“But it’s my fault he angered Lockley,” Olivia corrected her. “If your brother hadn’t sent the baron away than he never would have pressured you.” Olivia remembered how the baron had touched her, how he’d tried forcing her. “Did he…?”
Lady Priscilla shook her head. “No! He said he would that night. Thank God the wheel broke! And then Kingsley and Crawford arrived. And Kingsley was so brave.” And then she broke down sobbing.
“Death was too good for Baron Lockley.” Olivia stared out the window as she held Gabriel’s sister in her arms. As the young woman’s sobs ebbed, a ray of sunlight slid across the room.
Perhaps bad things had nothing to do with curses. Perhaps bad people simply made bad things happen.
That and a little bad luck.
Not a curse, though, just life. Everyone had burdens to carry. Even perfectly lovely ladies with perfectly normal families.
Perhaps her father had merely needed some explanation as to why he’d sired a child who was so very far from perfect. And perhaps he’d needed some explanation for why his son had died.
Perhaps she wasn’t a curse after all.
Chapter 32
Farewell, My Friend
Olivia tappedat the door and Mr. Fritz opened it slowly. She’d been coming for the past four nights and he’d never once denied her entry. In fact, he welcomed her each time.
He said his lordship rested easier when she was present.
“The fever remains?” she whispered.
“Unfortunately, yes. But I’m willing to wager it breaks tonight.” Olivia smiled at his optimistic outlook. “You’re certain you’re not too tired, My Lady?”
And the sunny valet insisted upon addressing her thusly. “Miss Redfield,” she corrected him for the thousandth time, but he only smiled.
“I do hope you are correct.” Olivia gathered the fresh linens and sat them by the bed along with a basin of water. She and Gabriel’s valet had developed something of a routine the past few nights.
“Mark my words. You’re just the medicine he needs.”
Olivia smiled sadly over her shoulder. The valet would not be offended that she didn’t wish to talk. All her attention wanted only to focus upon Gabriel. “Thank you.” She didn’t know what she’d have done if Mr. Fritz hadn’t understood her need… If he hadn’t realized…
“I’ll be here in the dressing room. Just come get me if anyone knocks.”
She touched Gabriel’s forehead, hot again, but perhaps not as hot as it had been before? She pulled back the covers and bathed his arms and torso with the cool wet cloth, all the while whispering words of encouragement. When she was finished, she drew the covers back up and lifted the ones by his feet so she could do the same to his legs.
Something felt lighter inside her tonight. Freedom. An absolution.
And Gabriel’s skin was cooling.
Tears silently streamed down her face.
Happy tears.
She pulled back the cover gain and climbed onto the bed beside him. She would hold him tonight.
One last night.
Chapter 33
ALondon Ball
Crawford’s new carriage,a gift to his wife, was a dream. Plush leather interior, shiny fixtures, and the best springs that money could buy.
Even so, a few deep ruts and rocks managed to jar the vehicle’s occupants. The last time Olivia had departed on an adventure, they had been traveling to Sky Manor.
