A Hope Remembered by Stacy Henrie

returned to a quiet house last night. His parents and their guests had retired, while Colin had been helping Nora. Still, he knew his father wouldn’t let his behavior at dinner go unchecked. For that reason, Colin had risen especially early and planned to spend the greater part of the day in his aeroplane. Away from Sir Edward…and Lady Sophia.
    “Will you pass me my cap and gloves, Gibson?”
    His valet handed him the needed articles and left the room. Colin sat on the edge of his bed to pull on his cap and gloves. Maybe he’d fly south today—over the Lewis cottage.
    How had Nora fared last night? He was grateful she’d at least accepted his offer to let Perseus stay. She certainly exhibited the same naïve bravery he’d witnessed in the American soldiers he’d met during the war. Then again, she wasn’t a pampered heiress with servants to cater to her every whim like Lady Sophia.
    Colin had taken one look at the cottage and declared the thing a disaster in his mind. The rickety stairs, cracked window, and dusty furnishings didn’t discourage Nora, though. If anything, she seemed eager for the work.
    He remembered feeling that way during his time in France, where he’d learned to fly, to work, to be disciplined. Now he felt mostly useless. Flying was the one thing that brought him satisfaction and purpose. When he soared over the world, he was free—free of his father’s expectations and his brother’s continued shadow. Up in the air, he could be himself.
    His flying skills hadn’t proven completely impractical at home either. He’d been instrumental in locating several groups of tourists who’d become lost on the fells, but those times were few and far between. Perhaps he ought to take up some other interest or work.
    Like how to repair a cracked window , he thought with a smile. Wouldn’t that infuriate his father?
    When he returned from flying, he’d have to stop by the Lewis place, merely to collect Christian’s dog, of course. His father would never condone a relationship with Nora Lewis. Not that she was interested in one. Colin had sensed as much when she spoke of her departed fiancé.
    “Nothing wrong with looking out for one’s neighbor, though,” he murmured to himself as he stood and collected his goggles. He seemed to recall a sermon about that from his youth. Surely it would be ungentlemanly of him not to help.
    He grinned as he remembered Nora’s jest outside the Greens’ home. Colin wasn’t sure which had amused him more—her teasing or her stunned expression afterward. She might be quiet, but he suspected Nora of being quite witty. He looked forward to proving the theory correct.
    A jaunty tune from the war filled his mind. He whistled it as he left his room and descended the stairs. Colin was looking forward to the day. Until he spied Martin standing at attention below. He’d hoped to rouse only the chauffeur to help him start the biplane, then slip away before encountering any of the other servants who might inform his father that Colin was about.
    “Good morning, Master Colin,” the butler said in a smug voice. “Your father wishes to see you in the library.”
    Colin forced back a groan. He hadn’t outwitted his father after all. “Sorry, Martin. But as you can see, I’m off. I’ll speak with Father when I return.”
    “You will do no such thing.” Sir Edward appeared in the library doorway. “I need to speak with you. Now.”
    Though his teeth ground together, Colin nevertheless feigned an attitude of ease as he moved into the library. Martin shut the door behind them. Colin took a seat on one of several settees arranged around the large room and rested his arm along the back. “How may I help you, Father?”
    “I see you’re off to fly that contraption again.” Sir Edward gave an indignant sniff as he crossed to one of the windows and stared outward.
    “Shall I remind you that you purchased the aeroplane?”
    Sir Edward frowned. “Only because your mother