“You see,” Jenny said, hoping to save Louisa from embarrassment, “we encountered Sir Aaron Kirkwood last week in the village, and the gentleman was quite rude to Miss Dunston. But I’m sure whatever differences they’ve encountered can be rectified.”
The truth, of course, was that Louisa had all but thrown herself at the knight. Yet Jenny had noticed a pattern with her friend as of late. Whenever they walked into the village, Louisa spent a great deal of time batting her eyelashes whilst selecting a piece of fruit. Or giving the cobbler a very welcoming smile as they discussed the types of shoes she preferred.
Although Jenny should be the last person to reprimand any of her friends for their flirtatious behavior, she could not determine why Louisa would act in such a promiscuous manner. Of all her Sisters, Louisa was the most beautiful—any of them would say as much. Therefore, what need did she have to do more than simply stand there to catch a man’s eye? It was not as if she were plain and would struggle to find suitors.
But such things were meant to be discussed amongst friends, not in the company of a gentleman. And certainly not where the earl could overhear.
“I’m glad to hear it,” Lord Dowding said. “Trust me, Miss Dunston, it’s not good to nurse animosity with anyone. Not good at all.” The last was said under his breath.
When the carriage came to a stop, Lord Dowding helped Jenny and Louisa to alight. The wind had gone still, which allowed the sallow sun to bring up the temperature of the air.
Before them lay a valley of winter grass.
“Why are we here?” Jenny asked. “There are no houses… or anything, for that matter.”
“Oh, there is plenty if one knows where to look.” Lord Dowding offered his arm. “We’re going to that tree over there.” He pointed to a lone tree in the middle of the field.
When he offered Louisa his arm, she gave her slippers a disparaging glare and said, “I think I’d rather stay here if you don’t mind.”
“I told you to wear proper footwear,” Jenny scolded her friend, though she was pleased to be able to continue alone with the earl. Jenny could not help but wonder if Louisa had chosen to wear slippers so she could use this very excuse. Knowing Louisa, it was very likely the case.
Lord Dowding led her through the tall grass, Jenny’s mind racing at what could be so important about a single tree. Perhaps he believed as the Irish did—that it was a faerie tree. She had never studied the ancient ideology of the fae, but she had heard that some trees were held in high regard because they belonged to the faeries. Perhaps the great oak in front of the school was one of them. After all, it held a sort of magic. This she knew firsthand.
What excited her was that they would once again be alone.
Maybe he’ll kiss me again!
Shame on you, Jenny!she heard Julia whisper in the back of her mind.You mustn’t ignore decorum.
Decorum or not, she wanted him to kiss her…
To Jenny’s surprise, they were not there to visit the tree but rather a circular pile of stones.
“Almost there.”
She frowned. “Is it some sort of burial site?”
He laughed. “No, take a look.”
They stopped in front of the stones, and she stared in surprise. “It’s a well!” She leaned over and peered into the darkness below. “Who owns it? And how deep do you think it is?”
“My grandfather once told me a story about this well,” Nicholas said. “According to him, it belonged to a family who once owned this land many centuries ago. Legend has it that they were very poor and wanted to see their fortune change. It was by chance that, one day, a saint was passing by. He stopped to ask for a drink of water, and the father obliged. When the saint had drunk his fill, he blessed the well, saying that whoever leaves a coin for the poor on its topstone, any wish he makes shall be fulfilled.”
“How wonderful!” Jenny said. “And what happened to the family? Was their wish granted?”
“That’s the beauty of the story,” Lord Dowding replied. “It’s said that so many came to make a wish, the family was able to take the coins and move to a finer house—one without a roof that leaked or cracks where the cold could enter. And that had been the one and only wish they had made.”
“And the coins left after the family moved away?”
“No one knows where they go, but it’s suspected that others who are in need collect them.”
Jenny’s brows knitted. “But what if a greedy wealthy man comes by? He could easily take them, could he not?”
The earl shook his head. “Ah, but I forgot to mention that the blessing also includes a caveat. If anyone with greed on his heart leaves a coin, his wish shall not be granted, but his coin will disappear until one in need comes. That way, the greedy man is unable to take back what he left in selfishness. But if one in need comes, the coin reappears.”
Jenny smiled. “And do you believe this legend?”
The earl shrugged. “I’m not certain. After my grandfather shared the story with me, I asked him to bring me here. I visited it once more not long after the death of my father.” He turned to her. “I brought you here today to make a new wish, and I would like to invite you to do the same. But remember, greedy wishes are not fulfilled. Or so says the legend.”