Karrington’s eyes blazed, but Henry didn’t care. He needed answers. “No, Karrington. I want some answers! If he loved her so damn much why did he marry Josephine? Why didn’t he try to claim Emily as his child when the gossips slandered her mother?” He pointed at Windchester who sat rigid in his chair. “You owe me an explanation! My sister is dead because she had a child by you.”
The words lingered in the small room.
Windchester’s body sagged in his seat. When he looked up at Henry, his eyes were watery, tears pooling in their depths. It shocked him to see his friend in such a state. He knew that look. He saw it every day he looked in the mirror these past three years. It was the look of a man unable to save somebody he loved.
“I love my daughter. That’s why I left her with Karrington and Livie. The duchess was already attached and taking care of her like a mother. I couldn’t even look at her without seeing Amelia. I had failed her on so many levels when I didn’t convince her to marry me and when I married Josephine for the money. The day Amelia died I should’ve gone with her to that damn townhouse!” The earl’s voice rose. “If I had been there, I could’ve stopped it, but I wasn’t. I was too late …” He trailed off.
Henry felt the heaviness of his friend’s words and the situation surrounding them both. It was as if they were the only two people at the table, their grief identical, their pain and regrets the same.
“You forget, I was in that townhouse as it burned around us, as it consumed her because she was tied up in the fucking parlor…I couldn’t save her either.” Henry’s hands trembled with the memories.
Karrington released a weary sigh. “Neither one of you is to blame for Lady Evers’ death. She risked her life for that little girl, and in some ways, she risked her life for Livie. I’ll be forever in her debt. She knew that Livie could save Emily.” A sad smile tugged at his lips. “She was so brave and strong at the end of it all. The both of you should be honored that you loved her while she was here. Emily needs her father and her uncle to get along, but if not, she will always have me and Livie.”
“He’s right,” Elijah said in his deep voice, a hint of his African roots coming through. “I didn’t know this Amelia, but I see the effect she has had on all of you. Someone who touched so many people, and still has an effect on everyone three years after her death, deserves to be remembered, but not like this. Remember how she lived and loved.” His penetrating gaze went from Henry to Windchester, lingering on each man for a long second, but it felt like hours. “I don’t believe someone as loved and remembered as she, would want you two fighting with each other, especially over her. If you learn anything from Amelia, learn that life is too short to waste.” His deep brown eyes bore into each and every one of them at the table.
“Hear, hear. Well said, man, well said,” Karrington called, raising his drink.
The men raised their glasses and clinked them together. None of them said her name, but they knew it was in her honor—Amelia.
Henry turned to Elijah, thankful for his friendship. “Any luck at Karrington’s solicitor?” Elijah had recruited the man to help locate his sister.
Elijah shook his head sadly. “Nothing. My sister was an indentured servant in Viscount Bollingbrook’s household but was released after the old viscount died. It seems once she left, she hasn’t worked anywhere else.” He paused to stare off, deep in thought. “Karrington’s solicitor has hired Bow Street Runners to find her. I can take comfort in knowing she at least is no longer a servant.”
“How can you be sure?” Windchester poured himself another drink.
“The servant we spoke to hasn’t heard from her and did not believe that she took on another position. Viscount Bollingbrook was not home to answer our inquiries, but we did learn that she was released after the old viscount died.” Elijah stroked his smooth cheek, his dark eyes pensive. “I know something isn’t right. The servant looked as though she wanted to tell me something.”
“Perhaps we should return on another day,” Henry told his friend, knowing that Elijah wanted to find his sister more than anything.
“I’m not that close to the new Viscount Bollingbrook. But he does frequent the gaming hell I attend, since he inherited last year. He’s much closer to St. Clara, but I could speak to Bollingbrook on your behalf if you would like.” Windchester sat forward and placed his elbows on the table.
“That would be most appreciated, Windchester. Thank you,” Elijah said sincerely.
Windchester nodded then reached for the decanter again but was stopped short when Karrington moved it out of reach.
“No more. I don’t want you foxed when you see Emily or my wife.” Karrington’s stern tone brooked no argument.
“I must say this, a well-situated Karrington is something I never thought I would ever see.” Henry was still shocked by the transformation that his oldest friend had made in less than three years.
“Livie has him by the bollocks,” Windchester added, making the other occupants of the room laugh.
“Say whatever you must, but I am too fortunate to care.” Karrington sat up a little straighter in his chair, the look on his face full of happiness and contentment.
Henry envied his friend. Karrington had found love and peace in a world full of cruelty and hate. He did not allow it to consume him; on the contrary, he had fought for his duchess and won.
Henry felt motivated by his friend. He too would fight for the woman he loved and prevail.
Julia followed Livie through the house. She moved at an alarmingly fast pace, giving instructions like a military commander to the housekeeper. Mrs. Tewksbury was a sturdy woman in her late forties who kept stride with Livie better than Julia. The dogs, Happy and Sunny, followed at Livie’s feet, barking every so often for attention.
“I am sorry to throw this dinner party on you at the last minute, especially with the ball at the end of the Season, but it can’t be helped.” Livie rushed out her words and glanced up at the large grandfather clock in the hall.
“Never you mind, Your Grace. We will always be ready at a moment’s notice for you and the duke.” The woman seemed to soothe Livie’s frazzled nerves as she relaxed for a fraction of a second.
“Yes, I know. That’s why I can always depend on you and the staff,” Livie said.
“Your Grace, I’ve begun hiring extra help for the ball. Young Duncan has a sweetheart, but she is rather shy of her betters.” Mrs. Tewksbury lowered her voice to a whisper. “It seems she’s had a bad experience with both men and women.”
“Oh, how dreadful.” Livie placed a hand over her abdomen.
