“Of course, my lady.” Emma bent down and picked up the ruined dress but wisely did not comment.
It didn’t take Bett long to return. “I’ve asked Lydia to fetch us some tea, my dear.”
“A nice hot cup of tea sounds heavenly.”
The two women talked softly in the chairs by the fireplace while Emma bustled around the room, packing Olivia’s things into her traveling trunk.
Soon, Lydia arrived with a tea tray. “Will there be anything else, Lady Williams?”
“Yes. We’ll be leaving at first light. Please be sure everything is packed and ready to go.”
“Of course,” Lydia said with a curtsey before exiting the room.
Olivia felt better with Bett in the room with her. Her friend was a great comfort to her especially in her fragile state. Otherwise, she knew she’d cry uncontrollably and was afraid that Pressley’s attacks would trigger more nightmares about her horrific treatment at the hands of Armstrong. Tonight’s attack had terrified her and she didn’t want to think about Pressley or Armstrong ever again.
At least she wouldn’t have to worry about Everett coming to visit her this evening. She doubted very seriously if he’d ever want to be with such a brokenand scarred woman. She’d tried so hard to get past her trauma, but maybe there was nothing to be done about it.
No one would want such a damaged soul as a wife. It would take her a long time to get over Robertson, but she would do it. She vowed never to fall for a man again. Even when there was love involved, it inevitably led to heartache.
Early the next morning, as the sun was peeking over the horizon, the two women left the Fleming manor before anyone except the servants were up and about.
Robertson awoke with a start. Something had disturbed his sleep, but he didn’t know what it was. Had he been dreaming? He’d thought he heard the clip-clop of horses’ hooves.
He threw back the covers and walked to the window. A low fog clung over the meadow beyond the formal gardens. The garden where Olivia had been assaulted. She would probably not want to visit it anymore. It was the worst thing that could have happened… and after she’d gained so much self-confidence during the house party….
Would she even come to the stables this morning?
He desperately needed to speak with her to make sure she’d recovered from her ordeal.
Bryer poked his head out of the dressing room. “My lord, you’re awake early. Do you wish to ride this morning?”
Robertson nodded and quickly washed before getting dressed. “No waistcoat or cravat. I shall return shortly to dress properly,” he said to his valet.
“Of course, my lord.”
There were two more days left of the house party. He’d felt such anger when he’d felt the scars on her back. No one deserved to be treated that way, and he’d wanted to comfort her, but she’d pulled away from him, which puzzled him a great deal. He longed to kiss Olivia’s sweet lips and see her smile once again.
He made his way down the stairs and out the door, striding to the stables.
“Good morning, Lord Robertson,” the stablemaster said.
“Good morning.”
“I’ll have Hades saddled for you in no time.”
“Do saddle Clara as well. I’m expecting Lady Armstrong to join me.”
The stablemaster looked at him, shaking his head. “I’m sorry, Lord Robertson, but Lady Armstrong isn’t here.”
“What do you mean she’s not here? Has she already gone out?”
“No, my lord. I mean she’s left the estate.”
“She left? When?”
“At first light. She and Lady Williams departed together.”
“I see. On second thought, no need to saddle Hades. I won’t be riding today.”
