The steward hadn’t spoken about the reason for his dismissal at all, but Jude had seen by the icy contempt in the man’s gaze that he knew all about his affair with the lady of the house. The steward’s nostrils had flared slightly as he stressed that under no circumstances was Jude toeverreturn to the manor or attempt to contactanyonein the house.
He had assured Jude that if he wrote letters, they would be intercepted and destroyed. And then the man had leaned closer, whispering that if he ever talked about the Duke or his children toanyone, then there would be hell to pay.
Jude had known what the man was really telling him: that he must not gossip or brag about his affair with Evelina. It had been the most humiliating, upsetting moment of his life.
And now, here he was, about to leave Bosworth forever. He just had time to pack his belongings and say farewell to the other servants. He had no time or opportunity to find Evelina to say goodbye. There was simply no way it would be possible.
He took another deep gulp of air, trying to think clearly. They had both known this might happen. He had tried to prepare Evelina for the possibility when it had become obvious that Sally Potter would never assure him of her silence on the matter. Even so, like a fool, he had hoped that the maid would stay silent and this might never happen.
He had hoped in vain. His life was in ruins now. He had no job and no home. He would never see the love of his life again. All was in ashes around him. How was he ever going to start over? How was he going to find the will to even try?
Suddenly, he spotted Sally Potter carrying two buckets in the distance. The kitchen maid had a faraway look on her face and was singing softly as she walked along, balancing the buckets. She had no idea that Jude was watching her, nor did she seem to care about the havoc she had just unleashed.
Jude’s heart tightened with anger as he watched her. It was her indifference that got to him. Sally would stay here, keep her position and simply live her life as always. How was that fair?
He strode over to her, his blood pounding loudly in his ears. He was almost upon her before she even realised.
“Jude,” she said, clearly startled, putting down her buckets. Her green eyes gazed at him candidly. “What are you doing?”
“I am just about to leave Bosworth,” he growled. “Forever. Thanks toyou, Sally.”
Understanding dawned in her eyes. She took a step back, gazing at him warily.
“You did it to yourself,” she said in an emotionless voice. “You told me you were going to stay away from her, but you didn’t.” Her eyes were as cold. “I know you met with her after the Christmas pantomime. My mam saw you sneak out the back of the hall together.”
“You had your familyspyon us?” He couldn’t believe his ears. “Why do you care so much? Why do you want to ruin everyone’s life over this?”
A small vein flickered in her right temple. “It is unnatural,” she said defiantly, tossing back her hair. “You should have stayed away from each other. And her father deserves to know that his daughter is playing trollop and carrying on with a servant!”
“You make me ill, Sally,” he said, staring at her furiously. “You do not give a whit about the family or their good name. You have done this out of revenge, pure and simple. You have sour grapes that I rejected you and you could not take it. That is all.”
She didn’t like that. Her face turned a dull red and her green eyes flashed with fury. But she lifted her chin, staring at him straight in the eye. She leaned close, almost hissing at him.
“Aye,” she said. “Itisrevenge. And it tastes very sweet indeed.” She picked up her buckets, shooting him a withering look. “Goodbye, Jude Huxley. I do not suppose we will see each other again, but I will always remember the silly fool you were.”
And then she turned, walking away from him. Jude’s hands clenched into fists at his side in an ineffectual rage. He turned abruptly, marching to his room, throwing everything into his bag in a blind fury. He didn’t return to the house at all.
He was filled with so much rage and sorrow that he didn’t trust himself to even speak to the other servants. It was a pity, for there had been many who had been friendly and kind to him, but he couldn’t help it. He honestly thought he might punch something or someone in his present mood.
Instead, he picked up his bag, marching to the front of the house, where he knew Lenny would be waiting to take him to Charingworth. The gentle giant was standing next to the cart. He fixed him with a sorrowful look as Jude threw his bag onto the back of it, climbing up.
“Can we go?” he asked in an abrupt voice.
The gardener sighed heavily before jumping onto the cart, taking the reins. He flicked them and the horses started to move. Jude kept his gaze fixed ahead as they rambled down the long driveway.
But just as they reached the high front gates of the manor, he couldn’t help it. He looked back. And that was when he saw her, standing at the window, looking out.
His heart somersaulted. Evelina. His one and only love. She was wearing a white gown and her black hair was loose, coiling over one shoulder. But she was too far away to see properly, and he couldn’t discern the features of her face. It was just a pale blur to him. He realized this was the last time he would gaze upon his love.
He knew he shouldn’t. But recklessness assailed him. He lifted a hand to his mouth, blowing her a kiss. She returned the gesture before they rattled through the gates, and she was gone forever.
He had never felt more desolate in his life.
Lenny sighed. “Oh, lad,” he said in a gentle, sad voice. “I warned you, but you didn’t listen.”
“I know,” said Jude, in a terse voice. “I know you tried, Lenny. And I appreciate it.” He hesitated. “But some things are stronger than will. I loved her, you know. Istilllove her.”
The giant gardener shook his head sorrowfully. “Do you think it worth it, then? Losing your position, being banished from the manor and having to leave her forever?”