AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Whilst the fact that Leon was willing to lock Maggie away if that was what it took to protect Iris made her feel a little safer, it also made her feel deeply guilty. She could not shake the feeling that, somehow, she should have been able to avoid this situation, should have been able to discover a solution which did not force Leon to choose between his wife, and his sister. For that was what he was doing, and it broke her heart to see him make that choice, no matter how much Maggie intended her harm.
She could not imagine it – what if it had been one of her own siblings who threatened Leon? What choice would she have made?
She moved away from the window with a sigh, and went to fill her plate at the sideboard, just as Leon entered the room. She turned, and smiled at the sight of him, her heart racing and her breath coming short as memories of the night before rushed through her mind.
He returned the smile and settled into a chair, accepting a cup of coffee from the footman. Iris joined him at the table.
“Have you eaten, Leon?”
“I have – some time ago. I left you sleeping, for you looked so very peaceful, but I’ve been up for an hour or more, dealing with all that must be organised for our return to Greenleigh Park.”
The food seemed to turn to dust in her mouth, and she reached for her cup of tea to wash that sensation away.
“Truthfully, I dread the moment when we arrive at Greenleigh Park. Not because I dislike the estate itself, but because I cannot imagine a way in which the next few weeks or more will not be distressing for all of us. And with the Season ending, and Summer ahead, there will be no reason for us to return to London for many months…”
Leon set down his cup, and met her eyes.
“We will deal with it – together. No matter what it takes. I am not willing to allow things to continue as they have been, with you in danger. If we can help Maggie, I will be happier, but if the only solution is to lock her away, and have her cared for in isolation, then so be it. As grandmother said, her decline seems to lead to only one inevitable conclusion, and we must face that.”
“Yes… but I would not have her suffer that alone.”
“Neither would I – but my first aim is to keep you from harm, as I minimise any harm to Maggie.”
“I pray that is possible…”
Iris watched, and saw the flicker of grief which passed across Leon’s face. Would that she could somehow make things better…
>>>
The countryside was green, as Spring moved inexorably towards Summer, but Leon took no joy in it. Green had become the colour of death in his mind, the marker of Maggie’s descent into madness. Still, he could not deny that Greenleigh Park looked beautiful, with the well-tended garden beds a riot of colour, and the sunlight bringing a soft golden tone to the walls.
The carriage drew to a stop on the forecourt, and he stepped down, looking around carefully before assisting Iris out as well. There was no sign of Maggie. Perhaps they could get into the house without a scene, this time.
The gravel crunched beneath their feet, and behind them, the second carriage rolled up the drive, bearing Lina, Belling, and a large amount of luggage, for more of Iris’ possessions had been sent from Elbury House to Greenleigh House while they had been out of London, previously.
Leon looped his arm through Iris’ and led her up the steps to where Waring stood, holding the door open.
“My Lord, my Lady, it is good to have you home.”
Those words, so innocuous sounding in their basic meaning, were ominous to Leon’s ears, for they suggested that he was needed here, to help deal with difficulties.
“Thank you, Waring. Is my mother here? Or at the Dower House?”
“At the Dower House, my Lord. I believe that she will be coming back here for dinner, as usual.”
“And my sister?”
Waring’s normally impassive face showed a hint of emotion for a moment, before it was ruthlessly suppressed.
“Lady Margaret was out in the gardens for most of the morning. Mrs Withercombe is trying to get her to take a nap.”
“I see. Then I will not disturb anyone. Please have a tray with a light meal for both of us sent up to our private parlour. We will likely remain up there until dinner is called, unless my mother wishes to speak with us sooner. Belling and Lina will need food as well, and there is quite a quantity of luggage to deal with. Please make sure that they are fed.”
“Of course, my Lord.”
Waring bowed, and turned away to deal with their requests. Iris spoke, very softly, as they began to ascend the stairs.
“Is it wrong of me to be relieved? For I am.”
