She’d motioned to him, but he’d ignored her, and started down the path that would lead him away from their stone cottage. He’d glanced over his shoulder once more before descending the slope. Violet’d blown him a kiss. But, he’d turned his back on her again, and carried on down the hill, disappearing from her view forever.
He’d spent years regretting that day and praying for a second chance to connect with his sister, only to learn she was dead. But now, that second chance had come.
“Violet is alive,” he whispered. “She lives,” he repeated, trying to expel the darkness from his mind.
The sun moved from behind a cloud, spreading its rays across the horizon and warming the earth below. Jack opened his arms. Helios had chosen to smile upon him once again.
Chapter Twenty
Sebastian was myfather
Such a Sebastian was my brothertoo,
So went he suited to his waterytomb:
If spirits can assume both form andsuit
You come to frightus.
—Shakespeare,Twelfth Night, ActV
The salty breezeawakened Ottilie’s senses and imbued her with calm as she strolled above Margate’s chalky cliffs with Violet.
“I’m so glad you decided to join us, Ottilie darling.” Violet pressed her cheek against her friend’s shoulder. “You’ve been through such an ordeal these past weeks, and the sea air does wonders for health. It’s sure to restore you in no time.”
“It already has, but nothing compares to the generosity and support you have shown me.” They ambled past the Clifton Public Baths leaving behind the crowds of holiday makers and entered the developing area of Cliftonville.
Violet inhaled deeply. “I think we shall stay in this area next year. It’s so peaceful, and they plan to build an elegant hotel on the edge of the cliffs, which will boast exquisite ocean views.”
“That sounds lovely,” Ottilie said, gazing at the sparkling ocean. “I feel awful about imposing on your holiday.”
“Don’t you dare say such a thing. You are part of our family. The children are thrilled to see you, and Mr. Thomas is pleased to have the company of Lord Hudsyn. He’s such a fine young man.”
“I only mean that I’m sorry for the circumstances clouding my visit. I loathe to burden you with my woes during your time of rest.”
“You know very well I would be furious if you had not done so. Learning what you have about your father is shocking, and what kind of friend would I be if you couldn’t turn to me for support?” She paused. “But I can’t help feeling there’s more to your melancholy.”
They stepped onto a small iron bridge that joined two chalky cliffs, cleaved to make a pathway to the shoreline, and admired the view. Parasol clutching women and straw-hatted men strolled on the sands below while children with hiked skirts and rolled pants ventured barefooted into the waves. Ottilie watched two excited young women skip toward the designated bathing area and climb into one of several bathing machines perched in the water.
She sighed. “It seems no one has a care, doesn’t it? Our troubles consume us, but they’re insignificant to the rest of the world.”
Violet pressed her lips together. “I wish you would tell me what else is troubling you,” she said.
Ottilie swallowed. She’d kept her problems with Jack to herself, partly because she didn’t want to cause Henry further suffering and partly because it pained her too much to think about him.
“I know there’s something,” Violet pressed. “You’re not typically one for philosophic meanderings. What are you not telling me?”
“Do you remember what it felt like when you thought you’d lost Mr. Thomas to Amelia Farthington?” Ottilie sighed.
“Of course. It felt as if he’d shredded my heart and trampled it into the ground. If it weren’t for your support, I don’t know how I would have survived the pain.” Violet reached for her friend’s hand. “Wait a minute, are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
She nodded, blinking to stave off impending tears.
“But you’ve never mentioned any man in your letters except Mr. Bastin.” Violet’s hands flew to her mouth.
“I am sorry.” Ottilie inhaled in a shaky breath. “I ruined everything for you. I know how badly you wanted him to give a lecture at the college.” A tear rolled down her cheek. “I still cannot comprehend why he changed so suddenly. He went from professing his love for me one day to shunning me the next. I was such a fool to have trusted him.”
“It’s what rakes do, isn’t it? They charm a woman and make her fall in love with them, only to abandon her to pursue a new conquest. I suppose it makes them feel powerful to have such command over women.”
