“I quite agree.” Jack lowered the glasses and leaned his arms over the jetty fence. “That’s why Brandt likes it here so much. He’s even agreed to stay in England until the end of summer.”
“What will he do in America?”
“Our investments there have earned us plenty of money, so he has more than enough to start his own ranch. It’s what he has always wanted.”
“You’ll miss him.”
Jack nodded. “A great deal.”
“Does he have someone waiting for him over there? Family or a fiancée?”
Jack shook his head. “Brandt’s a lone star. All he needs are his horses, cattle, and plenty of open space.”
“But you’re not like him, are you?” Violet placed her hand over her brother’s.
Jack’s thoughts turned to Ottilie, and a weight settled in his chest. “No.” He lowered his gaze and looked at his sister’s loving hand, covering his own. “I used to think I was, and I tried hard to live my life unattached, but it never served me. I was living a lie.”
*
How carefree everyonelooks.
Ottilie sighed as she gazed at the holidaymakers strolling along Fort Promenade. She and Henry sat on a bench near the Paragon Hotel, unable to muster the energy to partake in the strolling, swimming, boating, donkey riding, or other enticements Margate offered its visitors. Both had spent the last three days concealing their misery while rejoicing in Jack and Violet’s happy reunion. And the turmoil of changing emotions had left them exhausted.
“Why don’t you join Mr. Thomas at the public baths? He so enjoys your company.” Ottilie turned to Henry and forced her voice to a cheerful lilt.
“I’m not in the mood for the baths today.” Henry’s voice weighed heavy with gloom. “Would you mind terribly if I went back to London tomorrow? I’m hoping Bastin will let me stay at his Half Moon Street residence until a flat becomes available at Albany.”
“If that will make you happy, then, of course, I don’t mind. But I am worried about you. How long do you intend to punish yourself for something over which you had no control?”
“I don’t blame myself for my mother’s sins. I feel lost, that’s all. Perhaps my life would have been better were I not born a baron. Being a member of the peerage feels rather pointless. There’s nothing more to a gentleman’s life than attending balls, drinking, gambling, and talking politics.”
“That’s not true. You have a seat in the House of Lords. And I’m counting on you to help women obtain the vote one day.”
Henry crossed his arms and exhaled a puff of air. “I don’t care for politics anymore.”
Ottilie eyed her cousin’s slumped shoulders. “You sound like a man who has lost his passion. Why not pick up your pen and make yourself happy by reaffirming your love for poetry?”
Henry shifted, angled his body away from Ottilie, and said nothing.
Ottilie inhaled deeply and cast her eyes toward the ocean, taking in its serenity.
The world is vast, and your problems small.She inhaled and exhaled through her nose.All will be well in time—Violet and Jack are proof of that.She closed her eyes then, trying to be content with the feel of the warmth of the sun and the salt-scented air.
“Hello, you two.” Jack’s voice sounded nearby.
Ottilie opened her eyes then, startled to see Jack standing in front of her. She opened her mouth to greet him, but Henry cut her off.
“Bastin!” Henry leapt to his feet. “I’ve been meaning to speak with you.”
Ottilie stood up, not wanting to be left looking up at the men. Jack glanced at her and gave her a tight smile. Her heart shriveled. Every time they encountered one another, the rift between them seemed to widen.
“I plan on traveling to London with you and Violet tomorrow,” Henry said, drawing Jack’s attention away from Ottilie, “And I need a place to stay while I wait for a flat to become available at Albany. Would it be all right if I stayed at your residence?”
“You have an aversion to Berkeley Square all of a sudden?” Jack raised his eyebrows, oblivious to Lady Hudsyn’s betrayal and the question of Henry’s legitimacy.
“Something like that.” Henry lifted his chin.
Jack’s forehead creased. “Of course, you’re welcome to stay at Half Moon Street as long as you like. Brandt wishes to stay in Margate until the end of summer, and then he’ll return to America.”
