“But at least reconsider traveling to America by yourself,” Edward continued. “Especially given John does not know you are coming. Surely, you could send word and wait for his response.”
Ned was afraid. She could see it in the way his hand tapped at his side as he spoke and the lack of color in his face. He’d spent his entire life trying to ensure that his family was safe and well cared for. Even his decision to enlist Will into the army had been because he’d thought it would help his brother mature. She was about to fly in the face of all of that with her reckless actions.
“I know what John’s response will be, brother. He begged me to come with him a week ago, but I was too much of a coward then. I am not a coward now and I will prove it by trusting his feelings for me. Besides, if I can find a ship that will sail today, then I might very well catch him at the first port. We can travel together and start our new life in Boston at the same time.”
Edward rolled his shoulders. “Even if you catch him, you cannot travel unmarried.”
“The ship’s captain can marry us.”
“And until then? Grace, are you certain that you cannot go with her?”
Grace looked at Charlotte with wide eyes. They’d had this conversation when Charlotte had first arrived home.
“No, Ned. Do not ask that of her again. She and Swinton have their own lives here.” Grace’s expression turned grateful. Charlotte stepped closer and clenched her friend’s hand. “I have nothing but appreciation for the years you’ve spent as my dearest companion.” Her voiced choked a little and both girls teared up.
Grace returned the squeeze before briskly leaving to collect more clothes. As she walked into the dressing room, Charlotte saw her swipe her eyes.
“Ye could hire a companion,” Fi said. “I’m sure there are plenty of spinsters or widows who would enjoy the adventure.”
Edward shook his head. “Who are ready to leave today? We can’t possibly authenticate references in time, and I’m not putting her on a ship without somebody who has been thoroughly vetted.” He turned to Charlotte. “Char, be reasonable. There is no harm in waiting until John has arrived and settled in and, at the very least, knows that you’re arriving.”
The frustration of the past week boiled over. “I don’t want him to go a single day longer than necessary thinking that I didn’t come for him. If I leave today, I may very well catch him by the end of the week.” The sooner she and John were back together, the better for them both.
“I’ll go with her.” It was the first time William had spoken since Edward had entered Charlotte’s bedroom. He refused to meet his brother’s hard glare. He had apologized to Charlotte for their fight but he’d refused to speak with Edward.
There was nothing she could do about her brothers’ relationship now.
“I’m not sure I’m ready to be back in England, anyway,” Will continued. “Besides, I’ve four years of pestering my little sister to catch up on. Can’t let her enter married life without a long reminder of what she is leaving behind.”
“Will…” Edward rubbed between his eyes. Charlotte knew what he was thinking. William was a mess. It had only been weeks since his episode. True, he’d kept to his word and hadn’t touched a drink since then, but neither she nor Edward had any illusions that their brother was healed.
Will seemed to sense it, because he stood and looked at Edward. He flinched under his brother’s gaze, but he fisted his hands by his side and didn’t turn away. “I have done many things that I’m not proud of and, frankly, you don’t know the worst of them. But I have never, ever, let Charlotte come to harm, and I never would. I value her life and happiness more than my own.”
“More than a drink?” Edward’s tone carried with it all the disbelief she knew he felt. Charlotte went to William’s side, taking his hand and standing by him, hip to hip.
“I will not consume a drop until I have seen her married. I swear it.”
Charlotte looked to her eldest brother for his approval. She was going to go to Boston, regardless, but she’d much rather do it with his blessing and Will at her side.
Edward looked to her. “You are to send word at every port and write weekly once you arrive.” His words were stern, but his voice was thick and there was a sheen to his eyes that wrenched Charlotte’s heart.
She threw her arms around him and kissed him on his cheek, hoping he could not feel the wetness of her eyelashes against his skin.
He tightened the embrace, and her tears fell in earnest.
“I will writedaily, and you must write me in return. I love you, brother. I shall miss you fiercely.”
“I love you too, Char.” His fingers dug hard into her shoulders, and she could feel the hitch to his breath.
“Ye’re going to make us all cry.” Fiona stood and rubbed her husband’s back. “If this is yer last day with us, I must speak with Mrs. Phillips about luncheon. I’ll see what wonder the kitchen can whip up in six hours.”
Charlotte pulled away from Edward, wiping at her eyes. “I can do that. I’ll go down in a moment.”
“Nae.” Fiona shook her head. “It’s aboot time I managed this household. I appreciate these years that ye’ve taken on that burden, though. Ye’ve given me time to acclimate to my role, which I needed. But yer work is done. Ye need to spend the day saying good-bye to yer friends. There are so many people for ye to see.”
Charlotte embraced her tightly. “You are the best of sisters,” she murmured. “I can only leave because he has you.”
Neither of them pulled away until there was an uncomfortable cough from the door. Charlotte looked over Fi’s shoulder. Simmons stood in the doorway, cheeks flushing, clearly uncomfortable interrupting such a moment.
