The Daring Miss Darcy (Lost Ladies of London 4)

“Of course,” Lillian said. “He told Mackenzie he would return as soon as he’s done what he needs to do in … in France.”

“France!” Estelle’s world swayed. She felt nauseous. Dizzy. It was as though sharp talons pierced her chest and gripped her heart ready to squeeze the life from it. “France?” she whispered looking down at the letter in her hand. A tear dropped onto the paper. “Why?”

“I think you know,” Lillian said softly.

Fabian put his hand on Estelle’s shoulder. “After what I have just heard, it is what any man who cares about you would do. It is a good sign. A sign of his lasting devotion.”

“No!” She swung around and with one hand grabbed her brother by his shirt and shook him. “Fetch a boat. Bring him back.”

Fabian covered her hand with his own. “He loves you, Estelle. He will return. But he is worldly enough to know that you cannot live happily in fear. He is honourable enough to want to seek vengeance on those who have hurt you.”

“No. The past doesn’t matter. He knows that.” Oh, where was Mr Erstwhile when she needed him? Estelle stepped away and hurried to the door.

“Wait!” Fabian cried. “Where are you going?”

“To find Mackenzie. To get a boat. To bring him back.”

Fabian grabbed her around the waist and pulled her against his chest. “He will return. You must wait for him as he asked you to do. The time will pass quickly. I promise you.”

No!

Estelle crumpled to her knees and Fabian followed. “I lost him once, Fabian. I cannot lose him again.”

“I understand.”

They remained there for a few minutes until she found the strength to stand. Lillian took her hand and led her to the bedchamber allocated for the duration of her stay. Of course, Fabian presumed the arrangement would be permanent, but Estelle’s life was with Ross wherever that might be.

Lillian reassured her of Ross’ affections and then left her alone to read the letter. Love poured from the page, dripped from every word. She was his life, his love, his everything, he said. But he could not let her live under a cloud of fear for the rest of her days.

Wait for me. She read those words repeatedly. Marry me.

Estelle slept clutching the letter. Every day she ventured to the top of the keep and stared out at sea searching for his boat, wondering when he would come home to her.

Chapter Twenty-One

Twelve days had passed since Ross took Estelle’s hand and hauled her out of the small boat. Compared to eight years it should have been nothing. He’d said he was coming back. But she could not shake the deep sense of loss. Every night she prayed for him. Every day she awaited his return only to retire feeling drained, lovesick and alone.

She had used the time productively, rebuilding her relationship with Fabian and Lillian. Witnessing the depth of their love only made her miss Ross all the more.

Every day, she wandered down to the secluded cove, paddled her feet in the sea, sat and watched the waves break on the sand.

Today, a thick blanket of cloud obscured the sun. Sharp gusts of wind whipped her hair loose from its knot. But she enjoyed the peace and solitude, and it gave her time to daydream about Ross.

She put her hands over her ears as another gust howled past. Mr Erstwhile would caution her about being outdoors in such harsh weather. He’d treated plenty of people with a chill in their chest, mostly from going out in all elements.

She groaned inwardly when she sensed someone approach. Perhaps Fabian had come to keep her company, or Mackenzie with wild tales to make her laugh. For as the days dragged on, her mood grew more melancholic.

Whoever it was draped his coat over her shoulders and dropped down beside her. In an instant, she knew it was not Fabian or Mackenzie. The alluring scent that clung to the coat belonged to only one man.

Her head shot to the right, and her heart almost leapt out of her mouth.

“Did you miss me, Estelle?” Ross looked out at sea before turning to face her. A lock of ebony hair hung rakishly over one brow. The sight of him stole her breath. “Are you angry I went away?”

It took a moment to speak. “Angry? No. Livid? Most definitely.”

He smiled at that.

Relief flooded through her, starting in her fingers and racing to her toes. “So you took a trip to France without me.”