Flora arrived with drinks as Scarlett sank back into the velvet couch, and she took a cup of hot tea with a grateful smile, centering herself again with a small sip. The tea was milky but bold, and it tasted better than the tea in Soleil.
“Is there anyone in Soleil whom you’d trust to check yourpetition with the government?” asked Lachlan. “Unfortunately, we’ll be stuck writing them a letter, but we can get a note out on tomorrow’s train.”
“Can’t she—?” James began, but Lachlan shushed him.
“Lady Elestine Spencer could check for me,” said Scarlett. “Or one of her staff.”
Lachlan’s bushy eyebrows shot up. “The new prime minister?”
“That’s right.” She glanced at Brayden, who was frowning. “She was my father’s collaborator. They cowrote the legislation that likely got him… killed.” Her body ached, and a wave of exhaustion overcame her. “I can’t believe I’m dealing with this right now. I still can’t believe my dad…” Tears spilled onto her cheeks. She wiped them away, embarrassed.
Beni wrapped his arms around Scarlett, and Scarlett leaned into her brother’s comforting touch, grasping him to her protectively.
Then she pulled herself together and released him. “Elestine will help.”
“Let’s contact her when you’re able,” said Lachlan.
“But Scarlett, we shouldn’t rush home. It’s important you stay here for a while,” Manon said.
When Scarlett looked up, she and Lachlan were having some kind of private conversation with their eyes.
Lachlan made a sympathetic noise. “Why don’t you rest while you wait for the doctor? Worry about Parliament when you’re healed.”
“Too right,” Manon agreed.
Scarlett bristled, wanting to argue. Soleil’s fate was more important than her health or her grief. But then Brayden looked at her imploringly.
“Please, Scar? Take it easy.”
“Yeah. You need rest,” added Beni.
“You’re right.” She had to take care of herself before she couldtake care of Beni or anyone else. She breathed deep to push her emotions further under the surface.
“Should I take you to your rooms in the north wing?” offered James.
“No—I’ll do it,” said Brayden.
“Go ahead, Beni and Scarlett,” said Manon. “I want to speak to Lachlan briefly.”
“Yes, I’ll wheel your grandmother to her room in a bit,” added Lachlan.
It was still early, but the energy drinks and coffee that had propelled her through the day had worn off, and Scarlett was dead on her feet. Brayden offered her his arm, which she took with grateful relief. Beni and James walked alongside them.
“Beni, you want to get some food and come to archery practice?” asked James.
“Yes!” exclaimed Beni. “What kind of food do you have here?”
“Oh, you know, all the usual kinds.” James ruffled Beni’s hair.
Beni waved goodbye to Scarlett and followed him through a set of double doors.
“Alone at last,” said Brayden as he led Scarlett out of the sitting room.
She huffed out a laugh, stopping at the bottom of a staircase to catch her breath. “Alone at last, and I’m disgusting,” she said.
“What do you mean?”
She gave him a look like,Really?“I’ve been bedridden for weeks, and I don’t think they did a great job of keeping me clean.”
