“I want to marry him.” Polly said quickly. “I’m sure of it.”
A knock sounded on the door, and she was relieved for the interruption. Vi went to open it, and Rosie entered. Polly’s heart beat in a rapid staccato at the sight of her sister, who was wearing a pretty white muslin and an uncertain expression.
“Polly… may I have a word?” Rosie said.
She nodded.
“We’ll let you two girls chat in private,” Thea said with a smile.
After the others left, silence descended. As Polly wracked her brain for what to say, Rosie blurted, “I’m sorry, Polly. I’ve been the most awful personever. I’ve wanted to apologize for days, but I was so ashamed of my behavior and—”
Polly ran over and hugged her. “No, I’m the one who’s sorry,” she said and was fiercely glad when her sister hugged her back. “I hurt you and—”
“You didn’t do it on purpose. I know that. But I was just so angry and frustrated at my own situation that I took it out on you. I envied your happiness when, in reality, it was never at the expense of my own.That’show petty I was being.” Pulling back, Rosie said tearfully, “Can you ever forgive me?”
Relief made her throat swell. “There’s nothing to forgive.”
“There is. I’ve been absolutely horrid to you. I ought to have been there for you, to listen or talk things over or just to share in your joy. No, don’t you start crying, too.” Rosie dabbed at Polly’s cheeks with her own handkerchief and then steered her back in front of the looking glass. “It’s the most important day of your life, and you must look your absolute best. Bosom chums and sisters do not allow each other to get married with red eyes and a runny nose.”
The return of the old Rosie made happiness leap in Polly’s heart. As the blond girl fussed over her, she said with a pang, “I’ve missed you so. And I can’t believe… this is good-bye.” It struck her that after the wedding, she’d be leaving her old life behind and taking her new place with her husband.
“It’s not as if you’re moving to the Outer Hebrides, silly. You’ll be a five minute carriage drive away.” Despite her teasing, there was a hitch to Rosie’s voice. “We’ll see each other all the time—even more, now that I’m finished acting like a spoilt brat. Don’t argue, dearest,” she said, forestalling Polly’s protest, “because it’s true. What’s also true is that we both have to grow up sometime. And maybe we have to do some of that growing up on our own.”
The words hit like pinpricks on Polly’s heart. Because she knew they were true. As painful as her separation from Rosie had been, the time apart had also been a catalyst for her to carve out her own future.
Rosie made a few more expert adjustments to the gown and stepped back. “And speaking of growing up, will you please explain why, after I nagged you forever to change your wardrobe, you do nothing, but when I don’t speak to you for a fortnight, you suddenly turn into a fashion plate?” She gestured at the looking glass.
Obediently, Polly peered at her reflection. She’d chosen the cerulean blue silk because it reminded her of Sinjin’s eyes. Although Madame Rousseau had made the frock on a rush order, artistry was apparent in every detail. The gown flattered Polly’s figure, its jeweled belt emphasizing her narrow waist and V-shaped neckline displaying her high bosom. Fine blond lace trimmed the bodice, gigot sleeves, and tiered underskirt.
“The time seemed right to try something different,” Polly murmured.
“It’s because of Revelstoke, isn’t it? Because you love him?”
She bit her lip, not wanting to open up wounds so recently healed.
“You can tell me, Pols.” Rosie’s jade eyes were solemn. “I may have fancied him for his title and looks, but my heart wasn’t involved—you and I both know that. So not only do I hope you’ve found what I’m too shallow to look for, I want more than anything for you to be loved as you deserve.”
“You’renotshallow. After everything you’ve been through, it makes perfect sense that you’d want a husband who can give you security.”
“You see the best in everyone.” Her sister squeezed her hand. “Now we’ll see if you can do the same for yourself. So you love Revelstoke?”
“Yes,” Polly whispered.
“Does he love you?”
She shook her head. “But it’s all right. He was honest about it from the start. He doesn’t believe in emotional entanglements—and that will be best, anyway, given that I…”
“That you don’t plan on telling him about your ability?” her sister prodded gently.
“My curse, you mean.” Sighing, Polly said, “Don’t look at me that way, Rosie. I’ve made up my mind about this.”
“Is that why you turned down Papa’s offer to spend your wedding trip at the cottage?” Rosie said, proving yet again how astute she was.
Ambrose and Marianne had suggested that Polly take a brief sojourn with Sinjin to the cozy cottage they maintained back in Chudleigh Crest. She’d declined politely, giving the excuse that she wanted to stay in Town until Sinjin’s case was solved. It wasn’t a lie—she and Sinjin had discussed the matter, preferring to postpone a honeymoon until Nicoletta’s accomplice was apprehended—but, as Rosie had surmised, it also wasn’t the full truth.
“Sinjin thinks I’m beautiful. I don’t want him to see me… the way the villagers do.” Polly’s voice cracked a little. “I don’t want to be Peculiar Polly all over again.”
“Oh, how I wish I could give those clodhoppers and busybodies a good tongue lashing!” Rosie fumed. “Listen to me, Polly—that was a long time ago. You cannot let the cruelty of children and ignorance of adults haunt you forever.”
