Chapter 47 Katherine—Our Family Them, All My Sisters and Me
KATHERINE—OUR FAMILY: THEM, ALL MY SISTERS AND ME
The final torch in the garden is extinguished. I watch it from the windows in Jahleel’s study. All have gone but the family, as he puts it. We sit together as Scarlett serves him her special tea.
“That was particularly stressful. It’s good to know old Tavis wasn’t so bad after all.”
“Not so bad, Scarlett,” Jahleel says. “Not great, but not evil. And despite everything, he did love your sister.”
He cranes back in his chair. “Now, maybe he can stop haunting me.”
“But didn’t you just send his father to a rat-infested prison?” Scarlett points him back to his teacup.
“Someone should pay for a loyal son’s death.”
She crosses her arms. “I think you shouldn’t give any balls for several years.”
“I agree.” Georgina sits holding her silent husband’s hand. “But I’m sure you’ll draw a crowd waiting to see who gets exposed.”
I turn from looking through the glass to gazing at Scarlett and Georgie. “Sisters, I’m sorry I didn’t share what was happening with Tavis and our finances.”
“We’ve forgiven you and him a long time ago.” Scarlett clasps my hand. “Thom-Wilcox Coal is going to be wonderful.”
“And it is for you and Georgie’s children. I spent my share on Tavis.”
Jahleel nods, but he’s busy setting up his jade chess set again. I’m enthralled and scared and can’t wait to get him alone to praise his bravery and box his ears. We have plenty of time; there is no need to rush an early death, aggravating his temper by the likes of Prahmn.
Stephen comes into the room like he’s waltzing. “The last auntie is in a carriage and has left Anya House.”
He drops into a chair like Jahleel did, as if anchors of ships from Trinidad hang from his arms. “The Cheapside citizens enjoyed themselves. They think peers are odd.”
“So basically, nothing has changed.” Scarlett comes to him and rubs his shoulder.
Mr. Steele and his basket kitten come. “The runners report that Palmers has met with the magistrate and is now on his way to Marshalsea Prison.”
That news draws smiles from everyone.
“Good night, all. Lada needs a good brushing and some cream. She did so well.”
“You, my friend,” Jahleel says, “did good, too. You’re always the best at finding information.”
“Happy to serve.” Swinging his basket, the faithful steward leaves.
He’s a much better cat mother than me. “I wish Papa knew how evil Mr. Palmers was. Lord Mark, are you well?”
“No. I’m …” Lord Mark stutters for a moment. Waves of emotions crash on his countenance. “… not better.”
I feel everything for him—embarrassment, anger, betrayal, and sadness. Things could be so different. They should be different.
“I’ll gain no more heartache or ruin from my father’s dressing down.” Lord Mark stands. “I’m a successful composer, thanks to my wife. We’ve leased a home not too far from here. We have a future that doesn’t depend on Prahmn.”
He stoops to his wife. “Georgie, you and this little one are the most important people in my heart. I’ll never put you or our children in harm’s way trusting someone who has hate in his soul, even if we share the same blood.”
He picks my sister up, carrying her like a new bride. “Torrance, we’ll be staying the night.”
“You know where your room is,” Jahleel says. “The suite in white at the end of the hall, the bridal suite.”
“Since you’ve now publicly declared that you are my brother-in-law, I thought you newlyweds would need it. Georgie’s blue room is sufficient.”
“We have a nicely situated arrangement, and the white room has a big seating area for a small nursery or crib.” Jahleel finishes the last drop of his tea.
The cup makes a clink as he rests it upon a gold-rimmed saucer.
“That suite is yours forever. All of you must be in and out of Anya House. This is your second home.”
“Yes, it must be.” I look at Scarlett. “Because I think we shall give the Carews the Ground Street house. They must turn it into a hospital. I think our parents would approve.”
Georgie nods. “I think that’s perfect. Medical care needs to be on that side of the Thames.” That’s all she can get out before Mark carries her into the hall.
Stephen looks overwhelmed. “We’ve been looking for a place for one, but things have been chaotic. What do you say, Madame Carew?”
“I say we accept. It already has a garden. Herbs are part of our treatments. They’re not a cure yet, but they give hope.”
“Sometimes hope is enough.” Jahleel’s warm glance at Scarlett declares his pride and thankfulness.
Beaming, she tows Stephen to his feet. “Thank you, new brother, old sis. Husband, let’s let the newlyweds—or newly acknowledged couple—finish their evening. We should go to the library.”
“You mean our pink room.”
She shakes her head. “I thought you’d want to help me pick our next book to read. You like the way I read in our pink room.”
He takes her hand and loops it into his arm. “Good night, all.”
Their laughter echoes as they enter the hall.
I go to Jahleel. “Guess it’s time to retire and to check on Lydia again.”
“You said she was a little upset but good?”
I’ve been to her room twice since things calmed. “She was happy you sent the mean man to prison. Your mother kept her calm. The two are very close. I hope she intends to stay.”
“Mamen’ka might. She’s already figured out that Lydia’s and my chances of good health are greatly improved here in London with the Carews. But you, my clever girl, had already figured that out. Well played.”
I link hands with him and feel a tremor. The strain of this night has taken a physical toll on Jahleel.
But I’ve learned to wait for him to tell me. I won’t coddle the man; the strategist who has now fixed everything will tell me what he needs. “I’ve picked up a few things from you. Unwillingly, of course.”
“Of course, Katherine.”
“And then there’s my father. He taught me a lot of things. I hope he’s happy with me selling half the company.”
