Ava-Marie seemed to accept this, but Farah noted the concern on Ivy’s face. All of them were likely thinking about Courtney, and what Lucien’s return would mean to her. Did Ivy think she’d made a move on Lucien? How could she think that? Courtney was her friend, too.
Ivy addressed Caitria. “Will you and Ava-Marie be all right here while we pay a visit to Lady Courtney? There are plenty of toys in the nursery, and the garden is extensive. She might wish to play outside after being in a carriage for so long.”
“Of course. A picnic lunch in the garden might be nice.”
Farah watched the exchange with a soft smile, grateful for the distraction Ava-Marie provided. It was a reminder of the simpler joys in life, even amid the complexities and fears she faced. She caught Ashley’s eye and saw a flicker of understanding there, a silent acknowledgment of the shared burdens and the strength found in family and friends.
“While we wait for Lady Tiffany, how about we have some tea and cakes?” Ashley suggested, answering for the little girl who was facing such an upheaval in her life. “I know there’s a delicious lemon cake in the kitchen, and it’s just waiting for us to enjoy it.”
Ava-Marie’s eyes lit up at the mention of cake. “Yes, please!”
As they settled into a more relaxed atmosphere, the tension of the earlier conversation ebbed away. Farah concentrated on entertaining Ava-Marie so that Caitria could talk with Ashley and Ivy. To Farah’s relief, the three ladies seemed to be on the road to becoming firm friends.
Halfway through Ava-Marie’s second piece of cake, Tiffany arrived with gloves and hat on, ready for them to depart. Farah could see the concern etched on her friend’s face. Their visit to Courtney was going to be difficult.
*
As they enteredthe carriage, Ashley turned to her and asked, “What went on between you and Lucien to make him interested in you?”
She would not feel guilty about this. It wasn’t her fault. “He learned I did not wish to marry Rockwell, even if I faced a scandal. He also knew I was the daughter of a duke and had a large dowry. He decided I might be the answer to his problems. I had accepted his daughter and I’m the only woman of quality he knows whom he can be himself with. He is not in love with me or anything like that. I’m merely convenient.”
“Convenient? Oh, goodness, did he ask you to marry him?” Ivy’s face went pale as Farah remained silent.
Ashley nodded. “I can see how it makes sense to him.”
“There is no need to tell Courtney anything about his offer of marriage. He didn’t even know at that point about Courtney. He knows about her now though, because Rockwell told him.”
“Rockwell? That’s interesting. I wonder why he felt the need to reveal Lucien’s engagement to Courtney?” Farah tried to ignore Tiffany’s knowing smile. Rockwell might have feelings for her, but it wasn’t enough. It wasn’t love.
It was only a few minutes’ ride to Lady Courtney’s house. As the ladies gathered outside the building, none of them were looking forward to this conversation. It should be a happy visit sharing good news, but Lucien’s lost memory changed everything.
The ladies were shown to the drawing room while they waited for Courtney. Everyone fell silent as Courtney entered, her eyes quickly scanning their solemn faces. Farah’s heart ached, knowing the news they were about to deliver would at first answer her prayers, but then just might shatter her friend’s world.
“What’s happened?” Courtney asked, her voice trembling slightly. “You’re all looking at me as if someone has died.”
Farah stepped forward, taking Courtney’s hands in hers. “Courtney, my dear friend, please sit down. We have some rather shocking news to share with you.”
As Courtney sank into the nearest chair, Farah could see the fear building in her eyes. Tiffany moved to sit beside her, while Ivy and Ashley hovered nearby, their faces etched with concern.
Farah took a deep breath, steeling herself. “Courtney, it’s about Lucien. He’s… he’s alive.”
The color drained from Courtney’s face. For a moment, she sat perfectly still, as if frozen in time. Then a small, choked sob escaped her lips. “Oh, that’s…that’s… Alive? But…how? Where? I don’t understand.” But her mouth couldn’t smile any wider. “I knew if I waited…”
Tiffany wrapped an arm around Courtney’s shoulders as Farah continued, her voice soft. “Rockwell found him in Ireland. He’s been living there for the past five years, but Courtney, there’s more you need to know.”
She watched her smile die. “He’s been living there for five years?” Courtney had quickly worked out that if he were alive, he’d left her and everyone he supposedly loved. Courtney’s eyes, brimming with tears, met Farah’s. “Why didn’t he come home?”
Farah swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her next words. “Lucien suffered a head injury during the rebellion. He…he has no memory of his life before waking up in Ireland. He doesn’t remember any of us, or…or you.”
A heart-wrenching cry tore from Courtney’s throat. She crumpled forward, her body shaking with sobs. Tiffany held her tightly, tears streaming down her own face.
“Who found him? How did this happen?” Courtney asked through sobs.
“When Rockwell went to Ireland to retrieve my money, he thought he saw Lucien. So a week ago, he sailed back to Ireland and found him. They arrived home last night. Lucien’s meeting his family right now. It’s all overwhelming for him. We’re all strangers to him,” Tiffany ended softly.
“It’s not fair,” Courtney wailed between gasps. “All these years, I’ve mourned him, loved him, waited for him. And now he’s back, but he doesn’t even know who I am?”
Ashley knelt before Courtney, taking her hands. “We’re here for you, Courtney. We’ll help you through this, whatever you decide to do.”
