Lisbeth’s whole body was shaking with emotions she knew not how to control. She felt Bellamy’s hand on her shoulder, warm and secure. She wanted to turn and bury her face in his chest and let him comfort her but there was still her sister staring at her like she could not quite believe this was happening. Lisbeth couldn’t believe it, either, but she wanted this so badly. Badly enough to forgive everything?
“Yes,” Lisbeth said. “Yes, I forgive you, Grandmamma.”
Marie was flushed, her eyes glassy with unshed tears and no doubt confusion and anger. “What can I do? You ask too much.” Marie said. “Defy my husband or go with my heart? He will not like the scandal.”
“I will speak to Fenwick. He will see reason, even if he does not like it,” Lady Fortesque replied.
Oh, to have her grandmother’s confidence that everyone would do as she wished. However, Marie’s plea gave Lisbeth hope that her sister was not completely opposed to reconciliation. That fear of displeasing her husband, more than anything, was holding her back.
“Do you really think he will listen?” Marie said now, looking between both her grandmother and Lisbeth. Lady Fortesque nodded. Marie bit down on her lower lip, hope flaring in her eyes as she took a step towards Lisbeth.
“Beth, I have dreamed of you so many times. Of bumping into you in the street or in a shop, anything just to see you. Even if I could not talk to you, just to see your face again was all I wanted for so long. On my wedding day I pretended you were there.”
“It was my wish as well,” Lisbeth said. “And I was there on your wedding day, outside in my carriage. I would never have missed your special day.”
Marie released a sob and flew into Lisbeth’s arms.
Lisbeth held her for a long time. Her heart was beating so fast she felt faint, but she didn’t care because she was so happy.
“I’ve been such a coward. I’m so sorry, Beth, so very sorry…”
“Shh, my darling. It wasn’t your fault. You were too young to understand. I will never leave you again. I promise.”
Oliver had watchedthe scene before him unfold in a great deal of discomfort. He did not belong here. He walked out of the box as soon as he could and finally felt his breath return. Two disturbing interludes in as many days had given him palpitations. All these family reunions were well and good for Lisbeth, even if they were dramatically over-emotional. He was happy for her, but it brought home to him the sad fact there would be no family reunions for him and that he had limited time with the one family member he had left.
He had never felt more alone than at this very moment. He closed his eyes and tried to picture his brother’s face, to no avail. He rubbed at his chest, at the familiar ache there whenever he thought of Henry. He’d lost his family; he knew how abandonment felt. But he had abandoned Henry, too. He hadrun away to war because he couldn’t stand being in the way with nothing to do. He should have stayed, helped Henry, learned from his brother, and taken some responsibility. Instead, he had left everything to his brother to deal with. Now he knew how hard it must have been for him.
Lady Fortesque stuck her head out of the curtains and eyed him. “It is quite safe to return now, Bellamy.”
He turned towards her and saw that she was smiling. It looked slightly peculiar on her, probably because her face was unaccustomed to the act. For Heaven’s sake, this smiling thing was beginning to be a habit for Lisbeth and her relations.
“Are you sure? Because I am not sure I can handle any more tears.”
“Honestly, I was beginning to think Marie addled. I am not used to being questioned.”
“Young ladies can afford to be addled in circumstances such as this. Don’t you think?”
“Quite. And old ladies, too. There is hope for you yet, Bellamy. Come. The lights are going down.” She waved him inside.
Lisbeth came and took his arm, looking up at him as if to gage his demeanor. He smiled down at her, wanting to assure her that he was fine, even if it was not what he felt. She smiled and sat him on the left of her. He patted her hand on his sleeve, and she squeezed his arm tightly.
“Happy, Countess?” he asked.
“Yes, very. Thank you for bringing me here.”
“It had little to do with me. I simply do what I am told as per your always delightful schedule.”
“Since when?” Her eyes were all merriment and joy.
He liked her eyes sparkling like this. He imagined even diamonds of the first water paled in comparison to the beauty ofher eyes. “Since… well, fine, you have me there.” He gave her his cheekiest smile.
Lisbeth raised a brow.
“Principle, my dear. A man cannot be under the thumb, you know. It’s bad for his liver, or is that his spleen?”
“And we can’t have that.”
“Indeed, we cannot. Now, be a good girl and watch your opera. I will be asking questions later.”
