Mattie looked down at Isaac’s body, his face in the dirt, knowing that Melody shooting Isaac was the only way. Isaac wouldn’t have given up his wife at any cost, and he would have most likely killed her, given the chance.
Winston approached his sister and crossed his arms over his chest, his face a mixture of relief and exasperation. “What were you thinking?”
Melody stepped out of Lady Sarah’s embrace, her tone not the least bit repentant. “I was thinking that someone needed to save our aunt.”
“What is Father going to say?” Winston asked.
Melody gave him a stern look. “Nothing, because you are not going to say anything about what I did here.”
“Whyever not?” Winston pressed.
Taking a step closer to her brother, Melody replied, “We both know that Isaac needed to die but I was the only one that was able to do it.”
Grady, standing nearby, tipped his head in agreement. “She isn’t wrong, my lord.”
Winston frowned. “I don’t like this, not one bit.”
Mattie reached for Winston’s hand. “Melody is right. No one can know of what happened here today.”
“And what of Isaac?” Winston asked, glancing at the lifeless body on the ground. “How do we explainhis death?”
Lady Sarah stepped forward, her face set in determination. “Tell everyone that I killed him.”
Grady stepped closer to Isaac’s body, crouching down to examine it. “In my report, I will confirm that it was self-defense. That part is at least true.”
“But what of your reputation?” Winston asked, concern for his aunt evident in his voice.
Lady Sarah huffed. “What reputation?” she asked. “I care little of what people think of me, especially now. It is not as if I will ever be welcomed back into Society.”
Melody placed a comforting hand on her aunt’s sleeve. “But you will always be welcomed in our family.”
“Thank you, Melody,” Lady Sarah murmured.
Winston glanced between his sister and aunt, his expression resigned. “Very well, I won’t say anything to Father about this.”
Melody beamed. “Thank you, Winston,” she said, dropping her hand to her side. “I should be heading back before anyone notices my absence.”
Gesturing towards the coach, Winston offered, “You can ride back with us.”
“I brought my own horse,” Melody responded. “But thank you.”
As Melody walked away, Winston turned to Mattie, his voice filled with a newfound respect. “I daresay I have underestimated my sister.”
“I think we both have,” Mattie remarked.
“But it ends now,” Winston said.
Mattie tightened her hold on Winston’s hand. “I should go home. I have no doubt that my family is worried about me.”
Winston nodded before leading her to the coach. Once she was situated inside, he assisted his aunt in, ensuring her comfort. Then he claimed the seat next to Mattie, his hand never leaving hers.
As the coach jerked forward, Lady Sarah broke the silence,her voice filled with sadness. “Is it sad that I only feel relief now that Isaac is dead?”
“No, I do not think so,” Winston responded gently.
Lady Sarah winced, her fingers nervously twisting in her lap. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you that I brought a pistol, but I thought you would try to talk me out of it.”
Winston sighed, a heavy but understanding sound. “I probably would have, but everything worked out for the best.”
