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Chapter 62
It was early January. Outside, there was a cold, driving rain. The clouds were dark, heavy—hanging low over the city. It eventually changed into a light snow, causing a wet slush in the streets.
Inside the house on Harley Street, Lucy built up a roaring fire in the fireplace. She used fragrant applewood, which gave off a sweet scent. She began to feel very cosy. She made sure that the tea was piping hot, and that the freshly-baked scones were kept warm underneath a lid.
When Dinah arrived, white flakes were caught in her black hair, and on her long lashes. A cloud formed around her face in the cold air. Lucy held the door open so Dinah could enter.
“Is your aunt here?” she asked.
“She’s out calling on her friend, who is sick,” Lucy explained. Aunt Joan had gone to Mrs Trent’s for tea. They were both very involved with charity work and had to discuss some sort of plans that they had.
“She’s too good for all of us,” Dinah said lovingly.
“Come and sit,” Lucy ordered. “I’ve got the tea-things ready.” Lucy was finally happy. She hadn’t seen Silas in many weeks, though she received letters from him often. They were romantic, though they didn’t force anything from Lucy. She was beginning to not be hurt. She could read them with a certain level of detachment. She wasn’t sure how to read them. He seemed to want her to wait for him. Yet she was ready to feel healed.
The two friends sat. Dinah called on Lucy at least once a week, and their friendship was stronger than ever. Dinah said little of her brother, for which Lucy was thankful. Though, as she poured out cups of tea for them, she found herself curious to know how he fared.
“How is Silas doing?” Lucy asked as she spread some butter on her scone. The butter melted on the pastry, sinking into it. She took a bite—it was cinnamon, her favourite.
“He’s been very focused of late,” Dinah explained. “On his new role as viscount, and head of the household. He misses you, you know.”
“He has said as much. In his letters.” Lucy felt a tightening in the back of her throat. She took a bite of scone, but it felt dry in her mouth. She took a sip of tea, letting the hot drink seep into her tongue.
“I need to ask you for a favour, my dear Lucy,” Dinah said.
“Anything.”Except to see Silas.
“I need you to stop by my house tomorrow,” Dinah told her. “It’s very important that you come.”
“But why?” Lucy’s hesitance was due to her sudden, overwhelming fear of encountering Silas. It was far too soon. She simply wasn’t ready. While she was able to regard him with detachment, the thought of seeing him was not a pleasant one.
She expected him to try and convince her to accept him back. That was something that Lucy was far from able to do.
“My wedding dress will be fitted tomorrow,” Dinah explained, beaming at her. “Since I have no mother and no other female blood-relations, I was hoping that you would come. You’re the closest to a real sister that I’ve ever had. Do say that you’ll come.”
Lucy smiled at her. Dinah was going to be married at the end of the month. “That is high praise indeed,” she said, feeling absolutely touched.
“Silas will be out,” Dinah assured her, as if she could read Lucy’s mind.
“The whole time?” Lucy asked. She knew that, someday, she would have to see him again. Certainly, at the wedding, if not before.
“The whole time. I’ll be sure of it,” Dinah confirmed.
“You’re going to tell him that I don’t want to see him?”
“No,” she said, waving her hand. “I’ll come up with something. Michael will assist us, I’m sure of it. He’s always able to talk Silas into going for drinks at their gentlemen’s club.”
“Very well,” Lucy said, smiling brightly. “I’ll be happy to come.”
“Excellent.” Dinah beamed. “I’m so ready to marry Reginald.”
“I’m so happy that you’re happy.”
“Oh, Lucy,” Dinah said, “I only wish that you could be so happy.”
“I’m beginning to be,” Lucy assured her.
And she was. After Silas’ apology, she had begun to feel better. With time had come the knowledge that he had made a mistake, one that he was going to regret for a very long time.
