Page 88 of The Rebellious Countess
“So is mine.” A pang reverberated through her chest as if her heart had started a beat of its own that her body wanted to reject. Elias was not content with just breaking her heart, he had to grind it into pebbles to be trampled on for decades to come. How Ross could think she should hide behind Astley’s name as his wife or widow, she didn’t know.
“Your sisters are waiting in town. Including Caillen.”
She grabbed Ross’s sleeve. “Truly? She’s there?”
“She is, but I would not expect her to stay.”
“Why not? What are you not telling me?”
Ross took her hand and wrapped it around his arm and led her from the ship. “The tragedy has changed her—perhaps you, of all of your sisters, will be able to reach her.”
“I would imagine watching the love of your life murdered before your eyes would change a person.”
“I imagine it would, and I pray the rest of us never find out.”
She nodded in agreement. It was better that Elias was alive and had the opportunity to marry someone he truly loved. It still didn’t stop her wounded heart from bleeding. “I can’t retell this story for my sisters. Could you do it for me.”
Ross squeezed her hand. “Of course I can. You take the time you need.”
“My carriage is waiting to take us home,” he said, in a soft voice meant to ease her pain. Astley was being loaded intoa carriage as they spoke. Ross’s gentle understanding had the opposite effect.
“Home?” She laughed…it was either that or break down and sob, yet her voice held a bitterness it shouldn’t. Máira lashed out in a manner she never had in her life. “You mean to Urquhart? Myrealhome, the one you stole from my family?”
He had the good grace to wince at her attack. He did not deserve her ire. He had restored their family home and turned it into a family country estate. Any of the sisters could visit at any time they wished. The home would be entailed to the Harding dukedom, but Nash had done what he could and more to undo the sins of his father.
She swiped at the tear that dared to drop down her cheek. “I’m sorry, Ross. You didn’t deserve that.”
“But I did?—”
“No, you didn’t. You can’t control your past any more than I can mine. I will return to the townhouse with you and make sure Simon is settled,” she said with all the certainty of a woman of theton, the one she was born to be. She stiffened her spine and took charge of her life for the first time. “After that, I would like to stay at home, though, if that’s alright.”
“Of course.” He held out his arm once more.
Máira shook her head. “At Urquhart. I cannot marry Simon or any other suitors you have lined up for me. I had one wedding. I will not marry another man.”
Nash looked over his shoulder and pulled her toward his carriage. “Máira, I understand that you are hurting, but you will be ruined if you do not marry Astley.”
Her smile was small and held no joy. “I was ruined the day I was born—just ask anyone of theton. I’m just one of those Blair bastards—a whore like my mother?—”
“Bâtarde?” It was her mother-in-law’s voice that interrupted. “Who says such a terrible thing? I will cut his throatif any man, lord, or sailor, dares to call you that.” Aventine reached for her boot, but Tomas stopped her and she scowled up at him.
“I appreciate you wanting to protect me, Aventine,” she said, “but I’m afraid this is where you and I say goodbye.”
“No. Notadieu, butau revoir. We will see each other again. Until then, I give you this.” Aventine furrowed her brow at Tomás who held up his hands in surrender and did not stop Aventine this time when she pulled her knife from her boot. “If anyone dares to use that vulgar word, you cut out his tongue.”
A lump formed in Máira’s throat. She would have loved to have gotten to know her mother-in-law better if given the chance. She took the blade and placed it in her reticule, the same one Elias had given her as a wedding present. “Thank you.” Then she hugged Aventine, who stiffened at the embrace and then returned it.
Oh, how she would have loved to see that wall around Aventine’s heart crumble, and just as she was about to release her, Aventine whispered in her ear. “Do not give up on my son. He loves you.”
Máira bit her lip. She truly wished he did, but it was all a lie.
Twenty-Two
Sir Elias Drake,
She was honoured by my proposal but rejected my suit. She is with child.
Astley
