“Esther, listen to me.” At the door, Father held up the case he carried. “Deliver this to Mr. Wallace Hobart the moment you’re settled at Grosvenor. He’s a barrister working for Lord Whatham. I’ve sent word of your journey to his office, and he’ll be expecting you.”
“Wallace Hobart? Lord Berksham’s son?”
Father handed the case to Isaac, who carried it out the carriage. “Yes, poor lad, the youngest of three boys. No title or land for him to inherit. Perhaps some money. He’s a clever one, I hear. Earned brilliant marks at Cambridge. Has a keen eye for finances. Lord Whatham hired him as his barrister, to oversee—”
“His accounts and investments?”
Father’s cheeks paled. “Indeed.” He placed his hands on her shoulders. “I will miss you, my dear, darling daughter, but I am doing what is best for you. I know I am in the right.”
“I fear I must disagree with you, Father. I believe I know what isrightfor me.”
In a few moments she was to ride to Charles Town with Isaac and Sassy, board a private packet,Glorious, and sail to London.
“I am older and wiser.”
“What if I refuse to board the ship?” she said. “What if I return to Ninety Six and lodge with one of my friends?”
“Esther, I do not have the fortitude to go round with you. Pleasesay your good-byes and climb into the carriage. Do you have all of your possessions?”
“All of my possessions?” She studied her father. The morning light falling through the open door cast a ghostly light on his sallow complexion. “Why would I need them? I’ve only packed enough for a few months with Mother.”
“Esther, I asked you to take all of your things.” Father sat in a nearby chair and appeared to fade before her eyes. “Sassy,” he called with a great effort of breath, “did you not see to her packing?”
Sassy came down the hall, tugging on her gloves. “Yes, sir, Sir Michael. I packed most everything. I’ll have to ship some of the gowns.”
“Everything? Father?” Esther knelt beside him, cupping her hand on his arm. “I am returning to Slathersby Hill, am I not? When the war is over? Hamilton will wonder—”
“Hamilton Lightfoot is a cripple who cannot walk!” Father found his voice with enough energy to boom at her like a war cannon. “He is not for you, Esther. Please, you must come to your senses. You are not a schoolgirl running the fields with your playmate. You have obligations and a right, a right I tell you, to marry well. To be established in society. Besides, you heard Mary Lightfoot. Hamilton will not hold you to any commitments or declarations. Nor will he honor any of his.” Father shoved up from the chair, escorting Esther to the veranda. “Now hurry. Climb into the carriage. You have no time to delay.”
But she could not take the first step toward this new venture. She shivered, locking her hands together at her waist. Mother had once abandoned her, and now Father was leaving her as well. Sending her away. His heart felt so distant from her, a sensation she’d never experienced with him.
He held her gently and kissed her forehead. “Give my love to your mother. I’ll see you soon.”
As Father started back to the library, Esther turned to Sassy. “What has he said to you?” She held herself in reserve, fearing she’d simply fly apart. “Am I never returning?”
“My dear girl, I’m not sure there will be a Slathersby Hill in the future.” Sassy shuffled out the door, two large cases in hand, calling to her husband. “Come, take these, my dear.”
Esther charged through the foyer and burst through the library’s closed door. “Father, you must tell me. What is going on?”
“You are traveling home, to be with your mother, to be safe.”
“Father! Tell me!” She slammed her fist down on his desk. “I will not leave until you—”
“Esther!” He stood, toppling his chair, his ire flaring. “Will you leave me with some dignity? Can I live out my failings without you demanding an intimate account?”
“Failings? What failings?”
“If only the world were as simple as you see it.” His eyes brimmed, and she pressed her cheek agent his chest.
“What is it? Tell me.”
His hand settled tenderly on her back. “Keep your innocence, my dear. Guard the kindness and tenderness of your heart. Let not fear nor greed or selfish ambition take hold.”
Warm tears slipped down her cheeks. “How can I leave you now? You are my father, my dearest friend. You need me. Whatever you face, we shall face it together.”
“I need you to go. To carry that case to Wallace Hobart.” Father held her at arm’s length now, his pale cheeks flushed and his breathing labored. “Please do as I bid, Esther, and do not let the case from your sight.”
She rested her forehead on his broad chest, her heart breaking, her thoughts wild, searching for a solution. “Send Isaac with the case—”
