“Jacob was aiming for David, my thirteen-year-old son. Our son.” Cora eased back on the armchair gently. “I protected my son. That’s all.”
“Why did Lord Roxbury want to hurt his son?” Lady Kingsley placed a trembling hand on her chest.
“Why indeed.” Cora would have preferred if Jacob had hated only her and not David. Likely, he punished her through David. “Jacob lost interest in me quickly after our first year of marriage. The beginning of our story was like a fairy tale, too good to be true. Then David was born, and Jacob found the baby annoying to the point he didn’t want David to sleep close to his bedroom and didn’t want to see him at all. He has always been incredibly harsh to David, expecting him to do everything perfectly. David can’t read properly because Jacob did nothing but shout at him every time David made a mistake.” She stared at her hands on her lap. “Now David is terrified when he reads, has no friends, and believes himself to be worthless, no matter how many times I tell him he’s adorable and clever.”
Lady Kingsley listened without interrupting. “Was Roxbury cruel to you as well?”
Cora put a hand around her neck. “He never allowed me to keep money or jewels for fear I might use them to leave him. Before leaving the house, he always checked my body to make sure I didn’t hide stolen items, a humiliating practice he inflicted on me with pleasure. And he enjoyed choking me.”
Ethan’s expression became as feral as the last time they’d talked about Jacob’s perverse tastes.
“Heaven,” Lady Kingsley whispered. “Did he hit you?”
Always that question. “There has been an occasional slap, but no more than that, thank goodness, but he grabbed my throat and choked me on numerous occasions. His cruelty shows itself in his words, shouts, and actions. I’m not defending him, but I can’t lie either. I feel like I’m waking up from a nightmare. Only now do I see things clearly. At first, I thought I was the problem. He’s an excellent deceiver, a fine manipulator. He uses his charm to fool people. I don’t know how he does it, but his technique is effective.” She stopped because she couldn’t explain something she didn’t understand herself. Jacob had put a spell on her, or a curse, and she’d broken it recently.
Ethan touched her shoulder, a simple gesture that told her he wanted to hold her.
Lady Kingsley remained silent for a long time, making Cora wonder if she believed her. “Cruelty is never easy to explain for those who aren’t cruel. I was lucky enough to share a long, happy marriage with my husband. My sister wasn’t. Her husband…” She cleared her throat. “My brother is a judge, who deals with private bills regarding divorces and annulments. Something my sister would have obtained had she lived.”
Cora let out an exhale. “I’m sorry.”
Ethan bowed to the older lady. “I didn’t know.”
“It happened many years ago.” Lady Kingsley remained silent for a few moments. “My brother is currently staying inBorrington in a cottage close to the sea. I believe Lord Stark owns an estate in the same village.”
“I do.”
“Then I suggest that you and Lady Roxbury pay him a visit,” Lady Kingsley said. “I’ll write to him immediately. I’d daresay Barnaby, my brother, is the most expert judge in matters of marriage law. If he can’t solve your quandary, no one can. He’s also quite compassionate towards wives in situations like yours because of our sister. You can trust him.”
“If you agree, Cora,” Ethan said, “the trip would be an opportunity to escape London’s close scrutiny and give David a moment of respite. As soon as you’re strong enough to travel, of course.”
She nodded. “I think we should go and see your brother, my lady.”
Lady Kingsley rose. “I wish you good luck. You deserve a better future.”
Cora stood up as well. “Thank you.”
Lady Kingsley took Cora’s hands. “I wish my sister had told me what she’d been through with her husband before it’d been too late. I blame myself for not having understood her sadness. Your courage will be an example to other unfortunate women.”
She doubted she could be an example to anyone. “I’ve made so many mistakes.”
The lady gave her a tired smile. “But you’re here and your son is with you. That’s all that matters. Not to mention you’re in excellent hands.”
Yes, she was.
“I’ll escort Lady Kingsley back to the ballroom.” Ethan opened the door.
“Nonsense.” Lady Kingsley waved a dismissive hand. “I’m old but in good shape. I’ll see you later, Lord Stark.”
Cora waited to be alone with him before running to hug him. Running was likely an exaggeration. He caught her and held her without saying a word. The more she rested in his embrace, the more relaxed she felt. His arms were home. His warmth was the best luxury she’d ever experienced.
“You’re brave. I admire you deeply,” he whispered.
She was about to kiss him when Mr. Purnell barged into the room.
“Lady Roxbury, Ethan.” Finn shut the door behind him. “Apologies for the intrusion, but I need a word.”
She collected herself, clearing her throat.
