“Rosemere Hall, near the coast. It’s not too far from here, so I could visit more often.”
Sebastian felt a surge of relief. His sister would be safe, well-paid, and close enough that they could see each other regularly. “Thatsounds ideal. When would you start?”
“He’s returning to Rosemere tomorrow. I’m to follow in a few days, once I’ve had time to rest and gather myself.” She looked between her brothers. “Is it all right if I stay here until then?”
“As long as you need,” James said firmly. “And if this man gives you any trouble, any at all, you come straight back to us.”
“I will.” Sophia reached for both their hands. “I’ve missed you both so much. I know we’ve all had to make our own way in the world, but being apart from you… it’s been the hardest part of everything we’ve endured.”
Sebastian squeezed her hand, then exchanged a meaningful look with James. His brother nodded slightly.
“Sophia,” Sebastian said carefully, “there’s something else. Something important we need to tell you about Papa.”
She looked up sharply, her blue eyes widening. “What do you mean?”
“We’ve found our chance,” James said quietly. “The chance we’ve been waiting for all these years.”
“To prove Papa’s innocence?” Sophia’s voice was barely a whisper.
Sebastian nodded. “Wentworth is looking for a gardener. And he’s throwing a masquerade ball in three weeks. The first one since he murdered Lady Wentworth.”
Sophia went very still. For a moment, she looked exactly as she had at eight years old, standing in the shadow of Newgate Prison with tears streaming down her face. Then something hardened in her expression—the same steel that had helped her survive the Langstons, that had given her the strength to fight off her attacker.
“You’re going to work for him.” It wasn’t a question.
“I am. I’ll get inside his house, learn his habits, find evidence of what he really did.” Sebastian leaned forward. “Sophia, this could be it. This could be how we finally clear Papa’s name.”
Tears spilled down Sophia’s cheeks, but she was smiling. “After allthese years, do you think we might finally get justice?”
“I can only try my best,” Sebastian said. “Like Papa taught us.”
“What do you need from me?” Sophia asked.
“Just be safe,” Sebastian said. “Stay close enough that we can reach you if needed, but far enough away that you won’t be connected to whatever happens.”
“This gentleman you’re going to work for, what’s his name?” James asked.
“Henry Montrose. Why?”
Sebastian and James exchanged another look. The timing was almost too perfect. Sophia would be safely settled with a new employer just as Sebastian began the most dangerous mission of his life.
“Just curious,” Sebastian said. “It sounds like a good situation for you.”
Sophia studied their faces. “You really believe we can bring him down?”
“I have to believe it,” Sebastian said simply. “Papa deserves justice. We all do.”
“Then Godspeed, brother.” Sophia squeezed both their hands tightly. “Bring that monster to his knees.”
“We’re family,” Sebastian said, looking at both his siblings. “That will never change, no matter where life takes us. And soon, God willing, we’ll have our name back.”
Chapter Two
Rose Wentworth wasdreaming.
She was eight years old again, standing in Papa’s study on the night of the masquerade ball. The fire had burned low in the hearth, casting strange shadows that made the furniture look like crouching beasts. She clutched her cloth doll to her chest, breathing in the lingering scent of jasmine, Mummy’s favorite perfume.
But there was something else. The metallic smell of blood. And burning candle wax.
