She’d expected Cheverley. She had not expected Simon.
“Hello, Alicia.” Simon looked guilty.
My, he’d changed. He was looking more and more like Octavius. “It’s wonderful to see you, dear.” Three years past, Simon would have jumped into her arms. This tidy young man was much more reserved. “And such a surprise.”
“Yes.” Simon winced. “I imagine you are surprised.”
“If you have come to visit your niece, I heartily approve.” Alicia’s gaze slid to Cheverley. “The countess told me about the trust. Be good to Octavia, Simon. Your brother loved her.”
Simon exhaled. “You’re a good sort.”
“Yes, well.” Alicia looked away. “Aunt Hester will be your challenge.”
Simon shifted his feet. “I haven’t yet been to call.”
Alicia raised a brow. “She would love to see you.”
Simon nodded.
“Go on,” Alicia urged. “Go visit your family.”
“If you wait,” Cheverley spoke for the first time, “you can join us on the return.”
Alicia shook her head no.
“Mr. Stone, you go on.” Cheverley opened the door and hopped down from the carriage. “I will accompany Lady Stone to the posting inn.”
Simon agreed. Alicia covered her face as the carriage wheels kicked up dirt. When the dust had settled, she turned to Cheverley.
“Did Ashbey do this for me?”
“For you? No.” Cheverley squinted at something over her shoulder. “Because of you? Almost certainly.” He looked back. “Simon is young yet. Easily influenced. I was concerned about placing Octavia in Simon’s care.”
“Why didn’t you set up the trust?”
“Captain Smith does not exist.” Cheverley cocked his head. “Ashbey never intended you to know about the trust. Some nonsense about not wanting you to think he was trying to buy your good will.”
She looked away. “The countess is not the soul of discretion.”
“And,” Cheverley chuckled, “no one expected you to visit your husband’s mistress.”
Alicia shrugged. “I had letters belonging to her.”
“You’ve a good heart.”
Alicia’s lips twisted. “So I keep hearing.”
“The question is—is your heart big enough to allow Ashbey a second chance?”
She frowned. “Why are you defending him?”
“He’s loyal, for one. I’ve been gone for six long years. He’s taken care of my wife, helped with my son. He need not have done either.”
Alicia’s eyes stung.
“He believes himself cursed. He believes he will destroy anyone close.”
“Are you saying he was protecting me?”
