Page 81 of Redemption

Sebastian took a sip of cognac, his gaze never leaving Percy’s face. The intensity of his brother’s look made Percy feel as if he was a boy again having been caught in the act of some misdeed. Sebastian cocked his head slightly.

“I understand from Patience you’ve asked Miss Bennett to marry you.”

“Yes. It’s why I asked to speak with you,” Percy met his brother’s gaze steadily. “I would like to present Rhea with one of the family rings on the occasion of our engagement.”

“I see.” Sebastian’s detached tone of voice made Percy frown.

“It sounds as though Patience has told you about Rhea’s involvement in my assault last year.”

“Yes,” Sebastian said quietly.

“Clearly you disapprove.” He glared at his older brother, disappointed Sebastian appeared to have been so easily swayed in his judgment of Rhea. His brother generally questioned every vision anyone in the family had. In this case it appeared Sebastian had chosen to believe Patience. His older brother gently moved his hand to make the cognac in his glass swirl lazily against the glass surface inside the snifter.

“Actually, I’m not sure what to think.” The reply startled Percy, and his anger ebbed somewhat.

“And why is that?” he asked quietly. One of the things Percy admired about his brother was Sebastian’s analytical skills. The earl had the mind of a military strategist.

“Because your Miss Bennett reminds me of Helen.”

Sebastian’s word made Percy grow rigid. The family knew everything about how the countess had been abused by her uncle and how Sebastian had rescued his wife from a brothel before they were married. Unwilling to confirm his brother’s suspicions as to Rhea’s past, Percy remained silent. When he didn’t speak, Sebastian nodded and a small smile touched his lips.

“Restraint, Percy? I noticed it all through dinner. You never rose to take the bait whenever one of our sisters attempted to hook you. If Miss Bennett is responsible for this new discretionary behavior, I approve.” Sebastian’s smile broadened a bit more. “Would mother’s sapphire ring be satisfactory?”

“It would,” Percy said as relief swept through him. He’d always looked up to his brother, and Sebastian’s approval was important to him. “Thank you.”

“I propose a toast to your Miss Bennett. And your engagement.” Sebastian nodded and raised his globe-shaped glass of cognac. At his brother’s words, Percy grinned and reached for his untouched drink and raised it into the air.

“To Miss Bennett,” Sebastian said with a smile.

“To my bride-to-be.”

As the slight hint of vanilla mixed with the nuance of aging ripened fruit crossed his tongue, Percy heard the grandfather clock in the main hall chime the half-hour. Rhea would be waiting for him. He set his unfinished brandy down and grinned at his brother.

“I should be going. I’m to call for Rhea shortly.” At his statement, Sebastian nodded.

“I’ll make arrangements in the morning for the ring to be delivered here.”

“Thank you,” Percy said with gratitude.

He’d just turned to leave Sebastian’s study when the door flew open and Jamie stood in the doorway. Startled Percy stared at his nephew in amazement while voices filled with surprise and amazement floated out of the salon into the foyer. Percy glanced over his shoulder at Sebastian who looked as bewildered as Percy felt.

“Jamie, what in heaven’s name is wrong,” Constance exclaimed with a touch of frustration as she moved across the foyer to the doorway of the study. Percy met his sister’s puzzled gaze then looked back down at his nephew. One hand on the boy’s shoulder, he frowned at how badly the child was trembling.

“What is it, lad?”

“It’s Miss Bennett, Uncle Percy. She’s in trouble.”

Jamie’s words sent an icy breeze across the back of his neck. The boy had had a vision about Rhea. He was certain of it. Percy knelt so he was eye level with his nephew. He squeezed the boy’s shoulder once again in a reassuring manner.

“It will be all right, Jamie,” he said with a growing unease. “Take your time and tell me what the an dara sealladh showed you.”

“Yes, sir.” Jamie nodded and inhaled a deep breath. “Miss Bennett was with another woman who had a pistol. There was a large bull near them. It was pawing the ground, and Miss Bennett didn’t show any fear. But I know she was afraid, Uncle Percy. She was very afraid.”

Jamie’s description caused Percy to stiffen in horror. Ruckley. The bull in Jamie’s vision had to symbolize Ruckley. The front bell chimed wildly in the foyer, but Percy ignored the sound as he continued to focus his attention on his nephew.

“What else did you see, Jamie?” The boy paled and shook his head in a silent plea not to be asked to continue. “It’s all right, lad. I just need to know how I can help, Rhea. I know you want to help as well.”

“Yes,” Jamie said in a strained voice. He drew in another deep breath. “I saw Miss Bennett, she was…she was…”