Perry went down the short flight of stairs from the front door with the help of the butler and the footman. The attack from last night had left him pale and visibly shaken, likely worried, and her chest tightened for him. Even Mother, Marianne, and Father stared at him with worry.
The earl waited next to the carriage that would take them to the train station. His black great coat gave him a solemn air, and with the grey sky and freezing air, the atmosphere looked like that of a funeral.
She had yet to decide which one of the two brothers was paler.
Perry climbed into the carriage, helped again by the butler. He slanted her a sad glance that broke her heart.
“My lord,” she said to the earl. “I hope you’ll send us news on Perry’s progress. I’d like to write to him as often as I can.”
“I will, Miss Edith, but I must ask something from you.”
“Anything.”
He inched closer. “Discretion. My family’s name depends on keeping Perry’s… condition a secret.”
“Alas,” Father said, “seizures are still stigmatised today as they were centuries ago. We won’t gossip about Lord Peregrine, my lord.”
The earl gave a nervous nod.
A flare of anger bothered her. She had no intention of blabbering about Perry’s health, and he shouldn’t be locked up in an asylum for his seizures. That was barbaric.
“I won’t say anything, my lord,” she said without looking at the earl.
Father stuck his head inside the carriage and talked to Perry in hushed tones.
“Miss Winkworth, Mrs. Winkworth, Miss Edith.” The earl touched the rim of his hat. “Thank you for everything you did for my brother.”
“We all love Lord Peregrine, my lord,” Mother said, almost sobbing.
“Have a safe trip,” Marianne said.
Edith stuck her head inside the carriage as well. “Get well soon, Perry,” she whispered. “I’m still waiting for that kiss.”
He flashed his pirate-like smile, and for a moment, he looked the same wild boy she’d met months ago. She squeezed his hand and laced her fingers through his.
“I’ll write even if you can’t write back.”
He gave her hand a last squeeze before releasing it.
“Goodbye, Miss Edith.” The earl climbed into the carriage.
Emotion thickened her throat as she said goodbye to Perry. “Have a safe trip. I hope to see you soon, well recovered.”
He gave her a nod that lacked confidence. Then the footman shut the door of the carriage, and she remained on the pavement, watching Perry leave under the grey sky.
