Barbara’s face immediately brightened. “Oh, what an excellent notion. Will you accept?”
Imogen sat beside her. “I should. I did not intend for what happened last—”
“Oh, hush, my dear!” her mother interrupted; squeezing her hand. “We know very well what passed and none of it was your fault. We merely happen to be surrounded by vultures.”
“Kent is an excellent place to be, Imogen,” her father encouraged.
Imogen made her decision then. “I should like to leave today.”
Barbara and Aldrich nodded their agreement. “Would you like me to accompany you?” her mother asked.
“You do not have to, Mama. I shall fare well by myself.” She dearly hoped that she would find the respite she needed in Kent; despite the circumstances that led her there.
* * *
The ship anchored at the harbor, and Colin examined his watch again; it was exactly one o’clock. He tended to check the time frequently whenever he was anxious; a peculiarity about which his friends often teased him. .
It had been three years since he last stepped on English soil. He ought to be happy to be returning home after such a long time, yet he was shrouded in trepidation. Venturing into unknown territory had never ceased to fuel his adventurous spirit – until now. He felt like an interloper assuming his brother’s place as Marquess of Wingham.
Thomas had been killed in a carriage accident six months ago and his father had summoned him back from the Far East to assume his new responsibilities. There was a time when Colin wished he was the heir. Now that fate had unexpectedly bestowed that boon upon him, he was miserable.
“We are here, my lord.” His valet, Hunter, grinned then went to retrieve their baggage.
Colin wished he could share the man’s excitement.
As they disembarked the ship, he noticed a fine black carriage bearing his family's crest. For a brief moment, he thought he saw one or both of his parents approaching, but neither of them appeared. If Thomas had been gone for as long as he had, at least one of their parents would have been there to greet him - he had always been the favorite, with only a passing thought for Colin.
“Welcome back to England, my lord,” John the coachman said; removing his hat and bowing.
“Thank you, John. It is good to see you.” Colin meant that. John had worked for his family since he was at Eton, and his smile was broad as he moved to collect the bags from Hunter.
Colin climbed into the carriage, and Hunter joined him shortly after.
“You have been very quiet, my lord,” he observed. “Is there anything I can do?” the man understood Colin’s reservation about returning to England.
He shook his head. “I am quite well, Hunter.” He remembered something then. “Although, there is something I would like. Prepare a sleeping draught for me, please.”
“I shall do that once I see you settled, my lord.”
When the carriage began to move, Colin turned to look out the window. In London, not much had changed. Urchins continued to chase each other with stick horses, and the air made one long for the countryside. Or, in his case, the sea breeze. He smiled as a wave of nostalgia washed over him. He would undoubtedly miss China, particularly the food and vibrant culture, and he grew very fond of his life there. Managing his uncle's textile business had given his life meaning. It also helped to alleviate the agony of being the second-born son, who would inherit the title and bloodline only if his brother was unable.
Thomas had received all of their love and attention as children, while he was relegated to the role of observer. He assumed he was the observer because he was easily overlooked and had few friends.
Hunter interrupted his thoughts. “We have arrived, my lord.”
Colin, being utterly lost in his reverie as he was, hadn’t noticed they’d arrived. He climbed down the carriage and looked up at the house – it, much like the city, hadn’t changed and he didn't expect it to with his parents so rooted in tradition.
The butler greeted him warmly, and as he entered the front hall, his mother, Susannah, approached him. He could see a difference now; she was much smaller and older than he remembered, with pronounced lines around her eyes and the corners of her mouth. His brother's death must have had a profound effect on her.
“Colin, my dear child.” She opened her arms.
He embraced her, uncertain of the meaning behind his current emotions. He had always been able to understand how he felt but, at the moment, he was at a loss; his parents had never shown him any affection, only indifference; thus, this embrace was as odd as it was surprising.
“I am so happy to have you home safely.” Susannah pulled away and cupped his cheek with one hand.
He smiled down at her. “How have you been, Mother?”
She sighed, her large grey eyes quickly misting. “It has been difficult.” She took his hand and squeezed it. “I am sure everything will change now that you are home.”