“Like I said, he told me at that chapel door when I saw my dreams dying that, above everything, he wanted you and all his daughters happy. If you’re happy, then he has his wish.”
Watching him set the board, positioning the king and queen pieces, I’m happy. And right now, I feel almost free.
All the pieces of Jahleel’s jade set stand in formation. “Now the men are reset.”
I rise from my chair and catch his gaze, but his countenance remains lowered. “We should go check on our daughter. I must apologize to her and you. There’s no excuse for you to have witnessed violence.”
Resting my arm on the chairback, I slip my hand to his neck. “You’re very tense in this spot. Is this a knot?”
Relaxing to my touch, he slouches. Our gazes connect and stay that way until I reach down and slide the mutton-white jade pawn from square E2 to E4.
He glances at what I’ve done. “Starting a new game?”
“We need to finish the old one. You’ve made a few public declarations. You also dated paperwork that goes against said declarations. Last I checked, I offered to be your lifetime mistress. You’ve put my side in check announcing me as the Duchess of Torrance.”
“You are right. We need to talk, but after we say good night to Lydia.” His rise feels slow, almost pained. “Let’s go see our daughter.”
We take our time. Our footfalls echo as we pass the silent drawing room.
The servants have already removed the blue velvet curtains.
The crystal chandelier sits on the floor, in the very center of the dance floor.
Some of the globes are missing. Used tapers lie in a pile nearby.
“Tomorrow, all these tasks will be finished. It will be ready for your science meetings again.”
“Katia, it will look like nothing happened.” He murmurs, “Like nothing changed.”
“Everything has changed, Jasha. Everything.”
His eyes sweep over me. “Lydia’s waiting.”
He holds my hand with more strength. Soon, we are at the grand staircase. “I’m a little tired. Do you mind if I lean on you as we ascend?”
“You never have to ask, Jasha. We’re supposed to be in league, in all things.”
Realizing now he wasn’t merely stalling to tell everyone good night or to set up a chess set, I press into his arms and hold him about his waist. “You don’t have to pretend to be stronger or healthier than you are. We’ll take things one step at a time.”
“Can’t fool you when you pay attention. Shall we?” Time slows as I steady him, his cane. “You know, I pray daily to make it down the stairs. That’s how I know my joy is not a dream.”
“I don’t want the truth ever to be a dream.” My heart beats loudly for him. “This is all true. You’ve put more of our pieces together. I’m forever grateful.”
Halfway up, I see the corridor leading to the white suite. “Lord Mark must feel awful to have such a dreadful father. No grandfather to trust to look after his child.”
“Not as awful as Palmers. Prahmn hasn’t killed his son.” He wants to make a jest, but I hear pain in his voice. “Don’t fret, Katherine. Georgina will comfort him. He’s a man preparing for his own family. He knows his priorities.”
That’s not my hesitation. “They have us.”
“Don’t worry, Katia. They have forever to find their way. Scarlett and Carew, too.”
No one has forever.
The smartest man in the world knows that. Jahleel, in his way, reminds me that nothing material has changed. He still has a sickness.
That once frightened me. Now I see the honor he’s given—his name and the right to stand by his side. He’s chosen me despite my flaws—and despite his, too.
We reach the top of the stairs. Light escapes Lydia’s door. “Our sweet child is still up.” His words are whispers and gasps, yet the mention of “our sweet child” is the best thing I’ve ever heard.
I knock. I beam. “Sweetheart. Your parents are here.”
“Please come in,” Lydia says.
In her pink room, we find her sitting on the rya on the floor.
“Papen’ka? Mamen’ka? You’re safe? The mean men are gone? No tricks.”
“No lies.” I stoop to her. “Your father has made us safe.”
She leaps into my arms. Then leans over and hugs Jahleel’s neck.
He touches her cheek. “I’m sorry, dorogaya, that you had to see me lose my temper and hear such vile talk.”
Rustling her curls and braids, which had been carefully taken down, her father kisses her on the forehead like he offers a blessing. “My dearest heart, you helped save our family. I’m so pleased. I’ll always be so proud of you.”
When I let her down, she immediately goes into Jahleel’s arms.
I don’t think I could love a sight more.
“Grown-up parties are strange,” she says. “I like dressing up, but not much else.”
“They have their moments,” he says.
The princess comes inside wearing a big jet robe as big as the one she gave me. Lydia sees her and pulls up her nightrail’s hem. “I have on my stockings.”
One look from the stern, beautiful woman makes Lydia jump back into bed. “You two are keeping her up. That’s not good.”
“Princess,” I say, “we had to check on her before we turned in.”
“And sleep? After my son gave such a performance! Katherine, take your husband.” She waves her hand dismissively at us. “Take him out of here and treat him like the hero he is. Consider giving me another grandbaby. If I am to stay in miserable London, I want more beautiful children to watch over.”
“Mamen’ka, you’re getting a little ahead—”
“Jasha, you can’t change your mind again. You’ve given her back her title again. It’s public. She’s your wife.”
“You two are married again?” Lydia’s eyes become large like coins. “My parents are married again. And I missed it.”
“Lidochka, she was always my wife. She sort of forgot.” Jahleel kisses my hand. “Now the gossips will tell the world she is the Duchess of Torrance.”
Lydia gets up and dances. “So my papen’ka and my mamen’ka are married. We’re going to be a normal family?”
“Never normal, dorogaya,” he says. “We’re too extraordinary for normal.” He turns to me. “Tuck in my best girl, Katherine.”
As I do, Jahleel leaves. I hear him and his cane walking down the corridor alone.