Austin felt the weight of her gaze, but he did not flinch. He wanted her to understand that she was not alone, not anymore.
“Yes, Dee, Dominic could have helped you sooner,” Austin said, raising an exaggerated brow at her. “Your brother would have gladly stood by you from the very beginning, if only you had let him. But you were stuck in your mind, convinced you had to carry everything alone.”
Deena swallowed hard and sighed. Her lips twitched into a small smile. “Yes, Dominic could have. But you know him.”
Austin laughed. “He is just like you, Dee, stubborn and defiant.”
She smiled softly.
“Yes, I agree. But…Dominic was not the one who helped me.” Her voice shook as she looked at him with unfamiliar admiration. “You did.”
Twenty-Six
Deena inhaled deeply as she stepped out of the carriage. The scent of fresh grass at Hyde Park and budding flowers eased the tightness that had lived in her chest for weeks. It was a rare London morning that made even the most cynical soul believe the world might grant them a moment of peace.
“Today,” Selina declared as she adjusted her bonnet, “we are having a normal day. No scandals, no secrets, and no catastrophes. Just sunshine and food.”
Dominic snorted beside her. “With our family? That seems ambitious.”
Mary and Percy tumbled out behind them, shrieking with delight as the maid hurried after them. The children immediately left their parents and darted towards the pond.
Austin stepped beside Deena. His shoulder brushed hers slightly, and she shivered from the contact.
“I agree with Selina,” he said lightly. “A day without tragedy sounds like a miracle worth attempting.”
Deena smiled despite herself. “Then let us hope the universe cooperates.”
“It better,” Dominic muttered, but Selina swatted his arm.
As they began walking, Selina slowed her steps until she was beside Deena. “I’ve been meaning to ask,” she said softly, “have you heard anything from Penelope?”
Deena could not hold back her smile. She had expected the question and could not wait to bear good news for once.
“Yes,” she said excitedly. “She reached Scotland safely.”
Selina’s eyes widened. “Truly?”
“She is with Lord Edward now,” Deena continued. “He met her at the port, and they are staying with one of his cousins until everything is settled.”
Selina clasped her hands together. “Oh, Deena, that is wonderful news. I have been praying for her.”
“So have I.” She smiled as she remembered the words Penelope penned.
My happiness has no boundaries when I am with him…
Selina nudged Deena playfully. “Well? Do not leave me in suspense!”
“Forgive me.” Deena shook her head and chuckled. “Penelope is finally…happy and safe.”
Selina exhaled shakily. “Good. She deserves that.” She looked at Deena sternly. “Everyone does.”
Deena felt her throat tighten. “Thank you, Selina. For everything.”
Selina squeezed her arm. “Let me run off and join my husband before Austin steals him from me for the entire day.”
Deena laughed. “That is a good idea.”
Selina skipped ahead but stopped midway and turned back to Deena. “I told you to have faith in him,” she said as she joined Dominic, leaving Deena with a rare sense of lightness.
