Adrian turned to Isobel and then returned his gaze to Valerie.
“Scotland is a long way from London. She must begin her journey early if she is to arrive in due time.”
Valerie’s expression turned into a pout.
“I understand that, but… I should not complain so much. I wouldn’t want to burden you, Isobel. Thank you again for all you did.”
Adrian nodded sagely. “I, too, am grateful, Miss Lennox. You were the best of us all in this situation, and we might never be able to repay you in accordance with what you truly deserve.However, if you ever find yourself in need of something — no matter what it might be, all you need to do is inform me. What good is a family if they cannot help you solve your problems?”
Isobel felt touched, and she bowed her head gratefully.
“Thank you, Your Grace. I am very grateful for your kindness.” She replied earnestly.
Gregory cleared his throat and stepped closer to them, clearly displeased by the sight of all his children together.
“Regardless of your initial shortcomings, you still managed to get down to the bottom of the situation. Your assistance is duly appreciated.” He said to her stiffly.
“Father!” Valerie gasped in displeasure. “She protected me, and she saved Cecil’s life! Surely you can do better than that.”
“The Duke had to save them both —”
“His Grace would not have been able to save me if Isobel had not given me her handkerchief to cover my nose and mouth whilst we were still trapped in the room. She could’ve used it for herself, but the moment she realized we were trapped in a burning room, her first thought was to protect me. She deserves all our gratitude.” Cecil fumed.
Isobel could not help but feel utterly thankful for her siblings. Gregory had constantly beaten down her spirit since her arrival,clearly deeming her unworthy because of her background. But she had lost all will and desire to be acknowledged by him.
The only thing Gregory Wightman cared for was himself, and she did not care to waste her time and emotions on such a selfish man.
“It is quite all right. I did what was expected of me, and I shouldn’t be rewarded for such a trivial thing. And you do not have to feel obligated to do so. After all, you are not my father, Lord Gramfield. I already have a father and a family, which has grown a tad recently,” she paused to smile at her siblings. “I am content with that.”
She turned away from him and opened her arms in the direction of her siblings. All at once, they stepped forward to embrace her, ending up in a messy mess of awkward limbs and hair too close to mouths, but Isobel would not have traded that moment for anything.
“Do come visit. Please,” she muttered, meeting Adrian’s eyes over Valerie’s shoulder. “You are invited as well, Your Grace.”
Adrian smiled at her kindly and nodded.
“An honor I do not deserve, but will gladly oblige. Thank you, Miss Lennox.”
“You may call me Isobel. After all, we are family now as well.” She cheekily said.
Adrian laughed, the action so sudden that it seemingly startled him as well.
“Right you are, Isobel. Do take care of yourself.” He told her gently.
Valerie held her for a little while longer after Cecil and Nora had pulled away.
“Will you write to me?” she asked softly.
“As often as I can,” Isobel swore.
When they separated, Adrian offered to take her suitcase for her to the door, and Isobel saw nothing wrong in accepting his offer. Especially since it allowed her to ask a question that had been on her mind for a little while now.
“Have you… by any chance seen His Grace?”
Adrian turned to her, and his lips pulled into a smirk.
“Why do you ask?”
She could hear the teasing note in his voice, but her heart had been feeling too raw for her to indulge in his games, so she shook her head.
