And Lizzie had not experienced that same care. Amelia had never hated someone more, despite not knowing this man’s identity.
“I’m so sorry,” Amelia whispered.
“I knew I’d done the wrong thing and I wanted so badly for Hugh to come.” Lizzie covered her face. “But I couldn’t leave. I’d surrendered my innocence, Ihadto marry him. On the third night he stopped just before the border of Scotland. And then…Hugh was there. He swept in like a knight in shining armor, and I don’t know what he ultimately did to make that man go away, but he did it. And Hugh took me home.”
Amelia’s eyes filled with tears, not just for what Lizzie had been through and how it had changed her, but for Hugh, as well. She knew, both from observation and through their conversations, how important his sister was to him. His heart must have broken to know what she had endured. It certainly explained his protectiveness of her.
“He was so kind,” Lizzie mused. “He could have railed at me all the way home, for I deserved it after the trouble I caused. I almost wanted him to. But he never did. Not even once. He comforted me and allowed me space to grieve what I’d done. When I tried to apologize, he wouldn’t hear it, even though I know in my heart that he must have sacrificed a great deal of money to protect me.”
“But then, I know you wouldn’t expect anything less of him,” Amelia said. “He’s Hugh, after all.”
“Yes. He is that. So now you know why I am so opposed to coming out. And London terrifies me. What if that man is there? Or what if there is another man like him and my nature is to be so foolish? Or what if people find out what I did?”
“Oh, darling, listen to yourself,” Amelia said gently, in order to stop the wildness that was building in Lizzie’s voice. “What if, what if, what if…you could run yourself ragged with all those worst possibilities. Andwhat ifsomething wonderful happens to you instead?”
“I can’t even picture something wonderful anymore,” Lizzie whispered.
Amelia wiped at a tear, hurt by the idea that this sweet, lovely girl was so traumatized that only horrible futures could exist in her head. She and Hugh would have to work on that together, ease her back into the world and protect her as she got her confidence back.
She blinked. Together. It was so easy to see them as a unit now. Two halves of a whole, with the same desires and goals.
She shook off those thoughts. “If you cannot picture it, let me,” she said. “What ifyou make new friends? Hugh’s club members have married and their wives are the sweetest, most wonderful women I have ever met. I assure you, they will greet you with open arms.”
Lizzie shifted. “I hadn’t thought of that. I do know Meg and Charlotte. They were always so kind to me when I was a little girl.”
“Of course they would be,” Amelia said. “They’re both divine. And the rest are just as welcoming and good. You’ll have them as your base, and I’m certain you’ll meet many other friends along with them.”
Lizzie’s face had brightened considerably, and she nodded. “Very well, that doesn’t sound very bad.”
Amelia took that as encouragement and continued, “And what if you meet some delightful man?” Lizzie caught her breath, and Amelia raised a hand to calm her. “I’m not talking about this Season or next. You’re young and you should enjoy yourself before you settle yourself into whatever your future entails. But I’m talking about in a few years. What if you meet someone who is handsome and kind, someone who challenges you in the best ways and makes you feel…feel…”
She trailed off, for she realized she was talking about Hugh.
“Amelia, how will he make me feel?” Lizzie asked, dragging her back to the present.
Amelia stared at her, and then the words fell from her mouth. “Like you are home. Home wherever you are with him.”
Lizzie blinked. “There could be such a man?”
“I know there is,” Amelia said. “I know there is for you.”
“I wish I knew so strongly,” Lizzie said.
“You’ll just have to trust me,” Amelia replied, still unsteady from the depth of her feelings being revealed in this conversation. “One final thing to consider, my dear.What ifyour future is not written in stone, unless you choose to lock yourself up here forever in penance for what some heartless bastard did to you?”
Lizzie stared at her, shock on her face. “I-I hadn’t thought of it that way. Hugh has never pushed me to do it.”
“Of course he hasn’t. He is your protector. He’ll never make you do anything you don’t want to do. Nor will I, but I want you to think about it. Come with us. Enjoy the end of the Season, not in an earthshattering way, but in a small way. It’s a first step, you don’t have to take any of the others just yet.”
“A first step,” Lizzie repeated. “I suppose that isn’t as terrifying as when I think of everything that comes after that first step.”
“And I’ll be with you all the way,” Amelia reminded her.
Lizzie clasped her hands together. “I’ll think about it for an hour or two. And then I’ll let you know.”
“Good,” Amelia said, leaning forward to press a kiss to her cheek. “Whatever you decide, I will support you.”
Lizzie caught Amelia’s hands as she began to move away, and her pale blue eyes were bright with tears. “I’m so glad you married my brother. I’m so happy you’re my sister now and forever.”
