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She took a step towards him. “I am your friend, am I not? You wouldn’t betray me, would you?”
His brow wrinkled and his mouth pursed in confusion. “Your friend?”
“Of course. I’ll tell you my real name and you’ll tell me yours and then we’ll be friends.”
He hesitated, seemingly mulling over the concept. Letty took a step closer and slowly reached out, holding her palm open. “Shall I tell you my name? Shall we seal this pact?”
Slowly, the man nodded.
“Good. My name is Jacqueline. What’s yours?”
Still the man hesitated before meeting her eyes uncertainly. “I have never had a friend before.”
“Well, I shall be your first.”
He drew in a deep shaky breath. “My name is Raphael, Earl of Perrin.”
Letty just barely suppressed her gasp, cocking her head to the side. “If you are the Earl, then how is yoursisterthe Countess?”
“I cannot manage the estate because I am simple.”
Letty’s mind boggled as she tried to sort out the situation in her mind.
What is happening here?
“I…see. Well, Raphael, I am very happy to meet you. Perhaps we can talk again soon.”
“Yes, we can. Because we’re friends now.” Suddenly he broke out into a happy grin, his entire face lighting up. Letty couldn’t help smiling back.
“Yes, we are.”
Just as suddenly as his smile appeared, it disappeared. “Sister won’t like it. You better go.”
Letty nodded. “All right, I am leaving. You won’t tell a soul I was here, will you?”
He shook his head solemnly. “I won’t betray you.”
“Thank you, Raphael.”
His eyes lit up at the mention of his name and her heart broke for him. Whipping around she quickly ran to the bottom of the garden and climbed the stile again. She had a lot to think about, and much to find out.
* * *
Bertram glared at the Countess, his hackles up. “Are you spying on me?”
The Countess laughed merrily. “Oh, Bertie, you are silly to assume you can keep anything a secret in this small town.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “Are you trying to imply that it’s common knowledge what happened to me? How strange that no one has come to check on my continued health and well-being if so.”
She waved a hand dismissively. “People can be so cold and callous. I imagine they are too taken up with their own affairs to worry about yours.”
“Ah, yes, the famous Folkestone sense of community at work.” He said sarcastically.
“Indeed. Well, now that I see you’re fine, I really must go. I have affairs to worry about, too.” She smiled coldly at him, “And since you refuse to bow to fate and ask for my hand, I must take care of them alone.”
He manfully refrained from rolling his eyes and bowed stiffly. “Well then, you’d best be on your way.” He held out a hand to George. “Say goodbye to the Lady, George, and let us resume our walk.
“Goodbye, Lady Perrin,” George piped up before pulling at his father’s hand as if in a hurry to get away. Bertram let himself be dragged away, all too happy to get away from the Countess.
