Page 51 of The Rebellious Countess (The Ruined Duchess #2)

As the two women served as the other’s lady’s maid, Máira had to ask the question that had been plaguing her since their escape from Mont Saint Michel. “How did you find us at Mont Saint Michel?”

“I knew the Comte Legrand was on his way to execute the earl, so I borrowed a horse so that Tomás would not be implicated if I was caught. When the Comte crossed the bay, I tied the horse up in the woods and followed his horse’s tracks.

He knew the way very well.” She lifted her chin with pride. “I did not sink once.”

Máira thought about Aventine crossing the muddy bay alone and in the dark. All to warn them. “You risked everything for us.”

“I risked everything for my son. One day, you will understand why.”

Máira tried to smile, but couldn’t, because she wouldn’t. Children were not in her future.

They made their way to the deck, and she squinted against the harsh brilliance of the sunlight partnered with the jovial spirits of the crew.

Their merry banter was in direct opposition to her mood as they went about their duties before taking leave on shore.

Máira shaded her eyes and looked up to the quarter deck.

Her heart dropped when she only found the second mate standing on the port side yelling orders to the crew.

She scanned the rest of the deck to no avail.

Her husband, ex-husband, she wasn’t sure what to call him except the owner of her heart, was conspicuously missing.

He was gone and had no plans to say goodbye.

Aventine was talking to Tomás and Sébastien, as he walked next to Simon’s stretcher holding his hand. The sailors carried the unconscious earl down the gangplank and onto the docks. She hesitated, waiting…wondering…

“He left early this morning. He had an appointment with the War Office. He told me to tell you goodbye.” She turned to find Ross gazing at her with pity and sorrow in depths of his eyes that brought back all the memories of her childhood.

Her brother-in-law wore the same expression the servants had worn when the Blair sisters had left their childhood home.

From their gardener, who handed each girl a rose to leave at their father’s grave, a grave filled with questions and no answers, to their nursemaid, who had taken them home and cared for them, never explaining why their oldest sister was living with their new guardian while they stayed in the country in little more than a one-bedroom house.

They had not wanted for food or clothing, but they certainly hadn’t dressed or lived as they had when their parents were alive.

They were hidden from the world, and the world had been hidden from them. She should have stayed hidden.

She gave Ross a half smile. “I’d heard he went ashore.”

“Astley was serious about his proposal.”

“He is the best of men,” she admitted.

“You could never go wrong with a man like Astley for your husband.”

“So why didn’t you marry him?” she asked.

Ross smiled. “My heart was already taken.”

“So is mine.” A pang reverberated through her chest as if her heart had started a beat of its own that her body wanted to reject.

Elias was not content with just breaking her heart, he had to grind it into pebbles to be trampled on for decades to come.

How Ross could think she should hide behind Astley’s name as his wife or widow, she didn’t know.

“Your sisters are waiting in town. Including Caillen.”

She grabbed Ross’s sleeve. “Truly? She’s there?”

“She is, but I would not expect her to stay.”

“Why not? What are you not telling me?”

Ross took her hand and wrapped it around his arm and led her from the ship. “The tragedy has changed her—perhaps you, of all of your sisters, will be able to reach her.”

“I would imagine watching the love of your life murdered before your eyes would change a person.”

“I imagine it would, and I pray the rest of us never find out.”

She nodded in agreement. It was better that Elias was alive and had the opportunity to marry someone he truly loved. It still didn’t stop her wounded heart from bleeding. “I can’t retell this story for my sisters. Could you do it for me.”

Ross squeezed her hand. “Of course I can. You take the time you need.”

“My carriage is waiting to take us home,” he said, in a soft voice meant to ease her pain. Astley was being loaded into a carriage as they spoke. Ross’s gentle understanding had the opposite effect.

“Home?” She laughed…it was either that or break down and sob, yet her voice held a bitterness it shouldn’t. Máira lashed out in a manner she never had in her life. “You mean to Urquhart? My real home, the one you stole from my family?”

He had the good grace to wince at her attack.

He did not deserve her ire. He had restored their family home and turned it into a family country estate.

Any of the sisters could visit at any time they wished.

The home would be entailed to the Harding dukedom, but Nash had done what he could and more to undo the sins of his father.

She swiped at the tear that dared to drop down her cheek. “I’m sorry, Ross. You didn’t deserve that.”

“But I did?—”

“No, you didn’t. You can’t control your past any more than I can mine.

I will return to the townhouse with you and make sure Simon is settled,” she said with all the certainty of a woman of the ton , the one she was born to be.

She stiffened her spine and took charge of her life for the first time.

“After that, I would like to stay at home, though, if that’s alright. ”

“Of course.” He held out his arm once more.

Máira shook her head. “At Urquhart. I cannot marry Simon or any other suitors you have lined up for me. I had one wedding. I will not marry another man.”

Nash looked over his shoulder and pulled her toward his carriage. “Máira, I understand that you are hurting, but you will be ruined if you do not marry Astley.”

Her smile was small and held no joy. “I was ruined the day I was born—just ask anyone of the ton . I’m just one of those Blair bastards—a whore like my mother?—”

“ Batarde ?” It was her mother-in-law’s voice that interrupted. “Who says such a terrible thing? I will cut his throat if any man, lord, or sailor, dares to call you that.” Aventine reached for her boot, but Tomas stopped her and she scowled up at him.

“I appreciate you wanting to protect me, Aventine,” she said, “but I’m afraid this is where you and I say goodbye.”

“No. Not adieu , but au revoir . We will see each other again. Until then, I give you this.” Aventine furrowed her brow at Tomás who held up his hands in surrender and did not stop Aventine this time when she pulled her knife from her boot.

“If anyone dares to use that vulgar word, you cut out his tongue.”

A lump formed in Máira’s throat. She would have loved to have gotten to know her mother-in-law better if given the chance.

She took the blade and placed it in her reticule, the same one Elias had given her as a wedding present.

“Thank you.” Then she hugged Aventine, who stiffened at the embrace and then returned it.

Oh, how she would have loved to see that wall around Aventine’s heart crumble, and just as she was about to release her, Aventine whispered in her ear. “Do not give up on my son. He loves you.”

Máira bit her lip. She truly wished he did, but it was all a lie.