The statement hung over them like a veil of destruction in the small confines of the carriage. Henry could hear the busy streets of London as they jostled side to side. He wondered if he should’ve never returned. He didn’t know how to be a part of society anymore, how to control himself in this world where he felt he no longer belonged.
“No, you are not,” Karrington finally whispered, his voice soft and understanding like he was speaking to one of his children. “Henry, Amelia is gone and I’m very sorry for that. I’m also grateful for her strength and courage. Because of her, Livie and Emily are alive. She risked her own life to make sure Livie was able to escape the fire and take Emily with her.” He exhaled a breath, his words a struggle. “I don’t think she would want you punishing yourself for her death. There was nothing you could do. I was there …” His words trailed off.
Henry looked up to find his friend’s eyes closed, maybe his pain was more similar than he had realized. If Karrington could find a way to move forward, after nearly losing his wife, then Henry could as well. He could truly be the man that Julia deserved. Over the last few years, he had worked on bettering himself, becoming stronger, healthier, all so he could return to claim her.
“I don’t want to talk about Amelia.” Henry pinched the bridge of his nose. He could feel a headache forming, his mind swirling with the dreams that often haunted him during his waking hours. Being back in London had caused the nightmares to begin anew.
“Very well, but you can’t go on like this, losing your temper on everyone—”
“Karrington is right. There is no need to rage over everything that bothers you. This morning for example, you lost control with Lady Julia.” Elijah sat back in the lush carriage seat.
“I’m not losing my temper. And Julia was being ridiculous.” Henry would own his faults but not hers. He closed his eyes, trying not to think about what happened that morning with Julia.
“That is Lady Julia to you now. Regardless of what she does, my house is her home.” Karrington paused, and Henry opened his eyes to find the man staring at him. “I think perhaps we should find you and Mr. Edwards other accommodations. I was a fool to think you and Lady Julia could stay in the same house with all the history between you.”
Henry felt like he had been punched in the stomach. He didn’t want to leave Warren House, he enjoyed being around the loving family and seeing the children. Hell, he enjoyed seeing her. A part of Henry was thrilled at seeing Julia whenever he wanted, although she wasn’t speaking to him, just a glimpse of her soothed his aching heart. He was mucking it all up with his temper. “Karrington, I will apologize to Lady Julia for my part in the argument. I will, of course, leave if you wish it. You are like a brother to me. I do not wish to be a burden.” He inhaled and pulled at his cravat. “I just ask that I get to see the children. One of the reasons I returned was to get to know Emily and the boys. I feel terrible for not knowing any of them…”
“You are not terrible. You were just lost for a moment. You’re back now, and you should make the most of it.” Karrington turned and stared out of the small carriage window. “I know what it’s like to shut yourself out from everything, to blame yourself for things out of your control.”
They all were silent, no one acknowledging what Karrington had said. Finally, Henry released a heavy sigh. “I think White has taken my uncle and mother for a fool.”
“I believe you are correct,” Elijah agreed. “I spent twenty years of my life at sea and never have I once heard of a Pomais.”
Karrington nodded his agreement. “I’ve suspected that for some time actually, and more so now that there has been no word from the settlers who left six months ago.” He took a deep breath and leaned his head back.
“I’ll have to meet with my former solicitor and see if he will take me back.” Henry massaged his head, wishing all of it was nothing but a dream.
“If he cannot, mine will. Ramsey has already been looking into White and Stanford’s activities. It seems the loan Mr. Stanford acquired from the bank caused a bit of a stir. Your mother and uncle weren’t the only ones who were taken advantage of.”
Elijah turned toward Karrington, his eyes wide. “How many others are there?”
“Two hundred people set sail to Pomais last October. I believe another four hundred are due to sail in June.” Karrington shifted his large body on the luxurious seat and released a groan of frustration.
“What’s wrong?” Henry tried to look out of the window when the carriage came to a stop.
“The grandparents are here. Prepare yourselves. They may never leave. Ever since we started taking care of Emily, they have been impossible to dispose of.” Karrington threw his head back in exasperation as the carriage door opened.
Elijah laughed at the man. “You truly have a full life, Karrington. I envy you.”
“Thank you, but as you see, it is a very hectic one. I wouldn’t trade it for another, but I wouldn’t mind a moment of peace from the grandparents, especially the grandmothers.” The door opened and Karrington was the first to depart followed by the other two men.
Henry tried to contain a chuckle at seeing his friend so flustered by the two older women. “Surely they aren’t that bothersome?”
“When we discovered that Livie was with child, they refused to leave until Teddy was born, and then once he arrived, they still wouldn’t leave.” They all began walking up the stairs where Dayton was waiting. Henry found it quite difficult to hold in his laughter. “I practically had to throw them out,” Karrington whispered as they entered into the foyer.
“If you both will excuse me for a moment. I will meet your family later if that is agreeable with you, Karrington?” Elijah asked, waiting for an answer.
“Of course. If only I could escape them,” Karrington teased, shaking his head.
Henry and Karrington walked further into the house until they reached the large parlor where they entertained guests. Mother Di and Lady Hempstead sat on the floor with the children huddled around a large book. Livie sat on the end of the sofa with little Frederick, Hempstead sat beside her, and Prescott sat in an armchair, smiling at the entire scene.
Henry raised an eyebrow at his friend. It seemed that the grandparents did not care for propriety at all when it came to their grandchildren.
A string pulled at Henry’s heart to know that they included Amelia’s child as one of their own. His lips twitched, wanting to smile. His sister would love to know that her daughter had a home full of people who loved her when she, herself, never knew a loving family.
Karrington walked farther into the parlor to greet his wife and infant son. He bent down and kissed the top of her head, an act that seemed rather intimate to Henry, but he was quickly learning that the duke and duchess were very affectionate in the confines of their home.
“Ah, Heartford, old boy! Welcome back!” Prescott rose from the sofa, took Henry by the hand, and pulled him in for a half hug and a hearty pat on the back.
