Dorrie had washed, crawled into her bed, and slept for twenty-four hours. She’d woken stronger but different. Different because of Ash.
“They are returning!” Somer shrieked, running into the hall.
Dorrie got to her feet and grabbed her sister’s hand. Together they ran out and into the courtyard. “Mayhem” was the only word for the welcome home Dev and Essie received.
“But where are Baron and Ash?” Gus looked around, speaking the words Dorrie had wanted to.
“I’m sorry,” Dev said, moving to his brother-in-law. “He said he needed to go back to London. I could do nothing to change that no matter how much I tried.”
Gus was clearly shocked, as was Dorrie. She’d thought being here, a part of this, and spending time with her would have him wanting to come back here to at least say goodbye. His brother had deserved that from him at the very least, if not her.
“Do you think it is what he learned about us that had him leaving?” Dorrie had to ask.
“No, love,” Dev said, hugging her. “Whatever is inside him made him go.”
Gus didn’t speak again, just walked back inside with Somer.
And you are a fool for believing he cared enough about you to at least say goodbye.
He’d never once said he cared for her, but Dorrie had hoped he felt something. They’d made love, and yes, he’d made no promises, but she’d still believed he cared.
The pain of him leaving without coming to say goodbye was like someone had kicked her hard in the belly, but she didn’t show what she felt.
Essie was hugged by her husband and children and then taken inside to her room, where, like Dorrie, she would sleep. Dev too was tired.
Dorrie felt empty and had no reason to feel that way. She was alive. Lilly had saved her twice, and Ash had promised her nothing.
But inside she felt raw and very foolish. Baron had told her to fight for him, and yet he’d never given her the chance.
…
The families arrived back in London three weeks after Ash had left Crunston Cliff. Each went to their homes on the same street. Max had ensured every property was bought by him or someone in the family, so they all stayed close. He’d said this was vital, considering what they were, and he had no wish to again watch his wife suffer as she tried to reach a sick relative or one in danger.
Somer and Gus moved into their house, which was beside Wolf and his family. Warwick and Dorrie were still under Dev’s roof. Warwick had talked about moving out, but he hadn’t because he loved his family. Loved being close to his nieces and nephews.
This morning she, Warwick, and Somer were going into their offices. Dorrie was excited at the prospect, and since Ash had left she hadn’t been excited about much.
“Don’t get shot or stabbed,” Dev said as she left the breakfast parlor.
“Very amusing, I’m sure,” Dorrie muttered.
Warwick snickered as he climbed onto the banister and slid down. Dorrie followed, but he landed farther than her, a fact that annoyed her hugely.
“Watch out below!” Hannah, Lilly and Dev’s middle child, flew down the banister and into the air. She landed beside Warwick. “You need to try harder, Aunty Dorrie,” the cheeky girl said before swaggering back up the stairs.
Warwick was still laughing when they climbed into Dev’s carriage. Rolling along the street, they stopped outside the duke’s house.
“Is it hard,” Warwick said, looking at her, “not having Somer in the same house as you?”
“I know she’s close and have got used to the way things are now.”
“But it’s still hard. I know you, Dorrie; you and Somer have been inseparable since birth. This is a struggle for you, and you’re doing what you always do, trying to hide what you feel, but we see.”
“Not all Sinclairs are demonstrative and loud, and it’s not like I’m being tortured in Newgate. I’m just a bit sad sometimes.”
“I hope you are not including me in the demonstrative and loud category.”
Dorrie snorted.
