“No right?” Mr. Blythe scoffed. “You stand here, speaking of what is right? You have stolen my family from me.”
Mattie shifted her gaze towards Winston, her confusion growing. “What is he talking about?” she asked.
“I will explain later,” Winston replied tersely. “For now, Isaac needs to leave this place at once, or I will have him forcibly removed.”
After a long, tense moment, Mr. Blythe said, “Very well, Lord Winston. I will take my leave.” He turned towards Mattie, his expression softening. “I apologize for any distress I may have caused. Good evening.”
As Mr. Blythe walked past Winston, their eyes locked, and an unspoken challenge passed between them. Mattie watched them, feeling as though she were missing a crucial piece of the puzzle, a piece that could change everything.
A moment later, the main door slammed shut, and Mattie turned her questioning gaze towardsWinston. He remained tense as he ran a hand through his hair, looking visibly upset.
“I believe I owe you an explanation,” Winston began, his voice strained.
“I think that is only fair, considering you barged into our home and made some rather distasteful accusations against Mr. Blythe,” her father stated.
Rather than respond to her father, Winston turned to Mattie, his eyes searching hers. “Are you all right?” he asked, concern evident in his expression. “Did Mr. Blythe say anything or do anything that upset you?”
Mattie shook her head. “No, he did not.”
Relief washed over Winston’s face. “I am glad that I came in time, then.”
Her father cleared his throat. “Lord Winston,” he said, his words firm. “Explain yourself.”
Winston held her gaze for a moment before taking a step back. “What I am about to share with you must remain between us,” he remarked, his voice low and solemn.
“As a vicar, I am familiar with the need for discretion,” her father replied.
Shifting in his stance, Winston revealed, “Mr. Blythe is my uncle. He eloped with my father’s younger sister, Sarah, many years ago and was cut off from my family. Recently, my aunt escaped my uncle’s abusive clutches with her son and came to my father for help.” He paused. “We hired a Bow Street Runner to protect my Aunt Sarah and we do not know their location. For their safety, and our own.”
Mattie stared at Winston, stunned by the revelation. What a terrible burden he was facing, and she had been completely unaware.
Her father sank into his seat, shaking his head. “Mr. Blythe seemed like a decent bloke. I had no idea he was hiding such a devious past.”
“I do not know Mr. Blythe well, mind you, but we spokebriefly this afternoon, and I have no doubt that his intentions are far from innocent in meeting with you,” Winston said. “It would be in your best interests to stay far away from that man.”
Mattie clasped her hands in front of her, her mind racing. “How long does he intend to stay?”
“I do not know, but we have no intention of turning over my aunt to him,” Winston replied. “My father feels that he would continue to abuse her, and could kill her, given the right circumstances.”
“How awful. Your poor aunt,” Mattie murmured, her heart aching for the woman she had never met.
Winston sighed deeply. “I did not wish to burden you with my troubles, but Mr. Blythe forced my hand on this. I don’t know why he approached your family, but I will find out why.”
Mattie met his gaze. “Mr. Blythe was the man that was watching me from the woodlands on our carriage ride.”
“He was?” Winston’s eyes narrowed.
“Yes, I think it is safe to say now that I know the difference between a tree and a man,” Mattie said with a small smile.
Winston’s expression softened slightly, but he did not return her smile. “I am sorry for doubting you. I promise that it won’t happen again.”
“Thank you,” she said, holding his gaze. The concern in his eyes was palpable. She didn’t quite think he was capable of such an emotion—at least not for her. Winston had a good heart, but he kept it well-guarded.
Her father’s next question reminded her that they were not alone. “Do you think we are in danger?”
Winston’s eyes shifted to her father. “I cannot say, but I would be wary of Mr. Blythe. I do believe he is a dangerous man, and he won’t give up easily. For now, it would be best if you took precautions to ensure your family’s safety.”
Her father bobbed his head, the gravity of thesituation sinking in. “I will do whatever is necessary to protect my family,” he declared.
