While she suspected there was more to it than that, she rather liked watching her maid soften along with her. Or should she say, become a little less strict in her way of thinking? Either way, they had shared more words at MacLauchlin Castle than they had during all their years in Mayfair. They had even talked of Agnus’ family when she styled Prudence’s hair. Her life before joining her. And she had enjoyed it more than she thought she might; she rather liked Agnus and suspected her maid felt the same about her.
A fact proven when Agnus agreed to move to Scotland with her.
To that end, she was grateful to have her maid with her when they eventually pulled up in front of her Mayfair home. Grateful to have a friend by her side when the carriage doors swung open, and she peered up at the window she had gazed through weeks before.
Looked up at what had felt so much like a prison.
“Are you ready, then, my lady?” Agnus said, not gently but firmly. She jutted out her chin and looked from Prudence to their former home. “For I will be by your side every step of the way.”
“I am,” she said without hesitation and squared her shoulders, ready to go to war with her past. “More than you could possibly know.”
Chapter Twelve
Outside of losinghis late wife, nothing was harder for Jacob than saying goodbye to Prudence. Watching her fade into the distance as his carriage made its way over the MacLauchlin’s drawbridge. How very beautiful she had looked. Poignant in her stance when he knew this was not easy for either of them.
While determined to wait until he was home and alone before reading her letter, he found himself breaking the seal before they even reached the gates. Before she was gone from his sight, and he did not see her again for God knows how long.
He could not help but smile at how she had addressed him.
23 November 1815
My Dearest Jacob,
I thought to write you a formal letter of thanks for all you have shown and taught me over the past week but feel that pales in comparison to what you just showed me on the battlements. How I felt in your arms when you looked at me. Kissed me.
Truth be told, I never meant for things to go so far so fast. Therefore, I feel I must apologize. For what, you ask? All of it and none of it, I suppose. For looking forward to every moment I spent with you while, at the same time, knowing it was not what I could give you in the end. Not if I ever hoped to find myself once more.
Or a version of myself, I should say.
I wish things had been different. That I had been a different woman when you met me. That I was worldly and wise and able to throw caution to the wind with your proposal. More than that, though, that I did not need to rediscover myself first. But I did, and still do. Fortunately, you understood that and let me go when I know you wanted to hold onto me as tightly as I did you.
So once more, my deepest thanks, Your Grace. Jacob. My dearest friend.
Until we meet again,
Prudence
“Are you quite all right, Your Grace?” Donal asked.
He blinked and looked at his valet sitting across from him. “Aye. Why do you ask?”
“I suppose because of your expression,” he said, having been asked to be honest years ago. “You seem distressed.”
“Perhaps because I am.” He stared out the window. “When I have no right to be, my friend.”
“I see.”
Hearing the tightness in Donal’s voice, he glanced his way. “I take it you disapprove?”
“I do not, Your Grace.” He gestured at the letter. “Rather, as much as it pains me to see such an expression on your face, I cannot help but welcome it.”
He arched his eyebrows. “I dare say?”
“It seems I dare say as well, Your Grace.” Donal’s gaze flickered from the letter back to Jacob, his forthrightness to such a degree, rare. “You have found a happiness with Lady Barrington you have not felt in years, have you not?”
“I have,” he admitted without a second thought. Without nary a hesitation.
“Then perhaps you should not be so crestfallen when reading her letter?” Donal’s usually staunch demeanor softened. “Rather, mayhap you should look forward to the future, no matter how long it may take in coming?”
