“Afraid of what?”
“Of how you must hate me!”
It was bizarre to hear these words from Mrs.Salisbury’s mouth, when it was exactly how he felt she must feel about him.
“I don’t understand.”
“Because of what my husband did.To your mother.I knew her, you know.She was a beautiful girl.Clever and genteel.A credit to her family.I know my husband ruined more than one woman.But with your mother, it always pierced me keenly, because she was—well, she was so kind.And I knew her.”
He was moved that she felt so guilty, but no less perplexed.It had never occurred to him that Mrs.Salisbury would have known his mother.
“But he did the same to—”
“He did.In a way.But it was also not the same.With Philip and Sally’s mothers, they were local, poor girls.He would have made them presents and promised them luxuries.I suspect they took their chances just for the adventure.It does not make him less wrong, of course, but it changes how I felt about it.And with Daniella, it was a completely different thing altogether.She was a widow and of independent means.He could not break her, even though he tried.But with your mother—I know he must have manipulated and lied and ground her down until she relented.I know how sweetly he must have made love to her, how he would have promised her anything, and how quickly he must have turned his back once he had gotten what he wanted.And of course, I know your grandfather must have told you all of it.”
“But why would I hateyou?”
“Because I was safe!While your mother and your family suffered for the husband I could not keep in check.”
“That was never your responsibility.He was—wicked.”
“Yes, he was wicked.”She wiped her tears away with her fingers.“I am sorry.I should be offering you congratulations.”
“Well, I have not yet been accepted.I merely wanted to tell you first of my intentions.I thought I owed you that.”
She smiled.“You don’t.But I appreciate it all the same.I am flattered you would tell me first.And I know she will accept you.After all, what woman could refuse you, Malcolm?”
He blushed at the praise.“I have always worried that I reminded you of him.”
She shook her head.“No, you always reminded me of her.Your mother.She was so good, and so are you.”
“Thank you, Eleanora.”
She brightened.It was perhaps the first time he had ever used her first name.
He now felt as if he could use it.Like it wasn’t a violation to be familiar with her.
“I wish you joy, Malcolm.I wish you every possible happiness with Miss Perkins.”
He exited the room feeling lighter than he had thought it was possible for him to feel.
That was until he confronted a very out-of-breath, very flustered Miss Tilly Perkins in the hall.
“Mr.Brown,” she panted.“She has left!Scarlett!She is gone!”
His blood instantly rushed against his temples.“What do you mean?Why has she left?”
“She thinks you are marrying another,” Tilly whispered.“She spoke to Miss Marburry, and she said something—I am not sure what—and Scarlett left me a note.You must find her!”
“Yes, of course.”
Tilly grabbed his arm.“You love her, don’t you, Mr.Brown?I am not wrong?”
“Of course.Yes.I do.I will find her,” he promised.“And I will make it right.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
Miss Scarlett Perkinswas riding away from Parkhorne Hall, and yes, she was sobbing.
