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Gladys followed after she’d given Orris a hug. With Violetta and Myrtle in the room alone, it was time to discuss the thing they had both been avoiding. Though perhaps it only seemed that way to Orris. Within a matter of moments, the hurt had transitioned to anger, her hands clenched into fists as she faced her sister. The ache in his chest pulled against her soul until she could no longer hold her peace.

“Would you care to share what, exactly, is upsetting you so? I have not been a bother. I have behaved in front of people. I haven’t even been riding horses during the most popular times to promenade. Why are you so angry?” The question was genuine. Over the last months, their relationship had appeared to deteriorate. Orris knew it was through no fault of her own. Though that was only one side of the situation. It only made sense to ask her sister and to allow her an opportunity to air any grievances.

“I am not upset with you,” Violetta said, putting aside her needlework once more, before standing and walking toward the parlor door.

Orris, determined not to let her get away, ran and grabbed her arm. “I can see you are cross. You may as well tell me. Otherwise, I am afraid the matter will only get worse.”

Violetta pulled her hand away. “Orris, I do not wish to qua—”

“Please. Tell me,” Orris said, taking a step back. It had been months since they had had a civil conversation. It was time to cease the antagonizing situation. Whether Violetta wanted to or not.

Violetta did not turn to face her. Instead, she took a few more steps away, her back to Orris, before stopping suddenly. With a slight sniffle, Violetta clasped her hands together in front of her body. “If you must know, I feel like an afterthought in your life.”

“What do you mean, Vi? I was giving you a moment of peace. I know how I aggravate you.” Orris’s throat suddenly burned. She had never perceived herself as Violetta’s favorite person. To say it aloud, to breathe the words, made her chest knot.

“I thought—I felt like you did not appreciate my company. And… as much as it pains me to admit, I have been somewhat distressed by that notion. You are always so brave. And I know my… my delicate nature is not a thing you can fathom, but I only want what is best for us. For our entire family. I want you to one day find a husband. Even if you do not want that for yourself. After all, how could I truly be happy if I believe one day you would not be too?” Violetta sniffed again, her shoulders shaking as she did so.

Orris stepped closer to her sister, the ability to speak more difficult as the burn of tears threatened. “Violetta, how could you not know I am happiest with you all? My sisters and Gladys, who is certainly closer now than ever. Mama. Even with all the rules, I could not imagine my life without you. I have been so nervous to make you angry, yet I seem to do so daily. And anyway, there is nothing I could do to scare off a match who truly loves you.” She placed a hand on Violetta’s shoulder and pulled at her.

Now that she’d allowed herself to face Orris, it was clear her face was wet with tears. “I am so sorry. I have treated you ghastly. Part of that, which I hope you can forgive me for, is rejecting you before you had the chance to make me feel daft or silly. And then when Myrtle left on her honeymoon, I felt even more alone. As much as I have missed you, it hurt too much to know you were disappointed in me as a sister.”

“Vi, I could never be disappointed in you. You are the very bastion of piety, and kind, and most of all, a genuine person. I love you so very much. And I am proud to have you as my sibling. I would dare anyone to say a single nasty word about you. You are my sister.” Her own tears ran hot and unbidden down her face.

“Well, can you please help me with this courting business? I feel completely out of sorts around the suitors.” Violetta ran the palms of her hands down her face, wiping away tears. The chuckle broke the gravity of the moment.

“And you think I’m the best person to sit with you? I have not met a man who is worthy of you. But if it makes you feel any better, I shall remain at your side. If there are any you should like to claim as your own, I will be the first to teach him rodeo tricks on his horse. That is, if he can ride one without a driver and a carriage behind it.” She laughed through her tears.

“Do you mean it? Or are you just trying to stop our tears?”

“Of course I mean it, silly. I would do anything for you, Sister. Just tell me what you need, and I shall do it.” Orris held out her arms.

Violetta moved into them, wrapping her own around Orris’s waist. The embrace was one Orris had not felt in what seemed too long. For a moment, she gave in to the warmth as they rocked away all the hurt and harm they had caused one another over the course of months.

“Does this mean that to spend time with you, I have to go out and ride horses in the wee hours of the morn?”

Orris pulled away and stared at her sister. “You knew about that?”

Violetta nodded as she stepped back a few feet. “Yes, I can see you sprinting through the gardens each day from my room. You ought to be careful, too. If Mama catches you, she will cast you into the sea.”

“Thank you for not telling her.” Orris covered her face with her hands, chuckling at the visual. She must have looked a fright.

“I would never. But please, enlist the help of the servants. They can show you a better way to the mews,” she said, still smiling.

Orris, however, was stricken. She rubbed a hand over the old hurt in her chest. “Thomas used to help me with that,” she admitted.

Violetta, who had never had any sympathy for her when it came to Thomas, reacted visibly, her expression changing to something softer, her eyes filled with empathy. “I think it is time for you to find someone more suitable to help you.”

Orris knew what she meant. And in all honesty, the last few days, she’d realized how impossible it would have been to have a relationship with someone outside her class. Her family would have been left with no choice but to shun her. And as much as she’d liked Thomas, she could not live without her family. She knew that now. “Do not worry, Vi. I shall not make the same mistake again.”

Without warning, the image of Mr. Fain formed in her mind. His handsome face was representative of someone else with whom she would not be able to have a relationship, as he was not a suitable match.

At least with him, she was not in any danger of being hurt. He was not someone to whom she would allow herself to become attached. Regardless of circumstances.

Even with the realization, Mr. Fain appeared in her mind on more instances than she cared to acknowledge. His mannerisms were that of a nobleman’s, though she could not prove such. His impression of her had become important. And whether Orris wanted to admit it or not, the thought of him not being a danger to her heart hurt more than Thomas’s departure. What could it all mean?

Orris knew as plainly as the nose on her face… She was already in trouble.

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