“Your father is nearly upon us, which may or may not end our little trip to purchase peppermint sticks.” His cousin had a long-legged, easy gait like Gabe and reached them in seconds.
“Good morning.” He bent to kiss his daughter. “Walter.” He patted the large head, then nodded to Nathan.
“Papa, we are going to get peppermint sticks, but now we can’t.”
“You weren’t meant to tell him, sweetheart.” Nathan sighed.
“Then lead on. There is surely nothing better than a peppermint stick,” Forrest said, taking Ella’s other hand.
“Who are you, and what have you done with my serious-minded cousin?”
Forrest tilted his head slightly just like Michael did and studied him.
“I am not always serious-minded, you know. Ella has made me so, and losing Sarah.”
“I’m sorry you lost your wife, Forrest.”
“We did not have an undying love, Nathan, but we did respect each other, and for me that was enough.”
Forrest did not often talk about his wife, only that she died of a fever, leaving him with Ella to care for. In fact, he did not often speak of his time in India, and Nathan had a feeling he, like many, carried deep scars.
“Enough of me. Tell me why you did not sleep well last night, cousin?”
“Is it written all over my face?”
“Yes.” Forrest rarely used two words when one would suffice. “You look tired.”
Nathan sighed, lifting his face to feel the weak rays of morning sun dusting his skin.
“I know there was a woman called Bethany Carlow, as I was there when you saw her at the ball. Is she the reason for your restless night?”
“She is, and it’s complicated.”
“Most things that matter are.”
“She did matter once, and I fear still does.” Seeing her hurting last night had caused a searing pain in his chest. “I don’t understand why she left the way she did, Forrest, and last night I overheard something that makes me believe there is more to her departure.”
“You received a note, as I heard it? Then the family was gone from London in short order.”
“Yes.”
They walked, unspeaking, with Ella chatting to Walter about what she saw.
“So while you still hurt deep inside, you can now think with some clarity about her and that time?”
“I’m not entirely sure I would call it clarity.” Nathan laughed. “But I thank you for the ear, cousin. My brothers are not always the easiest to discuss the matter with.”
“Because they love you,” Forrest said.
He knew that too. His brothers would have his back no matter what he did or how foolish his actions were.
“If you believe there is more to her departure and you still love her, Nathan, then you owe it to both of you to find the truth.”
“I know.”
“Excellent. Well, I am at your disposal should you require it.”
“Many thanks, cousin.
