Yes, Elizabeth was graceful. Elegant. She was indeed a result of her mother’s meticulous efforts. But he doubted it was vanity alone that urged her to raise her daughter in such a manner.
James softened his tone. “Elizabeth loved her mother. She’d want us to make the best of things. Mrs. Towler is alone. Think of how awful that would be. If it weren’t for Briarton Park, where would she go?”
Rachel scoffed. “She is very high and mighty for someone who has nowhere to go.”
“She’s family.”
“She’s notmyfamily.”
“She’s our family,” he said, louder. “We don’t turn our back on family. Ever. If anything, I believe she is harsh because she’s scared.”
“Scared?” Rachel huffed a sarcastic laugh. “People are scared of her. Not the other way around.”
“She is scared, Rachel. Scared of being alone and without. She knows and understands the genteel world. For her, money is security. And where you’re concerned, she believes that pristine manners and behavior will position you to catch a wealthy husband, and then you’ll be set for life.”
“You don’t agree with that, do you?”
When he didn’t respond, she slumped her shoulders.
He gave her several moments to think on things before he said, “Regarding last night—”
Rachel’s groan and eye roll interrupted him.
“As I was saying about last night, we’ll say no more on the subject.”
She wrinkled her face. “What, no punishment?”
“Oh yes. You’ll be staying on the grounds and will not leave for any reason without permission. I’ll personally collect any letters you receive and deliver them to you, and any letters you send out will go through me as well. Additionally, you owe a few people, including Mrs. Towler and even Mrs. Helock, an apology. And you must find a time to thank Miss Hale. As I recall, you scurried off from her with a huff and a pout.”
Rachel lowered her face and nodded.
“And about Mr. Standish...”
At the name Rachel stiffened. Her silver eyes flashed upward.
James continued. “I think it goes without saying, I am not to hear another word—or see any evidence of him—at all. If I do, then—”
“You need not concern yourself on that account,” she added in haste. “I saw last night what a brute he is. I never want to see him again.”
Something in his heart ached for all the heartbreak his sister had endured. He wanted to protect her. He could never forgive himself if something untoward should happen. And this near calamity had been too close.
He also thought of Miss Hale’s words that his sister had been brave, in her own way.
After several seconds she looked down at her sleeve and fussed with the hem of it. “And for what it is worth, I am sorry. I should have listened to you.”
Her contrition took him a bit by surprise. She was not one to apologize—not willingly, anyway.
“Let’s put it behind us then.”
“If any good has come of this, I do believe that Miss Hale will be a friend for me.” Her lip quirked into almost a smile. “If I am allowed to see her, of course.”
He thought of Miss Hale, with her sharp wit, her definite opinions, and the dagger in her boot. He did not know her well, but at first blush she was exactly the sort of woman he wanted to influence his sister. “One thing at a time, young lady. All in good time.”
Chapter 12
Cassandra was not sure what she expected the former housekeeper of Briarton Park to look like, but this woman was certainly not it.
The severe image of Briarton Park’s current housekeeper, Mrs. Helock, glowed fresh in her mind—a neat, tidy woman with graying dark hair.
