Page 65 of Aurelia

“Seems like a little girl at times like this,” Silas said, his gaze fond. “The next minute she be all high-and-mighty lady o’ the castle.”

It was true. The girl rolling around in the straw and ruining her gown did not seem fifteen. It was a joy to watch her with her new pet.

Aurelia couldn’t help laughing when Silas, whom she suspected was just as mad about the new hound as Celsa, entered the big stall and the two humans engaged in a game of keep-away with a knotted piece of rope.

Yet again Aurelia wondered why the earl didn’t send Celsa off to school to be with other girls her age. Who did she have to play with at the castle other than adults? Who would—

“I see it is love at first sight.”

Aurelia turned to find Captain Walker beside her. “Indeed, it is.”

“I love her, Guustin!” Celsa shouted, and then collapsed laughing when her new pet leapt up and licked her chin.

“I think you are going to be very popular from now on, Captain.”

“At least until I say something to vex her.” He lowered his voice. “You are an excellent influence on her, Miss Burton,” he said, his affectionate gaze on Celsa. “I have not seen her laugh and smile in ages until you two came in to dinner tonight.”

“That is kind of you to say.”

“It is the truth. She is lonely here. The earl does not understand how hard it is for a child to grow up in the castle.”

“You sound as if you speak from experience?”

“I might be illegitimate, but my father never made any bones about whose child I was. I spent as much time at the castle as I did with my mother.” He smiled at her. “You must come and meet her. She loves visitors and does not get out much these days.”

Aurelia was startled at the invitation and tried to cover her surprise by asking, “I am sorry to hear she is housebound. Is she ill?” She had heard rumors about Mrs. Walker—how the woman was too proud to mix with islanders—but she’d not known how much credence to give the gossip.

“She has a disease of the joints which makes it difficult for her to move about.” A look of intense sorrow flickered across his handsome face. “She is still a young woman, but she suffers so much pain that it is aging her before her time.”

“I am so sorry,” Aurelia murmured.

“My father says your own mother is ill?” the captain asked, making Aurelia feel like a toad for making up such a thing.

“What sort of dog is she?” Celsa called out, saving Aurelia from having to add more lies to the ones she had already told.

“The man I bought her from calls them Irish Water Spaniels, a cross that does well in wet, cold climates.”

“She is lovely, Guustin. Thank you,” she added, looking shy and very young.

“You are welcome, Little One. You will need to stay abreast of her grooming. The man said they are like poodles in that regard. Silas will know what she requires.”

Celsa immediately turned to Silas and the two set about making a close inspection of the leaping, squirming puppy.

“How are you enjoying your time here?” Captain Walker asked Aurelia.

“The island is fascinating and I discover something new and interesting every day. It is quite… magical.”

“Do you not yearn for the mainland?”

“No. Although I have gone over once since coming here.”

“Only one trip?” Captain Walker teased. “You are an islander in the making. Most people who were not born here cannot wait for a chance to leave. You do not feel isolated?”

“No, but I suppose that might change if the weather made crossing impossible.”

“That doesn’t happen often,” he assured her.

Aurelia shivered and rubbed her bare arms.