Page 48

“Who could that be?”

“Shall I get it, Your Grace?” Daisy asked, already moving toward the door before Yvette could respond.

“Yes, please,” Yvette replied, her tone tinged with curiosity.

The door opened, and a footman stepped in, carrying a small stack of letters.

“A letter for you, Your Grace,” he said with a bow. “From the Marquess of Akenfield.”

Yvette straightened, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of her brother’s name. She hadn’t heard from him since her arrival in Braemore.

Daisy collected the letter with a small nod of thanks, handing it to Yvette. The footman was dismissed, and as the door closed behind him, Yvette turned her attention to the envelope.

She ran her fingers along the edge of the envelope, her heart lightening just a touch as she opened it.

Yvette unfolded the paper and began to read.

Dearest Yvette,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I trust you are settling into Braemore and that the arrangements with Killian are to your satisfaction. I do hope that he is treating you well, and that the marriage, as unconventional as it may be, is not causing you distress.

As you know, I have always been concerned for you, especially after all the years we spent apart. I want you to know that I trust Killian. Though he is a stern man and a difficult one to read at times, I do believe he has a good heart, and he will treat you with respect. However, I would appreciate hearing from you to know that he is not causing you undue discomfort.

Furthermore, Georgiana would like to know when would be the best time to visit you. She’s been meaning to see you since the wedding. However, I did tell her that you’d return to London soon. Perhaps you could find some time to meet with her when you arrive.

I remain, as always, your devoted brother,

Edward

Yvette smiled softly, touched by the genuine concern in her brother’s words. Her heart warmed at the thought of him looking out for her, even from such a distance.

She had often felt alone in the world, but this—this was a reminder that she was not without family.

Yvette’s heart fluttered at the part about Georgiana. She felt an unspoken bond with her brother’s wife even though they had only met once.

Yvette turned to the final page, her brother’s handwriting appearing once more, but this time, it was brief and to the point.

Dear Aunt Yvette,

I miss you.

Yours,

Aaron

Yvette’s eyes softened as she read the simple, heartfelt words. Her nephew’s innocence and affection never failed to make her smile, and she could almost hear his voice in her head, calling her name with that sweetness only a child could possess.

Yvette sat back, a sigh of relief slipping from her lips.

For a moment, the heavy weight of loss and isolation seemed to lift.

Yes, her father was gone, and the opportunity for reconciliation had died with him. She would never hear the apology she had longed for.

As she sat there, surrounded by the words of her family—her brother, Georgiana, and little Aaron—she realized she was not as alone as she sometimes felt.

She had family. They were far away, but they cared.

And that made all the difference.