Chapter Twenty-Five
Lady Luxton clutchedNate’s arm as the magistrate led Rupert away. “I shudder to think how much danger I was in,” she said. “He could have killed me and Henry.”
“That’s exactly why I told you to leave. Fortunately, he had no interest in hurting you or Henry. Still, you should have listened to me.”
Bridget stood behind the pair but was too worried about Charlie to give them her full attention. He stood beside her, pale as a ghost and trembling from head to foot.
“You will stay at Villa De Lacey for a while, won’t you, Charlie?” She hated to think of him alone after having lost the most important person in the world to him. She knew how painful that was.
“How can I? After you accused my brother? He told you he was innocent.”
“Is that really what you believe? You know him better than anyone.”
Charlie bit his lip, and his large, dark eyes filled with tears. “I don’t know. He…he is a good person, but he…well, George and his mother ruined our lives.”
“I understand how painful this is for you. That’s why I hope you will stay—even if it’s only for a few days.”
“I shan’t be paying for his bill anymore,” Lady Luxton said, turning to face Bridget. “His brother almost killed my Henry.”
Bridget’s jaw ached with tension.Can’t she see that Charlie is indistress? Why does she have to be so cruel?
“You are the one who sent Henry’s nanny away,” Nate said. “And you are the one who should have been watching him.”
Lady Luxton released Nate’s arm, and her lovely dark eyes flashed angrily at him. “I see you refuse to change,” she said, and then stormed away, pushing past Bridget in the process.
“I think it’s best I leave,” Charlie said.
“Charlie,” a voice sounded behind Bridget, and she turned to see Miss Jennings. “What’s happening. Why did they take Rupert?”
“Perhaps you should ask Miss De Lacey. I’m going to pack my things.”
“Wait,” Bridget called after Charlie.
“Let him go.” Nate put an arm on Bridget’s shoulder. “It’s for the best.”
“What have you done?” Miss Jennings said in her usual whispery breath. “Rupert is innocent.”
*
The next morning,Bridget awoke feeling refreshed but not entirely cheerful. With Rupert arrested, Groby had been released from prison in York and was on his way home to be reunited with his wife and children. Collins, who was still recovering from his injuries, had reportedly written home to his family in the hope they’d reconcile with him and allow him to convalesce there. And Lady Luxton was once again threatening to return to Scotland, although she had yet to make good on her threat.
Yet, despite justice being served, there would be no happy outcome. Poor Charlie would suffer greatly. If only he’d stayed on at Villa De Lacey. Perhaps then he’d have strengthened his bond with Miss Jennings. She reminded Bridget of Jane when she’d first arrived at Villa De Lacey—beaten down by her husband’s cruel aunt, Lady Darby, forbeing unable to provide her with a grandnephew. And now, a year later, Jane was flourishing. Her womb, which she’d once thought barren, had opened, and her entire disposition had changed. Away from the oppressive Lady Darby, and despite her rather inattentive husband, she’d blossomed into a sociable and happy woman with a zest for life.
Bridget slipped out of bed, and Bijou, who sat in his basket, raised his head and wagged his tail. He watched expectantly as Bridget washed. He was ready for his walk.
By the time Harriet entered with Bridget’s tea, she was sitting at her dresser brushing her hair.
“I’ll take that, miss,” Harriet said, setting down the tea and taking the silver brush from Bridget. She began to arrange Bridget’s hair in a low bun. “Rose tells me that Miss Jane is ill this morning,” Harriet said.
“Ill?” Bridget’s stomach tightened. Illness was never a good thing, but it was especially alarming for women in Jane’s condition. “What’s wrong?”
“She didn’t say, miss. But the doctor is being fetched.”
“Good grief!” Bridget stood up, causing Harriet to stumble backwards.
“Your hair, miss.”
“I must go to Jane. Will you see to Bijou?”
