The third letter was to Mr. Gregory, calling off the investigation for Miss Palmer and requesting his help in finding my assailants. I sealed all three letters and paid extra to have them marked urgent. A calmness settled my harried thoughts, and my appetite returned with vengeance. After dressing again, I went down for dinner after all and ate a hearty supper before retiring for bed.
That night I slept better, having a plan in mind. I would talk to Briggs, settle my mind, and move forward. After a quick breakfast, I loaded my belongings into my saddle bags and rode home.
Chapter 34
Estelle
My breathing quickened at the sight of Reginald.
“Estelle?” Augusta asked, glancing down at the firm grip I had on her wrist and back up to my shocked expression.
“It’s my brother.” My feet would not move, and worse, my mind seemed a frozen tundra—a wasteland of proper thought.
Reginald was not so encumbered. “Estelle!” He dropped his hat and ran to me. Augusta unlatched my grip and stepped aside just as he threw his arms around me, nearly bowling me over. “Estelle, you wicked girl!” His laugh came out a half sob.
My throat tightened and tears stung my eyes. He had missed me. He had really missed me. I threw my arms around him, my head pressing against his shoulder. I had missed him too. Indeed, I had missed him for years. My vision blurred at the familiar scent of his coat, and the dam on my emotions broke.
“You foolish girl. What were you thinking?” he berated. “I have been out of my mind with worry for you.”
“You have?” I asked, my voice hitching.
He pulled back, his eyes full of sincerity. “Of course I have. My little sister, sneaking off in the night without a penny to her name, living who knows where.”
I dropped my arms, my pride flaring. I swatted at my tears. “It wasn’t in the middle of the night, and I had enough pin money to see me through until I found employment. I hope you do not think me foolish enough as all that.”
I vaguely recalled that reckless night in the alley. Perhaps, I did not give his worry enough credit.
He sighed. “Well, I have found you now, and that is what matters. I want you to pack your things. I’m taking you home.”
“This is her home now,” Augusta inserted.
Both of us turned our heads her way.
Reginald scowled. “Who are you?”
“This is Miss Augusta Wilde,” I explained. “I am her companion.” His brow rose, but I did not give him a chance to vocalize his opinion and finished the introduction. “Miss Wilde, this is my brother, Reginald Lowry.”
They both dipped their heads to each other, but not deep enough to show any respect.
I made certain my face was dried from tears and started again with a bit more authority in my voice. “Miss Wilde is right, Reggie. This is my home now. I cannot simply leave.”
“You can and you will. I know you’re angry with me, but that does not change the location of your true home.” I recognized the stubborn line of his mouth and knew he meant it. Legally, he had every right to terminate my employment and bring me home again.
“Augusta,” I said, calmly. “Will you excuse us for a moment?”
“Indeed, but wave if you need me.” She gave Reginald a challenging look, which was quite threatening despite her otherwise soft and feminine appearance.
I took Reginald’s arm and tugged him all the way back to his carriage. When I faced him again, I felt my composure had returned, and I was ready for battle. “I am happy here, Reggie. Does that mean anything to you?”
He frowned. “How could you ask that? You have completely disregarded your home, your family, andmyhappiness. You have spent more than half a year indulging your whims at the cost of everything your family has done for you. Your happiness, Estelle? What about your sense of duty?”
I was reminded that Reginald was the worst to argue with. “Have you forgotten that you engaged me to a stranger?”
He gave a firm nod. “And you are lucky that a stranger has waited for you.”
“What?” The blood seeped from my limbs.
He had the decency to look sheepish. “His name is Mr. Hanover. He’s a good man, I promise. In fact, he is the best man I know. I would not have picked some random fool for you. Despite what you think, Idocare about your happiness. Very much.”
