The Daring Miss Darcy (Lost Ladies of London #4)(76)

Fabian frowned. “You don’t like the name Vane?”

“It implies a weakness of character that is far removed from the truth.”

Fabian narrowed his gaze and studied her for a moment. “You still love him.”

“Oh, yes.” Estelle put her hand over her heart. “More than ever.”

“Does he feel the same way?”

“He does,” she said confidently.

“Then I must hope he will do right by you, despite all that has occurred.” Fabian came to his feet and gestured to a point in the distance. “There’s a small church on the island. You can marry there if you both so wish.”

How easily her brother skimmed past all the trauma and scandal to concentrate only on her future. But how could she ever be accepted as the Marchioness of Trevane?

“And you think it is possible for a lady like me to marry a marquess?”

He looked at her and smiled. “I think it is possible for a lady like you to do whatever her heart desires.”

Estelle came to her feet and hugged him. His biased comment still gave her hope. “Oh, I have missed you so.”

“I would have never stopped looking for you.”

“I know.”

He stepped back. “Let’s go and find Lillian and Trevane. They must have grown tired waiting for us to return. And then I can take you on a tour of the island.”

Estelle nodded, though hoped she would have some time alone with Ross before they headed out on an adventure.

“And then you will tell me where I might find Philipe Robard, and Faucheux,” Fabian said.

Oh, heavens, Fabian was as determined as Ross when it came to avenging a lady’s ruined reputation.

“Why? What will you do?”

“Exactly what you think I might do.”

“It’s all forgotten now, and I want to keep it that way.” At least for the time being. Dread the day Faucheux ever came looking for her. But with Ross at her side she could cope with anything.

“I shall discuss the matter with Trevane.” Fabian took her hand and helped her descend the narrow flight of stairs leading down to the first floor. They eventually found Lillian reading in the drawing room: an intimate space with oak-panelled walls and a huge stone hearth.

Lillian stood as they entered. She smiled weakly.

“I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to welcome you earlier.” With her book in her hand, Lillian crossed the room to greet them. “I know you both had so much to talk about.”

“It’s lovely to see you, Lillian. One way or another, I believe we were destined to be sisters.” Estelle glanced at the empty sofa wondering what had happened to Ross.

“Indeed, we were.”

“Where’s Lord Trevane?” Fabian said with a grin. “In case you’re wondering, Estelle prefers I use his full title.”

Lillian pursed her lips, distress evident in her eyes. She opened her book, removed a letter and handed it to Estelle. “This is for you. My brother told me to tell you that he loves you and asks you to be patient and wait for him.”

“Wait for him?” Estelle felt the blood drain from her face. She gripped the letter. “What do you mean?” She glanced behind her. “Where is he?”

Lillian shuffled uncomfortably on the spot. She looked at Fabian. “He has returned to Branscombe.”

“Branscombe?” Estelle shook her head. Perhaps he’d forgotten something. But the hollow feeling in the pit of her stomach said otherwise. “Then he is coming back?”

“Of course,” Lillian said. “He told Mackenzie he would return as soon as he’s done what he needs to do in … in France.”

“France!” Estelle’s world swayed. She felt nauseous. Dizzy. It was as though sharp talons pierced her chest and gripped her heart ready to squeeze the life from it. “France?” she whispered looking down at the letter in her hand. A tear dropped onto the paper. “Why?”

“I think you know,” Lillian said softly.

Fabian put his hand on Estelle’s shoulder. “After what I have just heard, it is what any man who cares about you would do. It is a good sign. A sign of his lasting devotion.”

“No!” She swung around and with one hand grabbed her brother by his shirt and shook him. “Fetch a boat. Bring him back.”

Fabian covered her hand with his own. “He loves you, Estelle. He will return. But he is worldly enough to know that you cannot live happily in fear. He is honourable enough to want to seek vengeance on those who have hurt you.”

“No. The past doesn’t matter. He knows that.” Oh, where was Mr Erstwhile when she needed him? Estelle stepped away and hurried to the door.

“Wait!” Fabian cried. “Where are you going?”

“To find Mackenzie. To get a boat. To bring him back.”

Fabian grabbed her around the waist and pulled her against his chest. “He will return. You must wait for him as he asked you to do. The time will pass quickly. I promise you.”

No!

Estelle crumpled to her knees and Fabian followed. “I lost him once, Fabian. I cannot lose him again.”

“I understand.”

They remained there for a few minutes until she found the strength to stand. Lillian took her hand and led her to the bedchamber allocated for the duration of her stay. Of course, Fabian presumed the arrangement would be permanent, but Estelle’s life was with Ross wherever that might be.