So, everyone knew. It appeared Oliver had made good on his promise to report the truth. Yet he did not know the whole truth, for she had yet to tell him of the ledger and diary. How would he react to the fact he was to get back the capital his brother had invested in the speculation? Surely, that would make him happy. Surely then they would be on even terms. But first she had to release him from whatever duty he may feel towards her. Set him free as she had been set free. It was only fair.
Marie returned with a maid and together they helped Lisbeth dress before moving into her sitting room to sit near the cheery fire with a cup of tea. Marie sat happily with her, chatting.
“My dear Fenwick’s face was comical when I told him it was Dalmere all along who had killed Blackhurst. My husband is dear to me but sometimes he can be very narrow-minded. Dalmere had everyone fooled as to his character, it seemed.”
Lisbeth smiled and indicated for something to write on. Marie jumped up and went to Lisbeth’s writing desk in the corner and bought the small table over for her. Lisbeth took up a pencil and wrote, Where is Bellamy?
“At home or at his club, I suspect. Grandmother insisted he go home and change his clothes and stop hanging around like a lost dog in need of scraps. She said he could return this afternoon when you were rested.”
Grandmother is here?Lisbeth wrote. She wasn’t sure why she felt a thrill run through her. Was it because her grandmother cared enough to be here, for her? Lady Fortesque was a force to be reckoned with on a normal day. Today was not a normal day. She had to admit she was somewhat relieved her grandmother thought to come over and take on the household duties leaving the nursing to Marie. Lisbeth’s grandmother had never been the type to dote.
Marie laughed. “Oh yes, she is downstairsterrorizingyour staff. Rollands is quite put out.” Marie rolled her eyes.
She mustn’t dismiss anyone. They are my staff.Lisbeth would not repay her loyal staff by having the wrath of her grandmother’s viperous tongue upon them.
Marie patted her hand. “Of course. Don’t fret. Your servants are safe. She is just ensuring the house does not fall down around your ears because the coal wasn’t ordered or the menu not organized.”
Well, that made sense. However, Lisbeth was not completely useless just because she could not talk. The sooner she was back in charge the better she would feel.
When is the doctor due?Lisbeth wrote next. The sooner she was given permission from the doctor to talk, the sooner her new life could begin. The thought of sharing it with Oliver sent her pulse to skittering erratically and her whole body to feelingwarm. Would the mere thought of him do this to her in years to come? She had the distinct feeling it might.
“The doctor said he would be here at eleven so not long now.” Marie got up and smiled down at Lisbeth. “I am so glad you are all right. I don’t know what I would have done had Dalmere taken you from us. Wretched man. I hope they hang him.”
Yesterday, she would have wholeheartedly agreed. Now? There was a time when there had been a real danger she might have met the same fate. The difference being that he had committed the crime and she had not. Still, she felt uneasy about sending another person to their death. Blackhurst had done a heinous thing to the investors of the speculation, but did he deserve death? Blackhurst had treated her terribly and unjustly but as much as she had on many occasions wished him to Hades she had never considered murder.
I am glad you are here too. You are doing such a good job of looking after me.
Marie hugged her. “Well, it is the least I can do considering all that has happened between us. I should never have doubted you. I know you have forgiven me, but I still feel… miserable about the whole thing.” Marie seemed surprised by her tears and turned away.
Lisbeth took her hand and showed her what she had written.Please don’t cry. I am just so happy to have you, Fenwick, little Michael, and Grandmother back in my life. That is all I need right now.
Marie gazed at her with moist eyes. “What about Bellamy? You still love him, don’t you?”
Lisbeth bent her head and scribbled frantically on the paper.Yes, I do, but first I have to let him go. If he loves me too then maybe we have a future together.
“What is this talk of letting him go? Of course he loves you. You must tell him and be done with it.” Marie reached for theteapot. “Now, come have some more tea. We cannot have you fading away. Grandmother would kill me!”
*
The doctor announcedLisbeth was doing well, but it was better for her not to try and speak for the rest of the week. She had hoped for a better result but at least he wasn’t saying she would never talk again.
She spent a good half hour trying to compose her note to Oliver. Marie’s words spun around her mind trying to find a comfortable spot.Just tell him and be done with it?She couldn’t just blurt it out. She had so much to tell him, about the ledger, about her decision to give the investors back their capital, her need to know that he was with her because he loved her too and not because he felt some misguided duty toward her.
Her floor was soon littered with paper balls of varying sizes depending on how bad her attempt had been. Eventually she decided on firstly releasing him, then when she had done that, she would be able to gage how best to proceed with her declaration of love.
Dearest Oliver
I can never repay you for all you have done for me. Now the truth is known by all I think it only fair that I release you from our agreement.
With affection,
LC
Simple was best. Marie had said to be direct. Lisbeth thought if Oliver had any questions she would simply write the answers down for him, but she felt her note clear enough. She wantedthere to be no feeling of obligation between them. She wanted him to be sure it was she he wanted. It was she he loved.
*
Oliver wore hisbest frock coat. He wanted to be well-dressed when he asked Lisbeth to marry him. When he told her his heart was hers. What had happened in the last few days had made his feelings clear. He loved her. He smiled at the thought of her face beaming with joy. At how she would fling herself into his arms and kiss him. Tears of happiness escaping her amazing blue eyes.
