He carries so much … and yet he still cares for me.
The realization made her chest swell. Her fingers lingered on the air where his hand had been. She closed her eyes for a moment, imagining the brief pressure, the kiss to her hand, and a blush rose to her cheeks. Her pulse thrummed with hope and longing, a hope that whispered insistently that, when this was all over,when their names were cleared, when justice had been done … there might be a future for them.
She did not speak it aloud. She simply straightened, drawing in a steadying breath, and allowed the faintest, gentle smile to grace her lips, which was a quiet, private promise to herself. Then, with a final glance toward the door through which he had departed, she turned to the others.
Even in his absence, Owen’s presence lingered, steady and warm, and Aurelia knew without doubt, that together, they would find a way forward.
***
The afternoon air was soft, scented faintly with lilacs from the neighboring gardens, as Aurelia and Clara approached Charlotte Langley’s town house. Their expressions were sweet and deferential, the perfect mask of civility. Aurelia could feel the tension coiling in her chest, each beat reminding her of how much depended on the words Charlotte might reveal, however unknowingly.
The butler ushered them into the drawing room upon their explanation that there was an urgent matter they needed to discuss with Miss Langley. Then, he left them alone. Aurelia inhaled deeply, feeling slightly nervous. She wondered if she would know what to say, now that she was finally here, finallyso close to unearthing the truth that had been the cause of her family’s demise.
Charlotte opened the door to the drawing room with a sharp light in her eyes and a subtle curl to her lip. “Miss Finch, Miss Blackmore,” she greeted them in a tone that was clipped, yet not devoid of politeness. “To what do I owe the … unexpected pleasure?”
Aurelia inclined her head, forcing herself into serenity, though her pulse danced beneath her ribs. “We thought it proper to call, Miss Langley,” she said sweetly, “because we intend to leave London soon.”
“Oh?” Charlotte raised an inquisitive eyebrow. “What on earth for?”
Aurelia glanced at Clara, who was standing by her side, looking as determined as she was, although she didn’t speak yet.
“We know when we are not welcome,” Aurelia clarified courteously. “And we both understand. Still, with that said, we wished to offer our apologies, in person, before we depart.”
Charlotte’s lips tightened into a thin, incredulous line. “Apologies? My dear Miss Finch, how … charming. And what have you to apologize for, pray?”
Clara’s voice, calm and measured, answered with the utmost courtesy. “For any offense we may have caused, unintentionally or otherwise. It has never been our desire to trouble you or your family, or anyone else for that matter.”
Aurelia resisted the urge to smile. She wasn’t expecting Clara’s help, but it was more than welcome.
Charlotte, for her part, let her gaze linger on them, sharp and calculating, before letting a faint smirk curl her lips. “Trouble us? Why, we’ve only been trying to warn you.”
“Warn us?” Aurelia echoed.
“Of course,” Charlotte sighed as if she were quickly becoming exasperated with this conversation. “It is about time you understood the truth. Lord Westbridge and Captain Harrow, your supposed allies, have been playing with you, have they not? Leading you along, and all the while laughing at your innocence. Do you see that now?”
Aurelia felt the prick of anger, yet her voice remained perfectly even. “Yes, we are aware of the truth now.”
Charlotte’s smirk widened into something more confident, almost self-satisfied. “Indeed. I suspected as much. You are not so easily deceived, after all. Finally, you see what has been goingon. My father, myself … we have long endured the impertinence of the Finch family’s presumption.”
Aurelia leaned forward just slightly. “I also wish to apologize to the general, for all that my father has put him through. His accusations, no doubt, caused your father great distress.”
Charlotte’s eyes gleamed with malicious satisfaction. “Ah, yes. That is correct. You cannot even imagine the trouble you have caused us. My father has suffered much on your account.”
“I know,” Aurelia nodded just once. “That is why I wished for a chance to make amends so we can finally lay the past to rest.”
“I’m afraid my father is not in London,” Charlotte revealed, although they already knew that his lodgings had to be out of town.
“Well, perhaps with our apology, he will wish to stay here in London instead,” Aurelia urged.
“My father has been quite content in his quiet lodgings at Blackheath,” she said with a faint, imperious smile, “but now, with everything settled to his satisfaction, he may finally return to London in full measure. Of course, he found those small apartments exceedingly comfortable while he waited.”
Aurelia’s pulse leapt at the careless slip of her tongue. She maintained her composure, smiling lightly.
“Well, in any case, I do hope you will bestow our sincerest apologies upon him,” Aurelia concluded, with the information she needed in her grasp. “We thank you for your time and your generosity. We shall not trouble you further, and you will see no more of us in London.”
Charlotte’s smug expression did not falter. “Very well. I should think that is for the best. It is about time this matter was concluded, I dare say. One can only wonder why it has taken so long for you to perceive it yourselves.”
Aurelia’s lips curved into a controlled, gracious smile. “Indeed. And we thank you for your frankness.”
