Chapter 28 #2
Regardless of what the future holds. That means I am truly free.
Lady Arabella watched her closely. “There is more.”
Sarah waited, eyes wide.
Lady Arabella’s expression softened, though her tone remained calm.
“The solicitor also said His Grace told him that he wrote a letter in his own hand to your former employer. He confessed that the rumors were false and he stated plainly that they came from his own family. He asked that your character be fully restored.”
Sarah wiped away a tear that slipped down her cheek, fighting to maintain her composure.
He is doing all of this for me. He truly must love me.
Lady Arabella’s voice stayed gentle. “I wished you to hear it exactly as I did. Without alteration.”
Sarah swallowed. “Thank you, My Lady. This is… a great deal to take in.”
Lady Arabella nodded her head. “I understand. But you deserved to know. I know I have placed much upon your shoulders, and I will not keep you any longer. You should have space to think.”
She rose, smoothing the front of her dress with quiet composure. “Please give my farewells to Lady Conway. I will call again another day, when matters are calmer.”
Sarah stood as well. “Of course, My Lady.”
Lady Arabella nodded, then crossed the room with gentle steps. She paused only once at the doorway, her expression thoughtful, before taking her leave.
When she was gone, Sarah remained standing in the drawing room, her thoughts racing.
Clara was safe with Eloise, and that knowledge gave her the space she needed to try and comprehend all she had just heard.
She walked down the corridor to her room, closed the door behind her, and sat on the edge of her bed.
Her entire body trembled as the tears finally came, slow at first, then steady. She pressed her fingers to her eyes, trying to sort through everything she had learned.
Sarah rose from the bed, wiping her cheeks with the back of her hand after several minutes. She walked to the window and rested her head against the coolness of the windowpane.
You told yourself His Grace’s apology was only sentiment. You told yourself his words in town were nothing more than emotion. And you believed it because it was easier than hoping for anything else.
She stood up straight, wiped the tears from her face, and turned from the window. She crossed the room and straightened the coverlet, smoothing the fabric until it lay flat beneath her hands.
You were wrong. He acted with resolve, and at a cost you never imagined. He did it without asking anything of you.
Sarah walked to the door, trying to decide how she ought to spend the rest of the day.
You need to do something to help clear your mind. Right now your thoughts are too full to make sense of anything.
Sarah walked out into the corridor and began to walk back to the parlor where Clara and Eloise were sitting.
I do not know what to do with this knowledge, and I do not know what it means for my future, but I cannot pretend that nothing has changed.
To Sarah’s relief, the rest of the day passed in a gentle blur.
She and Lady Eloise set out paints for Clara, letting her cover a small canvas with bright strokes while they kept her company.
The activity filled the afternoon easily, leaving little room for heavy thoughts.
By evening, Clara was content, and Sarah felt more peaceful than she had expected.
***
The next morning at breakfast, Sarah folded her napkin and looked to \ Eloise. “I need to go to Roxburghe today,” she said. “I need to gather more of our things.”
Clara’s head lifted at the idea. “May I come too?”
Sarah gave her a small smile. “Yes, you may. I know you will be happy to see Henry again.”
Clara smiled broadly, clapping her hands.
Eloise nodded. “You may use my carriage. It will be more comfortable for the drive.”
“Thank you,” Sarah said. “I will never be able to thank you enough for all you have done.”
“You needn’t mention it again,” Eloise said, smiling.
The trip to Roxburghe was quiet. Clara watched the passing fields, and Sarah leaned back, unsure of her next steps but grateful for the calm.
As the carriage turned up the drive, Sarah felt Clara bouncing beside her, already bright with excitement.
Sarah thought she was composed enough until she saw Lady Spencer’s carriage at the front steps. Her first instinct was to tell the coachman to turn back, but Clara was already leaning forward, ready to run to Henry, and Sarah would not flee simply because Lady Spencer had chosen to appear.
They stepped down and ran into one of the maids crossing the entry hall, linens in her arms. Sarah greeted her quietly. “I thought Lady Spencer would not be here.”
The maid glanced around and lowered her voice. “She arrived early, Mrs. Shaw. Said she would do whatever her nephew asked.” She hesitated. “But I believe she only said it to appear agreeable.”
Sarah nodded once, understanding more than the maid could safely say.
Clara hurried inside quickly, running down the corridor toward the schoolroom. Henry’s delighted voice greeted her, and Sarah quickly followed her to the room.
Henry looked up and smiled the moment Sarah appeared in the doorway. “Good morning, Mrs. Shaw.”
Sarah offered him a small smile. “Good morning, Henry. I hope you have been well.
“Yes,” he said quickly, glancing toward Clara, who was already pulling out the small box of paints she had brought. “Clara said she came to visit me.”
“She did,” Sarah said. “We are only here for a short while. I have some things to collect.”
Henry nodded, polite but eager to return to Clara. “We will stay in the schoolroom. Mrs. Hensley said she will come in soon.”
“That is very good,” Sarah said. “I will not be far.”
Clara looked up at her with a bright smile. “We will paint, Mama. Like yesterday.”
Sarah touched her shoulder lightly. “You may. I will come back when I have finished upstairs.”
She gave Henry a final nod, then stepped out of the room and turned toward the stairs to her room to pack. Near the landing, she came upon Lady Spencer. The older woman stood rigidly, her expression tight with frustration she did not bother to hide. Sarah stopped, uncertain whether to speak.
Lady Spencer addressed her at once. “Mrs. Shaw. A private word.”
Though reluctant, Sarah allowed herself to be led into the drawing room. She did not wish to give the impression of fear, nor did she wish to appear evasive. She stood up straight, prepared for whatever accusation might come.
Lady Spencer turned the moment the door closed behind them. “This entire situation has become absurd.
Her tone was sharp enough to cut through the quiet of the room. She stepped closer, her chin lifted, her eyes fixed on Sarah with pointed disapproval. “His Grace’s attachment has only grown worse because of you. You have encouraged it, whether you admit it or not.”
Sarah kept her posture steady. She did not speak.