He searched her eyes for the longest time; then, nodding, he called to the defender, ‘Let the merchant through.’ Turning away, he returned to his horse.
Blake’s feet felt like they were shackled and weighted as she stood there in the rain, suddenly doubting her ability to leave. She wanted him to come back and take hold of her again, to crush her bones until they were dust in his hands. But before she could move in either direction, she heard his horse canter away.
Chapter 28
The lecture Blake endured from her mother upon her return was enough to make her wish she had remained at Harlan’s house—and that was saying something.
Not one for drama, Eda went out into the courtyard, and Lyndal remained in the room as mediator.
‘If you think your uncle will not find out about your little escapade, you are wrong.’ Candace brought a hand to her brow, eyes closing. ‘The thing that I cannot get my head around is that you are smarter than this. You must have known this affair would not end well.’
The word ‘affair’ did not seem to fit. To have everything they felt reduced to one cheap word was devastating. ‘Can we not make such a big deal about this? It’s done. Finished.’
Her mother threw her hands up. ‘As are any future prospects. Word will travel. It is hard enough finding a suitable husband without these added complexities.’
Added complexities. That was what the past few days of playing, fishing, learning, and loving had been reduced to.
‘Have you no shame?’ her mother asked, close to tears now.
She had more shame than she could stomach.
Lyndal cleared her throat. ‘I’m sure everything was above board and the pair were chaperoned throughout her stay.’ She gave Blake an encouraging nod.
Blake looked out the shop window and sighed. ‘Whatever I tell you won’t change the facts, nor Uncle’s opinion of me, so what’s the point in lying?’
Candace released a breath. ‘Reckless. Reckless and selfish. Has our family not suffered enough these past few years?’
The only person suffering was Blake. Not only had her heart been completely shattered, but now her mind was being picked apart. ‘I’d like to change.’
Candace looked her over. ‘I suggest you burn the dress. Your sister does not have the time or energy required to wash out that much sin.’
Blake closed her eyes and refrained from covering her ears, then walked off towards the bedroom. Lyndal followed, taking hold of her arm once they were out of sight.
Blake spun around. ‘Don’t grab at me!’ She brought a trembling hand to her aching arm, where Harlan’s hand had been earlier.
Lyndal gestured to the bedroom. ‘Go.’ She closed the door behind them. ‘All right. Out with it.’
‘Out with what?’
‘All of it.’
Blake stared at the collar of her sister’s dress. ‘I made a mistake, and I don’t want to talk about it.’
Lyndal crossed her arms. ‘But the mistake was your choice, yes? He didn’t take advantage of you, did he?’
‘No, of course not.’
Lyndal looked her up and down. ‘Then why do you look like death warmed up? Shouldn’t you be glowing or something after your romantic rendezvous?’
‘I really don’t want to talk about it.’
Lyndal led her to the bed and guided her down onto it. ‘Mother will get past it. You know she’s not one for grudges.’
It was not her mother’s feelings that Blake was worried about. She was more concerned thatshewould never get past it.
‘Do you regret it?’ Lyndal asked, taking Blake’s hands in hers. ‘Is that it?’
Even after everything, Blake could not bring herself to regret any part of it. ‘No.’ The word came out as a whisper.
