Chapter 5

Athena dressed carefully for dinner, by trying to wear something charming, yet understated yet professional. Finally, she decided on a mint green and white dress with a wide white ribbon tied under the bust. Her hair was loosely up with some curls escaping and falling in delicate tendrils. As she waited in her quiet room for Lily to summon her, the impatience built to a crescendo.

As the time neared nine, she accepted she wasn't being summoned tonight. Her embarrassment at such a start made her cheeks burn and her eyes sparkle. She headed out of the bedroom and headed to the kitchen to find her meal. 

As she strode down the corridor and quickly took the stairs she stopped at the sound of voices. It appeared to be a study where at least two people had retired for a drink and a smoke. 

Slowing her walk to minimise noise she headed away and to the other end of the hallway. A door behind her banged open suddenly and she froze in her tracks.

"Do you need something?" 

The voice was deep, growling, and aggressive. A shiver ran up her spine as she quickly turned around. His frame seemed to fill the doorway. He was tall and athletically built. His hair and eyes were a deep chocolate brown and a slight stubble peppered his razor-sharp jawline

"Apologies for any interruption…I am Athena Thornfield. I start work on redeveloping your grounds tomorrow."

"Of course." 

His flat reply and constant gaze applied tension to their situation that appeared to only affect her. Suddenly aware of her silence Athena bumbled her words. 

"I...do not...I was looking for the kitchen"

"You have not eaten?" His face was unmoved, if he felt any concern for her hunger he showed nothing. 

"No. But it does not matter…" her voice trailed away, confidence fading by the second.

"Keep walking through the next two double doors. You will find the kitchen. Good evening Ms Thornfield."

With the same roughness as his voice, he gave a nod, turned on his heel and returned to his study and shut the door firmly. A clinking of glasses was audible, and Helena felt her shyness replaced with anger. 

His undeniable attractiveness was no excuse for how he'd treated her just now. Like a tiger assessing its prey, it appeared he had found her unworthy of further interaction. 

Finding kitchen Lily apologised profusely and showed her the meal she was just preparing to fetch under a silver cloche. 

"I did mention to the gentleman your arrival and asked if they wanted you to join but neither answered ma'am. I am so sorry for your wait!"

Deciding to shake off the negative feelings and embrace those in the household who did want her there, Athena matched Lily’s chirpiness.

"Oh, Lily it is not a problem. I think to avoid future confusion I shall dine in my room every night. If there are discussions to have about our work there is all the working day to find me"

Her voice sounded confident, but as soon as she was back in her room and undressed for bed the tears escaped. 

This job needed to go well and if Baron Felix had no interest in its success, then so be it. In the quiet of her room, she allowed herself to admire his chocolate eyes, darkly tousled hair and cold aura. 

His deep voice had vibrated through to her core, alone in her room she wondered just what he did to all those different women he encountered in Europe and why was she so interested.

*******

Craig had a similarly frustrating evening. His brief introduction to his head labourer Mr Jackson Hughes had confirmed the usual battle was to take place. Resistance to both the design and the physical challenge of the work required. 

He would win them all over though. He always did. Working right alongside them, shifting rocks and sweating equally, he would gain their trust and belief in the project. 

The gamekeeper's lodge suited him tremendously. Wood-panelled, cosy furs and blankets on the bed and a roaring fire meant he would be more than comfortable. He made a note that this was the kind of place he should buy when they finally hit their target. Sitting in the leather armchair watching the fire as he rested, Lady Octavia kept drifting into his mind. 

Holding her in his arms, feeling her panted breath settling down, blonde hair scattered across his chest as she laid upon his torso he had murmured those fateful words.

"I want you to know I love you…I adore you Octavia"

That unguarded, relaxed declaration now tortured his mind. His memory replayed the way her pale expression had immediately hardened. Not a word was uttered yet he knew those emotions were to be crushed back into the dust and regretted.

 "Damn them all" he muttered and sipped at his scotch. He hoped Athena would be safe in the main house. Some of the tales he had heard from the drinking partners at the inn the evening before were concerning.

Apparently, Felix had a penchant for young women in his employ and was a rough, unloving abuser of the female sex. He had been banned from several brothels abroad for the injuries caused to the women. He could not possibly be a gentleman. Athena was smart in business but naive in the world of powerful men and their desires. 

He debated whether to have a talk with her but of course, that would invite questions about his recent romantic entanglement. He resolved the matter by muttering a further "damn them all" and draining his drink before taking himself off to bed.