Chapter 25
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
“There,” Isobel inhaled as her suitcase snapped shut. “All done.”
She glanced around the room, hoping that she had not forgotten any of the items, not wanting to leave anything behind or inconvenience Valerie in any way. She also didn’t want to give anyone a reason to remind her of what had transpired here.
Spotting nothing familiar, she picked up her suitcase and left the room.
It was odd, how many days she had spent in this house, but still, she never got used to the walls.
Everywhere still felt as foreign as the day she had walked into the house, and it was as though her mind was preparing her for a seamless departure.
It was ultimately easier to leave when no ties were keeping her connected to the place. Even more so when there was much she was eager to forget.
She walked by a drawing room, intending to leave her suitcase by the door before going to find her siblings, when a voice called out to her.
“Are you leaving already?”
Isobel paused, then smiled as she walked into the drawing room, lowering her suitcase to the floor.
"Scotland is hours from London. If I am to arrive by sundown, I must embark on the journey back as soon as possible.”
Valerie frowned, her fingers nestled in Cecil’s hair while the boy slept deeply with his head on her lap.
“I am surprised you have to leave today at all. I wish you would stay, even for the rest of the week. Now that the wedding has been postponed and there is no longer a reason for me to hide, I’d hoped that we would spend some time together,” she said softly.
Isobel admitted that the idea was a nice one, but she had long since dreamt of leaving this place – perhaps from the very day she had walked in.
She had done all she could to ensure that the task she had been given had been completed, and now that it was over, she would simply like to return from whence she had come.
“I thought it was best if I got a head start. I do have a long journey ahead of me, so it would be more ideal if I leave early.” Isobel replied, her tone just as gentle as Valerie’s.
“Can you really not stay? We were going to have a picnic this afternoon, since it is much warmer today,” Nora pleaded.
It was hard to refuse the child, but Isobel had already made up her mind. She smiled a tad, trying not to feel too sad as she sat down next to Nora.
“I am glad I got to meet you, Nora. All of you. I’d wondered for a while what the life of my sister was like, and I am thankful I had the opportunity to find out.
The circumstances might not have been ideal, but honestly, we have it in us to make sure that the next time we meet, we are happier and healthier. ” She said earnestly.
Valerie watched her with a small smile, her eyes glistening with unshed tears that brought tears to Isobel’s eyes.
“I wish I could repay you for what you have done for us – Cecil and me. You saved our lives when most would not have bothered. You do not even know us –”
“I know you are good people,” Isobel interjected calmly.
“Everyone only had good things to say about you, Valerie. They spoke about your kind heart, your fierce determination, and how much you cared for Nora and Cecil. Cecil has shown me time and time again that he is a good man in the making. Neither of you deserved to fall prey to the greed of a foolish man. And you owe me nothing for my assistance. You cannot put a price on family. I did what anyone should and would for family.”
Valerie laughed slightly and wiped away a tear as soon as it rolled down her cheek.
“I really do wish we had met sooner. There is so much I could have learned from you. The world might have been brighter for me if I had known you earlier, Isobel.” She said fondly.
Isobel smiled, shuffling to the edge of the couch she was on so she could reach out and hold Valerie’s hand.
“We have the rest of our lives to do just that. There is no need to dwell on the past, as there is nothing there for us anymore. The future, however, is ripe with countless possibilities, and it would only benefit us to consider those possibilities and how we can harness them. I do not intend to return to my life and pretend that you do not exist. Do you plan to go on living your life as though we had never met?”
Valerie shook her head, and Isobel beamed at her, warmth trickling into the cervices within her chest.
“Then we have nothing to worry about. This is not farewell forever, but goodbye for now. I will write you a letter and visit. You are welcome to do the same.” Isobel urged lightly.
“Can we really visit Scotland?” Cecil asked, opening his eyes slightly all of a sudden, startling Valerie.
“Christ, Cecil. You nearly gave me a heart attack,” Valerie exhaled, pressing a hand to her chest.
Cecil apologized immediately, but his gaze continued to stray to Isobel, like a puppy waiting for a treat. She couldn’t help but chuckle, nodding easily.
“Absolutelty. Please come and visit, whenever you like.”
Cecil and Nora cheered happily, and Valerie just smiled, watching the children jubilate. They seemed to be happy over the mere prospect that whatever lingering feelings of misplacement Isobel felt faded away swiftly.
Voices at the door of the drawing room seized the attention of the occupants, and they all turned in time to see Gregory and Adrian walk in, deep in conversation.
“ — so grateful for your understanding, Your Grace. After what has transpired, it would take some time to get my affairs in order, enough to be able to host the grand wedding befitting of your status. Thank you for agreeing to the postponement.” Gregory said.
Adrian smiled, calm and diplomatic as he replied,
“Oh, I did not do it for you. My bride needs time to recover from all that she has endured — as do her siblings, who were likely distressed by what happened. A real man takes care of his family first, and other priorities can come later. We might not be married yet, but I already view Valerie and her siblings as a part of my family. It is the least I could do for those that I love.”
Gregory turned red in the face, and Isobel could only imagine how the Baron felt, knowing that his pride must be devastated. Adrian glanced in their direction and visibly perked up.
“What’s this? Were you throwing Miss Lennox a farewell party? Without me? I am hurt. Will you continue to exclude me from such merry gatherings even when we’re married?” he questioned, approaching them.
Valerie rolled her eyes, obviously trying to ignore the blush spreading over her cheeks.
“It is hardly a party when Isobel has refused any sort of festivities. And she is insisting on leaving.” She complained to her groom.
Adrian turned to Isobel and then returned his gaze to Valerie.
“Scotland is a long way from London. She must begin her journey early if she is to arrive in due time.”
Valerie’s expression turned into a pout.
