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“Then why didn’t you listen to me when Lord Gascoyne began to court Phoebe?” asked Artemis. “I warned you that he was a despicable cad and that his intentions were not honorable.”
A look of remorse crossed Aunt Roberta’s face. “Yes, it was a mistake on my part,” she said. “A terrible lapse of judgment. I suppose it was a combination of factors. First of all, I thought your fiancé’s poor opinion of Lord Gascoyne had influenced yours. And yes, I know, Gascoyne had seduced you all those years ago, but it takes two to dance the polka, and part of me believed that you were also to blame. In my eyes, you’d gone looking for trouble, just like you’d always done in your youth.
“Phoebe, on the other hand, has always been cautious, and Lord Gascoyne appeared to be openly courting her, like a gentleman should, not running off into the shadows with her. Well, not at first.” Her aunt’s expression changed, became wistful. “I’d never seen her so happy, and I didn’t want to spoil her chance to find a love match, not when I’d been forcing her to wait for her Season for so long.”
Aunt Roberta sighed heavily. Her eyes were filled with sadness, perhaps even regret as she continued, “I know you think ill of me, Artemis, but I’m really not that much of a tyrant. I’ve been a monumental fool, and I’m ashamed of my role in Phoebe’s ruination. And I’m ashamed about how I’ve treated you. Not only did I dismiss your warnings about Gascoyne because my pride and arrogance made me think I knew better, but I underestimated how manipulative he could be. I hope you’ll accept my heartfelt apology for doubting you.”
“I…” Artemis swallowed to clear her throat. “I will admit that I’m more than a little flabbergasted by all of your disclosures and your apology. But yes, I will accept it, Aunt Roberta. And gladly. There has been discord between us for far too long. I would like it to end.”
Her aunt inclined her head, and for a fleeting moment, her eyes seemed suspiciously bright. “Thank you, my dear gel. You might deny it, but I think you are a romantic soul. And even though I don’t know what happened in London to make you leave, I hope that you will be able to return to your fiancé’s side sooner rather than later. I’m sure that he needs you. More than your sister does at present. Whatever happens, I will take care of her.”
Artemis smiled. “I know you will. Speaking of my sister, I should go and check on her. If the weather stays fine, perhaps I can coax her to take a turn about the gardens.”
“That sounds like a capital idea,” said Aunt Roberta. “I’m sure a bit of sunshine would do her the world of good.”
Since Artemis had arrived at Highfield, Phoebe had rarely emerged from her bedroom. She’d taken to solitary pursuits, reading or sewing or pressing flowers, and any food that was sent up came back barely touched. Artemis was terribly worried about her.
Upon entering Phoebe’s room, Artemis found her sister still curled up in bed in her nightgown. But she was smiling broadly.
“Good news, Artemis. My courses have arrived,” she announced in a loud whisper as though one must never ever speak of normal things like menstruation, even in one’s bedchamber in front of one’s sister or lady’s maid.
Nevertheless, Artemis rushed to Phoebe and embraced her. “Oh, I’m so glad and relieved for you,” she said. And she meant it.
“Me too,” said Phoebe. The light had returned to her soft brown eyes. “My reputation might still be tarnished, but at least I’ve escaped from this business with Gascoyne relatively unscathed. And who knows, perhaps in time I might find a decent man. Someone like your darling duke who won’t give a fig about my past.”
“Perhaps you will. In fact, I’m sure of it.” Artemis sat upon the bed and stroked a tangled strand of hair away from her sister’s cheek. “I’m glad your opinion of Dominic has changed.”
“It has. If you think he’s a good man, he must be. You’ve always been an exceptional judge of character, Artemis. I shouldn’t have doubted you.” A line appeared between Phoebe’s brows. “I’ve been so caught up in my own woes that I haven’t thought to ask how the duke is. And why you’re here and not in London. Aunt Roberta told me he’d been attacked and wounded in the street. You must be so worried about him.”
“Yes…I am. But I’m sure he’s improving by now,” Artemis said with false brightness. “I’m certain his sister would have sent word if he was in any imminent danger.”
“You should find out for yourself,” said Phoebe. Her frown deepened. “Unless there’s something you’re not telling me.” She clasped Artemis’s arm. “What’s wrong? What’s happened? After all we’ve been through, you can share anything with me. You know that, don’t you?”
Artemis fiddled with the tassels on one of her sister’s bed cushions. “It’s complicated,” she said after a brief pause. Even to her own ears, her reason had begun to sound more like a feeble excuse.
“You love him,” said Phoebe gently. “And if he loves you too, which I suspect he does, it’s rather simple really. Love is what matters, nothing else. You should be with him.”
“You’re right,” said Artemis. But then Rosalind Sharp’s ugly words passed through her mind.
Imagine the humiliating headlines.Salacious Gothic Romantic Novelist’s Identity Revealed.Your reputation will be ruined forevermore. You willneverbe able to open your women’s academic college.
Even if Dominic didn’t care that she was Lydia Lovelace, there was no telling what Miss Sharp would do.
There was only one way to found out.
Artemis gave Phoebe another hug. “It looks like I have some packing to do,” she said. According to the mantel clock, it was only eight o’clock, so she’d easily make it to Pangbourne Station to catch the first train to London which departed at ten. There wasn’t a reason in the world stopping her.
She simply had to be brave.
