Page 28 of The Season of Lady Chastity

“No, that is not necessary, Bastian.” Lady Mansfield pulled from her son’s hold and glanced down at her hands. “I am sorry for causing such a commotion. You should return downstairs. Both of you. I will await my tea and sleep.”

“Mother, never think—”

“I said go, Bastian.”

Chastity recoiled at the force of Lady Mansfield’s tone. She knew she should make an excuse and leave them to speak privately.

But leaving him alone was not within Chastity’s power at present.

Despite all she’d been through in her life, she’d never had to face it alone. Her sister was always near, even when their father and brother were absent. Yet, Bastian had no one.

The memory of the forlorn man perched at the edge of the Oxburgh moat returned. Chastity had made a jest of his troubles then, but she wouldn’t now. Not after gaining a tiny glimpse of his life.

Montrose’s guests were wrong to think that Bastian’s dedication to his mother was borne of weakness. It was actually a steely determination and strength most lacked so implicitly they could not even identify it in another.

Chastity knew the courage it took to stand strong. She’d witnessed it in her brother when he’d had to go against their father to save himself from Esmee. Chastity had seen it again when Lady Luci had declined to wed Abercorn, the lord her father had demanded she marry. Even Lady Ophelia, before she’d become Lady Hawke and wed Colin, had proven her mettle by exposing a murderer.

Chastity hoped she would be as capable and unyielding as Triston, Luci, and Ophelia.

“What happened?” Bastian’s shoulders slumped. “You were better.”

Lady Mansfield glanced around the room as if seeing the disheveled chamber for the first time. “I—I—I decided to go downstairs and join the women. Lady Camden said they were to string holly this evening and prepare gifts for the townsfolk. I thought to help…but-but—”

“It is all right, Mama,” Bastian interrupted. “Sleep now. We can speak on the morrow.”

“I opened my trunk to find a suitable gown and your father’s comb… What in heavens was it doing in my traveling trunk?” Her eyes went wide, fright tensing her shoulders as her knuckles turned white from her grip on the blanket. “I picked it up, but it fell to the floor. I must have fallen with it.”

Chastity could not comprehend the sight of a comb sending someone into such a panic.

“I am fine now.”

“You are not fine,” Bastian retorted firmly, yet his tone softened with his next words. “I will have our things readied, and we will return home tomorrow. This was all too much, too soon. I know that now.”

Lady Mansfield frowned. “We will do no such thing. It is rude, and I will not have it.”

“But what if another attack comes, and I am not close, or you are not safely in your room?”

Chastity’s heart seized at the agony of Bastian’s question.

“I cannot expect you to continue caring for me.” Lady Mansfield lifted her chin, the sight of her tousled hair against her white shift was a startling contrast, though a rosy hue had returned to her cheeks. “I am a grown woman.”

“Mother, I—”

The creak of the maid’s boots on the floorboards signaled that the valerian tea had arrived. It was long past time for Chastity to leave.

“I should go.” Little more than a whisper, Chastity was surprised when Lady Mansfield focused on her, staring past her son.

“Lady Chastity, is it?” she asked. When Chastity nodded, the older woman continued. “Thank you for your assistance. Do take my son and return to the festivities below.”

“Mama, there is no need for someone to look after me.”

A weak smile pulled at Bastian’s mother’s lips. “Perhaps it is time…”

Bastian threw a glance over his shoulder, meeting Chastity’s gaze for a split second before turning back to his mother. “Rest, you need sleep. We can discuss our departure tomorrow.”

“Very well.” Lady Mansfield accepted the tea the maid offered. “If you will bring my book close, I shall bid you goodnight. Please escort Lady Chastity below.”

“I have no intention of leaving and returning to the party, Mama.” He paused, facing Chastity once more. “However, I wish a word with Lady Chastity before she seeks out the other guests.”