Page 102 of Sacrificing the Untamed Lady Henrietta
“Ewan—what happened to him?” She feared the worst; that he was dead, having been brought to a swift justice by Ewan or her father.
“You may not like what I am about to say.”
“Say it regardless,” she urged, sitting up slowly.
“Well… he and your father spoke, whilst we were in the woods. I did not hear the conversation, but they came out of the woods together. Your father informed me that Gerome will be staying at the Oliver residence until further notice, under a watchful guard. He said that he wished to make amends, and it was the only way he knew how—to offer Gerome shelter and kindness, not to mention forgiveness.”
Henrietta frowned. “You do not approve?”
“He tried to kill you, Henrietta. I cannot forgive that.”
“Maybe, in time, you will come to.”
He shook his head. “You cannot tell me that you forgive him?”
“Maybe, in time, I will also. For now, it may be best if we do not visit my former home… not for some time.”
“A very sensible idea,” he commended, with a smile.
“Wait… does that mean that my mother and father have already departed?”
“No, they have lingered awhile. Your father’s men have taken Gerome back to your former home, where they will guard him until your father’s return.”
She sighed with relief. After coming so close to death, she longed to see her Mama and Papa, even if her father had just agreed to take Gerome into his house. She could understand the reasoning, from her father’s perspective, but it made things somewhat awkward. After all, it did not alter the fact that he had almost murdered her. Indeed, she did not quite know how to react.Should I be angry?She did not feel angry.Should I be upset?She did not feel upset.
“I suppose that his escape was a blessing, then,” she said decisively.
“Pardon?”
“Well, if Gerome had not escaped, then there would be no hope for reconciliation or forgiveness. If he had killed me, then he would have hanged for it. This way, there is the possibility of happy conclusion.”
Ewan laughed. “See… remarkable.”
“I think it is more that I am attempting to convince myself,” she admitted. “Whilst I remember, what happened to Mr. Booth? I suppose we owe him something of an apology, though it will pain me to do so. He was innocent of these threats, but he was a vile man prior. His innocence does not change that.”
“Ah, so you are human,” he teased. “Never fear, you do not even have to see Mr. Booth if you do not wish to. He has returned to the employ of Lord Averson with his reputation bolstered and is to stay on at his Scarborough residence for the foreseeable.”
“I suppose that is fortunate for him. And his wife?”
“She is to stay with him. Your father has also offered them a small sum of money, so that they may live in some comfort,” he explained. “He did not know about Isobel’s existence, but I told him of her warning to you, and your father duly rewarded her. Not Mr. Booth himself, I hasten to add.”
“And you say that I am your dearest love?” She looked up into his eyes, registering his surprise.
He smiled and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “You are, my love. I did not know before, but yesterday made me see clearly. I have avoided happiness for so long for fear of losing it, but I cannot deny my feelings for you.” He dipped his head shyly, before lifting his gaze again. “I love you, Henrietta. I am sorry it has taken me so long to realize it.”
Her heart swelled. “And I love you, Ewan, though I will not call you Ewan often. I much prefer the way my Lord Marquess irks you, and one should always tease in a marriage.”
“I think you may betoofond of teasing,” he replied, his face beaming with happiness.
“Perhaps,” she said, squeezing his hand. “Now, I had a thought whilst I was asleep, which I hope you will agree to.”
He arched an eyebrow. “Go on…”
“Well, as you and I did not have the most orthodox of starts to our marriage, I was wondering if we might have a party of sorts at Nightingale. To us, it would be a wedding—a true one, borne of love and affection. To others, it would simply be a celebration. What do you say?”
“Will you wear a grass-stained dress again, with your hair in tangles?”
She chuckled. “Would you have me any other way?”
