"Scotland is hours from London. If I am to arrive by sundown, I must embark on the journey back as soon as possible.”
Valerie frowned, her fingers nestled in Cecil’s hair while the boy slept deeply with his head on her lap.
“I am surprised you have to leave today at all. I wish you would stay, even for the rest of the week. Now that the wedding has been postponed and there is no longer a reason for me to hide, I’d hoped that we would spend some time together,” she said softly.
Isobel admitted that the idea was a nice one, but she had long since dreamt of leaving this place – perhaps from the very day she had walked in. She had done all she could to ensure that the task she had been given had been completed, and now that it was over, she would simply like to return from whence she had come.
“I thought it was best if I got a head start. I do have a long journey ahead of me, so it would be more ideal if I leave early.” Isobel replied, her tone just as gentle as Valerie’s.
“Can you really not stay? We were going to have a picnic this afternoon, since it is much warmer today,” Nora pleaded.
It was hard to refuse the child, but Isobel had already made up her mind. She smiled a tad, trying not to feel too sad as she sat down next to Nora.
“I am glad I got to meet you, Nora. All of you. I’d wondered for a while what the life of my sister was like, and I am thankful I had the opportunity to find out. The circumstances might not have been ideal, but honestly, we have it in us to make sure that the next time we meet, we are happier and healthier.” She said earnestly.
Valerie watched her with a small smile, her eyes glistening with unshed tears that brought tears to Isobel’s eyes.
“I wish I could repay you for what you have done for us – Cecil and me. You saved our lives when most would not have bothered. You do not even know us –”
“I know you are good people,” Isobel interjected calmly. “Everyone only had good things to say about you, Valerie. They spoke about your kind heart, your fierce determination, and how much you cared for Nora and Cecil. Cecil has shown me time and time again that he is a good man in the making. Neither of you deserved to fall prey to the greed of a foolish man. And you owe me nothing for my assistance. You cannot put a price on family. I did what anyone should and would for family.”
Valerie laughed slightly and wiped away a tear as soon as it rolled down her cheek.
“I really do wish we had met sooner. There is so much I could have learned from you. The world might have been brighter for me if I had known you earlier, Isobel.” She said fondly.
Isobel smiled, shuffling to the edge of the couch she was on so she could reach out and hold Valerie’s hand.
“We have the rest of our lives to do just that. There is no need to dwell on the past, as there is nothing there for us anymore. The future, however, is ripe with countless possibilities, and it would only benefit us to consider those possibilities and how we can harness them. I do not intend to return to my life and pretend that you do not exist. Do you plan to go on living your life as though we had never met?”
Valerie shook her head, and Isobel beamed at her, warmth trickling into the cervices within her chest.
“Then we have nothing to worry about. This is not farewell forever, but goodbye for now. I will write you a letter and visit. You are welcome to do the same.” Isobel urged lightly.
“Can we really visit Scotland?” Cecil asked, opening his eyes slightly all of a sudden, startling Valerie.
“Christ, Cecil. You nearly gave me a heart attack,” Valerie exhaled, pressing a hand to her chest.
Cecil apologized immediately, but his gaze continued to stray to Isobel, like a puppy waiting for a treat. She couldn’t help but chuckle, nodding easily.
“Absolutelty. Please come and visit, whenever you like.”
Cecil and Nora cheered happily, and Valerie just smiled, watching the children jubilate. They seemed to be happy over the mere prospect that whatever lingering feelings of misplacement Isobel felt faded away swiftly.
Voices at the door of the drawing room seized the attention of the occupants, and they all turned in time to see Gregory and Adrian walk in, deep in conversation.
“ — so grateful for your understanding, Your Grace. After what has transpired, it would take some time to get my affairs in order, enough to be able to host the grand wedding befitting of your status. Thank you for agreeing to the postponement.” Gregory said.
Adrian smiled, calm and diplomatic as he replied,
“Oh, I did not do it for you. My bride needs time to recover from all that she has endured — as do her siblings, who were likely distressed by what happened. A real man takes care of his family first, and other priorities can come later. We might not be married yet, but I already view Valerie and her siblings as a part of my family. It is the least I could do for those that I love.”
Gregory turned red in the face, and Isobel could only imagine how the Baron felt, knowing that his pride must be devastated. Adrian glanced in their direction and visibly perked up.
“What’s this? Were you throwing Miss Lennox a farewell party? Without me? I am hurt. Will you continue to exclude me from such merry gatherings even when we’re married?” he questioned, approaching them.
Valerie rolled her eyes, obviously trying to ignore the blush spreading over her cheeks.
“It is hardly a party when Isobel has refused any sort of festivities. And she is insisting on leaving.” She complained to her groom.
