“Yes, it’s a mystery,” Oliver said. “I took the liberty of mentioning your uncle to the police. They’re interrogating him as we speak, and an officer was sent to Sir James’s house as well after it was clear the axle had been tampered with.”
“I doubt the police will find that stable hand. He’ll be out of London by now. Surely, Uncle Neville must have given him a hefty sum to sabotage my carriage.”
“Hopefully, the police will catch him.”
“I don’t like the idea of hoping. We’ll hire a private detective. I want to get to the bottom of this story.”
“Fair enough.” He patted Perry’s shoulder. “I’ll help you get dressed. We need to go home.”
Perry slid on a fresh set of clothes with Oliver’s help. His body was a map of dark bruises and swells, but his concern for Edith overcame his physical pain.
Staggering on his feet, Perry walked to Edith’s room. She was sitting on her bed, pale and quiet in a dark gown. Dr.Winkworth, his wife, and Lady Lancaster were talking in hushed tones. They fell silent when Perry entered the room.
He nodded at everyone, his focus on Edith.
“Perry,” she said in a small voice.
“Ravenscroft, we’re happy to see you up and about,” Dr. Winkworth said, shaking his hand.
Mrs. Winkworth wiped her eyes with a handkerchief, and Lady Lancaster held Edith’s hand.
“At least no one got seriously hurt,” Lady Lancaster said.
“Edith.” He touched her head.
She didn’t look better than Perry did, although her face showed only a couple of bruises. The problem was the shadow darkening her gaze. Her dishevelled hair and paleness enhanced her lost expression. The long dark dress didn’t help.
She gave him a timid smile, standing up. “I’m glad you’re well. We were worried.”
He squeezed her hand.
“In a hospital again,” she said. “We should stop having these incidents.”
Perry kissed her hand, not caring about the fact her family was present. “I love you, Edith.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him without hurting him though. He hugged her back, so very happy he could do so.
Soft gasps came from Mrs. Winkworth and Lady Lancaster. Dr. Winkworth grumbled something Perry didn’t understand.
“You’ll try next year,” he said when she released him.
Her next smile brought some colour to her cheeks. “It’s a good thing that I can.”
Mrs. Winkworth, clearing her throat from behind Edith, broke the moment. “Apologies, my lord, but we’re taking Edith home.”
“We’ll take good care of her, Ravenscroft,” her father said. “Thank you for everything you did for her.”
He released her reluctantly and stepped back from her.
“I love you,” she whispered, giving him a new smile only for him.
