“You’re nothing of the sort,” Charlotte said. “But that is not what we were discussing. This is about Jaclyn and her scandalous past.”
Jaclyn suddenly winced, pressing a hand to her forehead. She could not handle another moment of their tirade. They meant well, but she was still not herself. "Please, you both are making my head hurt," she muttered. "Can we stop discussing this?"
The two women fell silent, glancing at each other for a moment, before Charlotte spoke up, her voice much softer now. “I’m sorry, Jaclyn. We only want what’s best for you.”
Jaclyn closed her eyes for a moment, trying to steady herself as she lay back against the pillows. She took a deep, unsteady breath. "I don’t understand. Why does he care? Why does the duke want to sit by my sickbed? What does he want from me? What does he hope to gain from all of this?" Her voice was quiet, a mix of confusion and apprehension, as if the weight of her thoughts was too much to bear.
Georgina shook her head slightly, her expression softening. "I wish I knew, Jaclyn. I really do." She hesitated before continuing. "But I fear it might not end well. What happened at Vauxhall was… well, it was a mess, and we both know that. I still don't understand it all. Charlotte only explained the finer points of it all... And now, he’s here, getting too close. I don’t wish for you to experience a repeat of that chaos."
Charlotte’s eyes darkened at the mention of Vauxhall. "We all know what happened there. The duel, the misunderstanding... Your brother challenged him for your honor. He was furious because he thought the duke intended to seduce you. But you said that the duke did nothing untoward. If only Lord Oakley had listened to you that night."
Jaclyn’s hand trembled slightly as she gripped the edge of her blanket. She glanced out the window, her mind clouded by a jumble of thoughts. "I know," she whispered, her voice carrying a hint of regret. "The duke did not mean me any harm. But I can’t help but fear that his actions are going to bring more trouble. I just… I don’t understand why he’s so persistent. Why now? What does he want from me?" He had been like a petulant child during the house party. Reluctant to even be near her and he had always seemed to be so angry at the sight of her. What had changed?
Georgina took a deep breath, her eyes scanning Jaclyn’s face, the concern still apparent in her gaze. "I don’t know, love. But I do know this—whatever it is, we’ll face it together. And whatever happens, I’ll always be here for you."
Jaclyn let out a shaky breath, closing her eyes as if trying to push away the weight of her emotions. "I am glad that my brother is so far away," she murmured. "If he were here, I know he’d take matters into his own hands and make everything worse. Like he did at Vauxhall…"
Charlotte nodded in agreement. "That’s the last thing we need, Jaclyn. You’re safe here, and we will deal with whatever the duke wants—or doesn’t want—on our terms."
Jaclyn’s heart gave a small, bittersweet flutter. She knew her brother, Barrett, the Earl of Oakley, well enough to know he would have stormed Easton Abbey, confronting the duke without a second thought. But she could not deny that the distance between them allowed her to breathe a little easier. Still, she couldn’t help but feel conflicted, her heart torn in ways she wasn’t ready to admit. She adored her brother, she did, but she could not handle another of his violent tantrums. They never ended well—at least not for her…
"We’ll figure this out," Georgina said softly, rising from the edge of the bed with s fluid grace that belied the worry in her eyes. She smoothed the covers around Jaclyn with gentle deliberate motions. Almost as if the simple act would offer some sort of protection over Jaclyn. "And we’ll protect you, no matter what happens."
Jaclyn lifted her gaze toward Georgina. A tinge of both gratitude and guilt filled her. “I am sorry that you had to end your wedding trip to come see me,” she murmured. “You could have waited. I am going to be all right.” Her voice wavered slightly, betraying the strength she tried so hard to maintain.
Georgina waved her hand dismissively. Her lips tilted upward into a smile that was both warm and firm. “We did what we set out to do. Adrian wished to show me his home, and he did. It’s a lovely estate. We can always take another trip later…when everything is less complicated.” She let out a soft laugh as if trying to make light of the abrupt end of her wedding trip. “Besides, I want to be here for you. I would not have come otherwise. Nothing—not distance, not inconvenience—would have kept me away.”
A tear slipped down her cheek. How had she been so lucky to find two such wonderful friends like this? Two women who had arrived not out of obligation, but out of devotion, without question or hesitation. Her lips twitched into a wistful smile. She wrinkled her nose and the sighed wistfully. “I miss you both at Havenwood,” she admitted softly.
“I heard you have new roommates,” Georgina teased, the corners of her eyes crinkling with amusement.
“I do,” Jaclyn confirmed. “Lady Ella is quite delightful. But Lady Melisande…” She trailed off, unwilling to give voice to the full measure of her unease.
“You need not say more,” Charlotte said. “We are all acquainted with her. Lord Kendal told me about her part in your accident. That is something I will not soon forget.” She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a tone that was equal parts concern and resolve. “I plan on speaking with Mrs. Havenwood about it. Something has to be done about her misdeeds. There must be consequences for her recklessness. She has been acting irresponsibly for far too long.”
Jaclyn drew a deep breath, her heart warmed by the fierce loyalty surrounding her. Despite the ache in her body and the turmoil in her mind, she felt a flicker of hope—a promise that, no matter the challenges ahead, she would not face them alone.
Georgina rested a hand over Jaclyn’s, the gesture small but comforting. “You are not alone,” she said softly. “Charlotte and I will always be here for you.”
* * *
“Thank you,” Jaclyn said as she swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat. She was so fortunate to have Charlotte and Georgina. She met Charlotte’s gaze. “And I agree… However, I am not so certain that anything the headmistress does will make that hellion listen. We have both sat through some of Mrs. Havenwood’s disciplinary actions and we still did as we pleased at times. Melisande is far worse and bolder with everything that she does.”
“I will still try,” Charlotte said. “But for now I think it is best we let you rest some more. Mrs. Havenwood has been made aware of your condition, and we keep her updated on your progress. You will remain here until you are well enough to return to school.” She hugged Jaclyn. “I need you too much to lose you to an illness like this. Take care, my friend.”
Georgina gave her a quick hug too. “Listen to Charlotte. She knows what is best.”
Jaclyn chuckled and then winced as an ache shot through her head. “Go before I have a setback from laughter.”
Georgina and Charlotte both stepped back, giving her some space to rest. Jaclyn felt the weight of her worries and fears heavy on her chest, but for the moment, the warmth of her friends’ support was enough to help her fight the uncertainty swirling within her. For now, she would rest, and perhaps in time, she would find the courage to face whatever lay ahead.
Kingston strode through the stable yard, the familiar scent of hay and leather mingling in the crisp morning air. His boots thudded against the stone path as he made his way toward the stables where Lord Easton stood, his tall frame outlined by the soft light filtering through the stable doors. The marquess was speaking briefly with the stable boy, giving instructions for his mount to be saddled.
Kingston approached the marquess quickly. He had been searching for him so he could discuss his concerns regarding Jaclyn. Easton glanced up, a small nod of acknowledgment the only greeting. "Ah, Amberwood,” he greeted him. “Have you decided to join me?" Easton’s voice was deep, but light with the easy tone of someone accustomed to the comfort of the estate and a life without urgency. His eyes were thoughtful, a slight furrow on his brow as he watched the stable boy work. “I can have him ready your horse as well.”
He had not considered a ride when he started his search, but now it did sound exactly what he needed. "I think I will," Kingston replied, his tone far more serious. "It's been a long week, and I find that a ride clears my head better than any conversation."
Easton laughed. “I could not agree more.” He motioned for the stable boy to come forward. “Prepare His Grace’s mount as well.”
