She found herself strangely comforted by the idea that someone in the world wanted to defend her like this. She let out a shaky breath.
"You needn't trouble yourself. He will face justice."
Oliver shifted just enough to angle his head down towards hers. He pressed a gentle, lingering kiss to her hair, just above her temple.
"No one will hurt you again," he whispered, "Not while I live. I promise you, Alethea."
She closed her eyes. How often had she dreamed in the darkness of the dormitory for someone,anyone, to come and vow such a thing? The realization overwhelmed her in the best way.
No one spoke for a long time.
"Oliver," she murmured finally, now letting the sleep take over, "I feel safe with you."
It was the closest she could come to sayingthank youandI care for you deeply.
"You are safe with me," he whispered against her hair. "You should invite your friends from the nunnery to visit you."
"Do you really mean that?" Alethea was surprised. She had feared that he would be repulsed from her past, but he had proven her wrong once more.
"I think it might be good for you. You shared this experience with them," he nodded. "And they understand it better than I do."
"You understand now more than the rest," she smiled. "But I shall take up your advice."
"Think about it," he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead again.
When sleep finally came that night, it was a rare night without nightmares for Alethea. Perhaps it was because Oliver never let go of his grip on her, but that night, she slept the best that she had in years.
It felt as though a weight had been lifted off her chest.
CHAPTER 12
"The guests are expected to arrive at any moment."
The words sounded more like a dream for Alethea, sounded by one of the staff members. Today she would reunite with her dearest friends. Though, it made her nervous to think that so much had changed in the days since she had seen them last.
She stepped closer to the window, pushing aside a sheer curtain to peer out at the drive. Any moment now, their carriage would arrive. If only her stomach would settle. Alethea took a breath and exhaled slowly, reminding herself that these ladies were not strangers from thetonshe had to impress; they were her sisters in everything but blood.
"Your Grace," came a soft voice from the doorway. It was the housekeeper. "Would you like us to bring in the tea service now, or shall we await your guests' arrival?"
Alethea turned, offering the woman a grateful smile.
"Thank you. I think it best to wait until they've arrived, so everything will be warm. But have the maids on standby, please. My friends might be hungry after the journey."
"Very good, Your Grace." the housekeeper hesitated for a moment. "How wonderful that you will have visitors. We shall ensure they feel quite at home."
Home.Alethea's heart warmed. It was true that this was her home now.
A sudden crunch of carriage wheels on the gravel drive outside sent Alethea rushing back to the window. They were here!
Without a second thought, Alethea lifted her skirts and hurried out to the entrance. The carriage door opened and out leapt Temperance first. The moment her bright eyes met Alethea's, she let out a little cry of joy.
"Alethea!" she exclaimed, striding forward.
Then followed Prudence. She gasped in delight at the sight of Alethea and pressed a gloved hand to her lips.
Maria descended next, mirroring the reactions of the other two.
And then finally, Charity emerged last. Her mannerisms were calmer than the rest but Alethea knew her well enough to know that it was not due to a lack of excitement, merely years of being denied safe ways of showing her feelings.
