Outriders?Actually, that was a bit of a relief.
She stepped into the kitchens. “Mrs. Kier, I fear I have some disappointing news. Miss Lockhart has made the unwise decision to leave Hope House.”
The older woman’s mouth fell. Rose had succeeded in flabbergasting her. Astonishing. “But where’s the lass to go?”
“I fear that is up to her. We’ve helped her as much as was in our power. I have given her coin. I suspect she’ll land on her feet, much like a cat using one of its many lives.”
“Who did you give coin to, Rose?”
She spun quickly to find Gabriella standing in the door, her eyes narrowed, not in anger now but in sudden understanding.
“There was news spreading through the Peachornsby ball of a missing…” Gabriella’s voice trailed, and Rose’s spine straightened in its rigidity, despite her own memories of Inez,and in hearing of Florence Groves, who had collapsed on the grass of the Hope House property then died in this very house. “You…you should have come to us, Rose,” she finished on a helpless whisper.
“And wasted precious minutes?” Rose countered in a low voice. “I-I had to act. If I’ve learned anything these past few months, it’s that delay is as harmful as neglect.”
“Neglect?” Rebecca pushed a lock of hair off her forehead, revealing a small scar along the hairline. “Where did you find her?”
A muscle worked in Rose’s jaw as she debated how much to say.AdventurousRose would not stoop to half-truths. “Whitefriars,” she admitted.
“What?” Huntley had joined the fray.
“All worked out.”Mostly.“Mr. Whitmore assisted me. I was perfectly safe,” she lied. Small steps.
“Mr. Whitmore?” Rebecca said. “Of Whitmore’s Wholesale? Is this a new development?”
“Somewhat.” Rose faced her family with her hands clasped at her lower back, her fingers crossed, and silently requesting Emerson’s forgiveness. But, in her own defense, thiswaswhat they’d agreed upon. Of sorts… “We’ve been seeing one another for several, er, weeks.” All right, days, but she could hardly admit that. “He shall be accompanying me to the charity subscription at Harlowe’s this evening.”
Gabriella shook her head. “You’re terrifying me. I hardly recognize you.”
No more than I do myself.She lifted her chin, unsure of whether Gabriella referred to her news of seeing Emerson or of finding Viola. She opted for the latter. “I learned of a young woman in need, and I acted.” To Rose’s utter dismay, tears pricked the backs of her eyes. She turned away, blinking quickly. “I would do it again.”
Gabriella exhaled sharply. Seconds later, she had her arms wrapped around Rose. “Where is she now, darling?”
“Unfortunately, Miss Lockhart has chosen not to accept our hospitality. She’s gone. I’ve failed her,” she finished on a choked cry.
“You didn’t fail her, Rose,” Rebecca said, taking her hand. “We cannot help someone who does not wish to be helped.”
Rose nodded, the tears slipping free.
“But, Rose,” Rebecca went on sternly, “please don’t do anything so foolish again. All it would take is for one of us to become endangered for Sebastian to pull his support of Hope House. That would hurt everyone.”
“Oh.” She hadn’t thought of that. The heaviness in her chest turned to one of cast iron, hindering her ability to breathe. The lack of oxygen sent spots warbling her vision. “I-I need to sit down.”
Instantly, her sister and sister-in-law swept her to the drawing room, leading her to the settee. Gabriella quickly set a fresh cup of heavily sugared tea in her shaking hands.
All Rose could think was that once again she’d botched things with her recklessness. Her actions had put the future of Hope House at imminent risk. She knew as well as anyone that Sebastian would not hesitate at shutting them down if he found the family in jeopardy.
Wet licks dotted the backs of her hands, startling her. Rose blinked, and her eyes focused on Lady MacBeth.
“You mustn’t worry so. You are distressing my little queen. She’s quite sensitive, you know.” Gabriella spoke in a singsong teasing tilt.
At one time, Rose would have snapped her youngest sister’s head off for intimating the least little look into Rose’s insecurities. She smoothed her hands over Her Majesty’s little head. Now, nothing but gratitude and love for the family she’dresented for so many years rippled through her. More tears welled, and it took all her composure to keep them from spilling over again. “I’ll be fine. I’m terribly sorry to have bungled things so.”
Rebecca touched her arm, her earlier indignation no longer visible. “At least allow us to help next time.”
Rose’s heart hitched, guilt and relief warring. Perhaps that was the point. Rose was no longer alone, however hasty her instincts. She had allies—even if they scolded her so. Rebecca shoved a handkerchief in her hands, and Rose blotted away the tears, nodding. “I promise. I won’t put the House at risk again.”
“It’s all right to make mistakes, darling,” Gabriella told her. “But let’s make them together.” Her sister hugged her. “More than anything, I want you to know how thrilled I am that you are part of this experiment.”
