Oh, Cherry Ripe

“And I you.” She touched his cheek. “Now, I am off. If his lordship asks, you may say I left him a letter on my mantelshelf. It is all the explanation I mean to give him.”

So saying, she went to her room and quickly penned a missive.

My Lord Westbrooke,

I have enjoyed my stay at Bromley. I adore the twins, and my time with them is something that is very

precious to me. However, it is apparent that I cannot remain under the same roof with you, for reasons we both understand.

Forgive me. I have made an explanation to the twins and to Freddy, and I shall send you an exceptional woman to take my place. Yes, I do know someone who would be perfect for the position and perhaps be more appreciated by your new bride.

Again, forgive me, but it seems that running away from things I cannot handle is something I am falling into the habit of doing. Cowardly but expedient.

Fondly,

Cherry

This done, she put the hood of her cloak over her hair and quietly left the house. It would take her a good twenty minutes to walk the distance to James, but she was on time. Everything seemed to be in order, so why did she feel so very heartsick? This was the answer, was it not? Yes, it was the only answer. Faith, it had to be the answer.

* * *

Sky rode to the inn at a heady pace. It was too late, of course, to stop Cherry from going; she was gone. He knew that—and still galloped his horse because he needed the run. Dusk had turned to night and the moon wasn’t quite full, so it was madness to run his horse at this speed. However, he reached the inn and dismounted quickly, giving the reins over to the livery boy who came running out to greet him.

He headed inside to see Mr. Regis, proprietor of the Red Bull Inn and Tavern. Regis was a stout and jolly man. He had long prospered at his establishment and was proud of his success. Sky found him polishing the dark oak bar counter, and he looked up to smile broadly at his lordship. Westbrooke was well known and liked by most of the locals.

“Good evening to ye, my lord,” Regis greeted him and put down the cloth.

“And to you, Regis.” Sky nodded but was too impatient to waste time on the usual amenities. “Regis, tell me, if you can, is young Dartford still here?”

“No, my lord. He left us a few hours ago. Paid his shot, and off he went. Pleasant young man.”

“Do you know if he had any … company with him when he left?”

“Couldn’t say, but he did hire a post chaise. Hitched that fine piece of horseflesh of his to the boot, and off he went.”

“Did he mention where he intended to go?”

“London … aye, that’s it. Thanked me, like I said, paid his fare, and said he was off for London.”

“London! Well by God, we shall see!” Sky was too hot at hand to think how he sounded as he turned and stomped out of the inn.

~ Twenty-one ~

LADY ELTON RUSHED into the parlor, and Cherry looked up from the tea she was sipping as her stepmama clapped her hands together and then put out her arms. “Darling, you dreadful awful darling! Maria said you arrived last night—why did you not wake me?”

Cherry got up and ran right into them, and for a very long moment the two women hugged without saying a word. “Didn’t want to disturb you, Mama, and before I say another word, I do love you and I am terribly sorry…”

Lady Elton gave her stepdaughter a shake and said, “You are home! ’Tis all that matters.” She looked past Cherry to James and said, “Thank you, James … thank you for convincing her to come back to me.”

“It wasn’t me,” James said, his hands up in the air. “She decided suddenly that was what she had to do. She is mad, you know, completely and utterly mad.”

“Let me look at you.” Lady Elton held her at arm’s length. “Lovely choice, but oh, my dear, this gown just hangs on you—have you not been eating?” She hugged her again and then took Cherry’s hand and led her back to the sofa. “We’ll fix that right away, my girl, but now tell me, everything.”

“First, Mama … I am so very dreadfully sorry. I know you only wanted to see me safely settled. I should not have run away … but if I had not … well … at any rate, you do understand, I could not, would not marry a stranger.”

“You are a horrid, wicked girl, and I love you with all my heart. No, I see that now. I don’t know what I was thinking … but if you had just seen him … he was everything I want for you.”

“Yes, I agree … Lord Westbrooke is just the man for me.” Cherry peeped a look at her.