level of caring she’d never noticed in a man. In contrast, Arthur rarely seemed to care about anything.

Caroline, Mrs. Westbrook, and Benjamin stood to go. Had Mrs. Heywood said something to make them leave? But they did not look offended as they smiled and politely took their leave.

Rebecca walked them out to their carriage.

Mrs. Westbrook said quietly, “Thomas came with us, but he did not wish to upset Mrs. Heywood. That is why he didn’t stay.”

“I understand. And I hope Mrs. Heywood didn’t say anything impolite.”

“No, she was on her best behavior.”

Caroline and then Mrs. Westbrook embraced her.

“I’m sorry she came back,” Caroline whispered.

“I am sorry as well,” she whispered back.

“We should look again for the spot where the treasure is buried.” Benjamin wore the sheepish look he wore quite often lately. “Tomorrow, perhaps?”

“I would like to, but I’m not sure if that would be a good idea, with Mrs. Heywood here. She might wonder what we are doing, or might want to go with us. But if she leaves, to go calling or to town, I will send you word.”

She hated the disappointment on his face, but it couldn’t be helped.

When they departed, Rebecca went back inside, her heart heavy in her chest. At least she had her mother and sister to force Mrs. Heywood to behave with better manners than she would if they weren’t there. But their visit was fast coming to an end.

~ ~ ~

Later that day an invitation arrived from Gilbert Heywood. It was for a ball at Beaumont, his estate about fifteen miles away. It included everyone in the household, but her mother and Margaret would be back home in London by then.

A few minutes later, she received a short note from Caroline Westbrook saying they had also received the invitation and they all planned to attend. That fact put a smile on her face.

The next day, Mrs. Heywood went to town to shop for fabric for a new frock. Rebecca immediately sent word to the Westbrooks that she was gone, if they wished to come and search for the treasure.

They all came, almost before she would have thought it possible.

Mother and Mrs. Westbrook stayed in the house while the rest of them went on their search beyond the garden, with Thomas and Benjamin in the lead, both carrying pistols.

“I haven’t been to a ball in so long,” Caroline said, her voice breathy and excited. “I have never known Gilbert Heywood to give a ball. I imagine he is looking for a wife. He must be nearly thirty years old and has never been engaged.”

“He wants Rebecca’s estate,” Margaret said in her forthright manner, “so he will want to marry my sister.”

Benjamin’s shoulders visibly stiffened.