The papers speculated that Stamford, Thorne, and Edgecombe might be tried for conspiracy to commit murder. Whatever happened legally, the men were socially ruined. The papers also reported on Ben’s role in the case; apparently, a source within the Metropolitan Police had labelled his efforts as heroic. Ben avoided the limelight as much as possible, especially since he couldn’t share it with the truly deserving heroines. Lady Fayne had asked him to keep her group out of it; to protect the reputation of Livy and the other Angels, he’d agreed.
To his sister, Ben said, “I understand why you thought what you did. Given my past, your assumption was not unfair.”
“Itwasunfair of me to judge you by your past actions,” Beatrice insisted. “I should have forgiven you long ago, Hadleigh.”
“What I did was unforgivable,” he said quietly.
He had come to accept his past. He’d also realized that, while he would always regret his mistakes, he did not have to carry their burden into his future. He had atoned as much as he could. He could make the choice to not let his history define his future.
“What happened was a tragedy not only for me, but for our family. Everything fell apart for us Wodehouses—including you—and I was too wrapped up in my own pain to see that.” Shaking her head, Bea said, “You were a young man, Hadleigh, and although your quest for vengeance was wrong, I think I understand some of your motivation. You felt you had failed me; by seeking revenge on Griggs, you thought you were protecting my honor.”
Ben swallowed. “What I did was still beyond the pale.”
“I don’t disagree. But the fact that you acted out of love makes a difference. And I know this because I have recently wronged you, for much the same reason.” Bea looked at him with troubled eyes. “I spoke with Livy yesterday.”
“You did?” he said warily.
He and Livy hadn’t yet made their relationship public. In fact, that was his purpose in calling upon Strathaven today: he intended to ask for Livy’s hand. He hoped that his friend would approve the match…and not demand to meet him at dawn.
“You needn’t look so surprised,” his sister said with a hint of wryness. “It is obvious that the two of you have, ahem, a special bond. I knew she would answer my questions in a way you would not. And she did. She revealed that during your mission to uncover this drug enterprise, you were drugged. That you’d nearly died.” Bea gripped her hands together in her lap. “And I believe I am the cause of that.”
Ben angled his head. “I don’t follow.”
“The last time we spoke, I did not express my concern in the best way.” Bea bit her lip. “But Iwasworried about you…and so I did what I thought was right at the time. I went to Bollinger.”
Ben stilled. “For what purpose?”
“Of your former cronies, he seemed like the most harmless one. I appealed to him to release you from the group. I told him that you had worked hard to give up your bad habits and that I was afraid of what a relapse might lead to.” Her throat worked. “I told him that I…I didn’t want to find you someday floating in the Thames.”
So that is where Bollinger got the idea to get rid of me in that fashion.
Aloud, Ben said, “It is not your fault, Bea. Put it out of your head.”
“I cannot.” Her eyes glimmered. “In trying to protect you, I inadvertently compromised your brave undertaking and caused you great harm…”
He crossed over, sitting beside her on the settee. He took her hands in his.
“You were trying to help,” he said. “I am fortunate indeed to have an older sister who cares enough to do so.”
“Idocare, Ben.” She gave him a squeeze. “I always have, and I do not know why it took me this long to tell you.”
“We Wodehouses are not the most expressive lot.”
They smiled at each other, the healing power of forgiveness needing no other words.
After the moment passed, Bea said, “May I offer a word of advice?”
“I would welcome it,” he said sincerely.
“Since Livy was a little girl, she has always seen the best in you. She still does.” Bea gave him a sisterly look. “A woman like that does not come along often.”
“I know.” He was damned grateful for the gift he’d been given. “I have an appointment with Strathaven shortly. Although I wouldn’t blame him for turning down my suit; Livy deserves a better man.”
“Nonsense.” To his surprise, Bea reached over and straightened his lapels. The way she had when they were children. Her expression open and warm, she said, “You are a good man, little brother. Now go win the hand of the woman you love.”
“Livy, dearest, if you don’t stop pacing, you’ll wear a trench in the rug,” Mama chided.
“What could be taking them so long?” Livy asked. “They’ve been in the study for half an hour.”
