Read Online The Heart's Companion by Holly Newman - Free Book Online

wild disarray, grass and leaves clinging to the silky black strands. "Help me up," she said, extending her hands toward Elsbeth and Edward.
    "I’m persuaded you should let Edward fetch the pony cart," said her old nurse, searching her former charge carefully for injury.
    "Nonsense, Twink. Quit fussing. I’m not made of glass," she said, batting the woman’s questing hands away, but smiling to take away the sting of her words.
    "Well, my dear, judging by your appearance, you cannot wonder at our concern," said Lady Elsbeth, calmer now that she was assured of her niece’s safety.
    Jane glanced down at her dress. Grass and dirt stains liberally smeared the white, floral-patterned dress, and the ruffle was tom from the hem so that it dragged on the ground. She grimaced at the evidence of her mishap then laughed and shrugged it away. "I’m fine, and a little East Sussex dirt will not harm me. My concern is for Bertram. Elsbeth, we must send the grooms out in search of him. "
    "We will dear, we will. But do not worry so. He is a sturdy little boy. Much sturdier than you, I’ll warrant. Come, let’s get you back to the house. I’m confident you’ll feel better for a hot bath, else you’ll soon be feeling aches and pains you don’t realize you have. "
    Despite Jane’s protests to the contrary, Lady Elsbeth and Nurse Twinkleham got on either side of her, linking their arms with hers to offer support on the walk back to the house. As they approached the manor house, a carriage rolled into view. "Isn’t that the Culpepper’s carriage?" Lady Elsbeth asked. "Of all the times Mrs. Culpepper should choose for visiting." Jane groaned.
    "Well, there is no avoiding her now. We shall just have to send her on her way, for it should be obvious to even a woman of her intellect that this is not a time for visiting," Lady Elsbeth said flatly. "Miss Twinkleham, take Jane on into the house. I shall deal with Mrs. Culpepper."
    "Nonsense, Elsbeth. It would be rude for me to walk away when it is obvious that she has seen me. Better to brazen it out. Besides, a good gander at my condition should help speed her on her way," Jane said with a laugh.
    There was no time for more, for indeed the occupants of the coach had observed them and ordered their coach to pull up. Out tumbled Mr. Culpepper, his round complexion choleric. It was obvious he was a gentleman in the throes of some emotion. Behind him came his wife, her cheeks tearstained, followed by their daughter Maria wearing a bored expression, and lastly their son Henry, who looked far worse than Jane did.
    "What happened to you?" Jane blurted out, astounded to see the boy with a split lip and swollen nose. Blood mingled with dirt smeared his coat and shirt.
    "Well you should ask!" declared the boy’s father. "This is the work of that hellion nephew of yours, and I’d like to know what you intend to do about it!"
    "I beg your pardon," said Jane, disconcerted. Henry Culpepper, who stood a full head taller than Bertram, was a stocky lad with a bully’s temperament. She could not imagine Henry coming out the worse in any exchange with her nephew. The sudden image of Bertram lying bruised and bloody somewhere swam before her eyes.
    "I want to know how you’re going to punish the lad for this mischief," demanded Mr. Culpepper. "My Henry could be scarred for life."
    "Scarred!" wailed Mrs. Culpepper. "Oh, no, not my baby!"
    "Hush, Rebecca," admonished Mr. Culpepper, turning away from Jane for the moment.
    Jane laid a hand on his arm. "But where’s Bertram? He could be hurt, lying in the dirt somewhere."
    "Are you daft, woman!" roared Mr. Culpepper.
    Jane fell back under the fierceness of his attack.
    "Look, it’s the earl!" piped in Edward; but the adults, caught within their own drama, didn’t heed him.
    "Now see here, sir," protested Lady Elsbeth. "Can’t you tell my niece has met with her own unfortunate accident? Temper your voice."
    "And he’s got Bertram with him!" Edward jumped up