“I understand that, but… I should not complain so much. I wouldn’t want to burden you, Isobel. Thank you again for all you did.”
Adrian nodded sagely. “I, too, am grateful, Miss Lennox. You were the best of us all in this situation, and we might never be able to repay you in accordance with what you truly deserve. However, if you ever find yourself in need of something — no matter what it might be, all you need to do is inform me. What good is a family if they cannot help you solve your problems?”
Isobel felt touched, and she bowed her head gratefully.
“Thank you, Your Grace. I am very grateful for your kindness.” She replied earnestly.
Gregory cleared his throat and stepped closer to them, clearly displeased by the sight of all his children together.
“Regardless of your initial shortcomings, you still managed to get down to the bottom of the situation. Your assistance is duly appreciated.” He said to her stiffly.
“Father!” Valerie gasped in displeasure. “She protected me, and she saved Cecil’s life! Surely you can do better than that.”
“The Duke had to save them both —”
“His Grace would not have been able to save me if Isobel had not given me her handkerchief to cover my nose and mouth whilst we were still trapped in the room. She could’ve used it for herself, but the moment she realized we were trapped in a burning room, her first thought was to protect me.
She deserves all our gratitude.” Cecil fumed.
Isobel could not help but feel utterly thankful for her siblings. Gregory had constantly beaten down her spirit since her arrival, clearly deeming her unworthy because of her background. But she had lost all will and desire to be acknowledged by him.
The only thing Gregory Wightman cared for was himself, and she did not care to waste her time and emotions on such a selfish man.
“It is quite all right. I did what was expected of me, and I shouldn’t be rewarded for such a trivial thing.
And you do not have to feel obligated to do so.
After all, you are not my father, Lord Gramfield.
I already have a father and a family, which has grown a tad recently,” she paused to smile at her siblings. “I am content with that.”
She turned away from him and opened her arms in the direction of her siblings. All at once, they stepped forward to embrace her, ending up in a messy mess of awkward limbs and hair too close to mouths, but Isobel would not have traded that moment for anything.
“Do come visit. Please,” she muttered, meeting Adrian’s eyes over Valerie’s shoulder. “You are invited as well, Your Grace.”
Adrian smiled at her kindly and nodded.
“An honor I do not deserve, but will gladly oblige. Thank you, Miss Lennox.”
“You may call me Isobel. After all, we are family now as well.” She cheekily said.
Adrian laughed, the action so sudden that it seemingly startled him as well.
“Right you are, Isobel. Do take care of yourself.” He told her gently.
Valerie held her for a little while longer after Cecil and Nora had pulled away.
“Will you write to me?” she asked softly.
“As often as I can,” Isobel swore.
When they separated, Adrian offered to take her suitcase for her to the door, and Isobel saw nothing wrong in accepting his offer. Especially since it allowed her to ask a question that had been on her mind for a little while now.
“Have you… by any chance seen His Grace?”
Adrian turned to her, and his lips pulled into a smirk.
“Why do you ask?”
She could hear the teasing note in his voice, but her heart had been feeling too raw for her to indulge in his games, so she shook her head.
“Never mind, then. Please forget that I asked.” She told him curtly and walked ahead.
Adrian caught up with her easily, her short stature clearly no match for his long strides.
“I am only teasing. The physician arrived to see him. It seems he might have hurt his shoulder again while he beat Arnold, and he wanted to get it looked at. It should only take a moment if you wish to wait.” Adrian informed her easily.
Although she gave it a fair consideration, her mind had already been made up. She did not want to wait for him, as it would only cause her more pain.
“Thank you, Your Grace. However, I think it is best if I take my leave.” She replied kindly as a footman took her suitcase and placed it in the carriage.
Adrian nodded, folding his hands together at his back.
“Will you be at the wedding? When do we set a new date?”
Isobel hesitated, knowing that while she had no problem seeing her siblings again, setting her eyes on Richard once more might ruin whatever semblance of normalcy she might have garnered at that time.
“I do not know,” she whispered.
Adrian nodded. “I will send you an invitation, anyway. Safe travels, Isobel.”
She curtsied and climbed into the carriage, only breathing properly once they had rolled off the estate grounds.
Finally… it was over. She should feel relieved, thankful to finally be away from that house.
So why did she feel as though she had left a piece of herself behind?
Isobel never liked to travel alone.
Most of the time she had embarked on a long carriage ride in her life, she had been accompanied by her parents or siblings.
There was never a dull moment among the family, with the small confined space they sat in filled with excitement and anticipation of their arrival.
She loved it when her mother and father told her stories about mythical creatures who kidnapped travelers.
Graham would regale her with tales of adventures he hoped to have once they had arrived.
Margaret often fussed about everyone’s comfort, and Catherine spent most of the time asleep.
Now that she was older, she could embark on these journeys on her own. But she did not want to. She missed the gentle comfort of camaraderie, whether it was in exhaustion or excitement.
She missed her family, and as thrilled as she had been to gain some new siblings, she could not help but feel a little lonely leaving them behind.
Would it always be like this? Will she always be left by herself while her siblings pair up with people who seem to have been made as fortunes to their fate? Was she really meant for a life of solitude?
The further away she got, the heavier her heart grew.
In an effort to summon some calm into her being, she closed her eyes and tried to empty her mind of bothersome thoughts. Just as she had begun to acquire some semblance of peace, the carriage came to a stop.
Cautiously, Isobel sat up straight and peered out through the window, but she saw nothing amiss.
“Is something wrong?” she called out, worry creeping into her veins at the sudden stop.
The sound of footsteps drew closer and closer until the door was wrenched open. Isobel closed her eyes in fright and put her arms out in front of her, waiting for an attack that never came.
Instead, a familiar voice questioned angrily.
“Where do you think you are going?”