Page 17 of Two Ruins Make a Right

Eight

Careless hearts race down ruin’s road.

N ot a word was spoken between Nell and James as they traveled back to the house.

When they hit a rut on the path and the cart tilted in response, their legs brushed against one another.

James immediately moved away from her, essentially rejecting her, making her feel as if she were some deadly disease he might catch if he touched her.

She closed her eyes and prayed they would return quickly. The sooner she could escape him, the sooner she could lick her wounds privately.

Finally, after an eternity of silence, they pulled up in front of the house.

Without a glance at Nell or James, Harry helped Christa down.

Their silent, furtive glances conveyed messages of comfort and solace.

No doubt each look translated into something that reassured them everything would be well, even if Nell was standing in their way.

Once their cart had stopped, James set the brake and jumped down.

She waited with bated breath to see if he would help her down or send a footman to assist her.

When he reached her side, relief washed over her.

Though he was angry with her, he still cared enough to act like a gentleman.

Sending a footman to help would have instantly signaled his dismay, even disgust, toward her.

His strong hands clasped her waist, and he lifted her without warning. Just as quickly, he set her down, then took a step back.

“Lady Whitton,” he said curtly. “It remains to be seen whether it’s in Harry’s interest to escort you to other estates. My opinion is that it’s doubtful.”

She lifted her chin, determined not to let him see how his set-down had upset her.

“Of course. Whatever you think best.” She tried to sound the exact opposite of him—calm and detached.

“But you should know I was only doing what any sister would do for another. I was looking out for her well-being and future.”

He lifted an angry brow. “Is that what you call it?” He glanced at a footman, who had been standing a little too closely, and nodded his dismissal.

Only after the man left did James address her again.

“If we sat down for any further conversation, it would end as a shouting match. Needless to say, I’m done.

” With that, he turned on his heel and climbed the stairs to the house.

Which meant, he was done with her. She inhaled a steadying breath as her heartbeat pounded at such a pace, she thought it might burst through her chest. She forced her gaze to the perfectly manicured lawn in front of her.

A welcoming sight when visitors came to call.

It would be the last time she’d see it, as James’s reaction to her was proof that she’d never be welcome at Redmond Hall again.

She still had one more night here, and a delightful little girl was waiting for her upstairs. While Valentina played with her dolls, Nell would enjoy James’s daughter’s company for one more day.

Hoping she wouldn’t run into James, Harry, or Christa, Nell entered the hall and handed her pelisse and hat to the waiting footman.

After thanking him, she climbed the two flights to the nursery.

When she entered the room, Valentina was sitting at the small table, preparing tea for herself and her doll, Abigail.

Miss Owens was mending one of the little girl’s frocks.

“Good afternoon, my lady,” the nursemaid acknowledged.

“You’re just in time for tea,” Valentina announced with a delightful grin. “I made extra in hopes you’d arrive in time.”

“I’m famished.” Nell patted her stomach.

The nursemaid stood and curtseyed. “If you wouldn’t mind, ma’am, I need to visit the housekeeper and see if she has any more thread that matches Miss Valentina’s pinafore.”

“Take your time,” Nell answered with a smile. “I hope to spend all afternoon here.” As the nursemaid turned to leave, Nell stopped her. “Would you mind informing my sister and Mr. Tipton where I am? We shall depart tomorrow morning. If either needs me, I don’t want them to have to look for me.”

“Of course, my lady.”

“No,” Valentina announced. “I won’t allow you to leave.”

The nursemaid immediately corrected the child. “Now, Miss Valentina, you know that a lady doesn’t answer in that tone of voice, particularly to her elders.”

Valentina dropped her chin. “I’m sorry.”

“You are forgiven.” Nell smiled as the nursemaid nodded, then left the room.

“I don’t want to go either.” Nell sat at the little table and allowed Valentina to serve her pretend tea, but there were fresh cakes on the table.

She picked one up and took a bite. Unbelievably, she was starving.

“I have responsibilities at home that must be seen to. But I shall say goodbye before I depart.”

“What kind of responsibilities?” Valentina held a cup up to her doll’s mouth. “What do ladies do all day in a house?” She turned her striking gaze to Nell.

Nell took in the sight of her brilliant green eyes.

All she could see were James’s features.

Valentina would be a beauty when she got older.

Nell swallowed the sadness that seemed to come from nowhere.

If she would have had a daughter, she would have played with her every day.

But Nell found other ways to love children and help improve their lives.

Perhaps a more honest assessment was that they made her life richer.

“Your great aunt has a multitude of responsibilities being a duchess. She helps the duke with his responsibilities both here at Redmond Hall and at their home in London. They host political events, balls, and all sorts of societal functions. She also has several charities that she sponsors. She’s a very busy lady.

” Nell couldn’t resist and bent down to press a kiss against Valentina’s cheek.

“What about you?” Valentina asked. “What do you do all day?”

She pasted a smile on her face. “I also have a charity that I sponsor.” Heaven knew she needed the children more than they needed her. “It’s for children around my village who don’t have parents.”

Valentina’s brow wrinkled slightly. “That’s sad.

But they’re lucky to have you. I don’t mind sharing you with them,” she announced.

“They’re your family.” She hugged Abigail close to her chest. “I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have my papa.

” Her earnest gaze wrapped itself around Nell’s heart.

“But I’d have you as my mama, wouldn’t I?

” She didn’t wait for Nell to answer. “I wouldn’t be alone then. ”

Nell swallowed to keep her tears at bay. How to respond to such a question? She didn’t have a family, really, outside of Christa. Now she’d had strained their closeness by urging Christa to marry for money and position.

Everything started to become crystal clear.

Nell tamped down the panic that roared to life.

What had she done? She’d put her family’s financial security before her own need for love so many times in her life.

She’d not only allowed herself to be a pawn for her parents’ immoral behavior, but now she turned into a weapon they’d created, one that threatened her own sister’s happiness.

Did she owe any loyalty to her parents? She definitely did to her sister.

Though her life had been a sacrifice, that didn’t mean Christa had to suffer the same fate.

Christa didn’t need to marry a wealthy peer.

Such a marriage would provide her with security, but at what cost?

Money wouldn’t guarantee her happiness in life or love.

However, Harry, a man who promised his heart and soul to Christa, would bring her joy and fulfillment.

If she had a dowry, it would make Harry a much easier choice for a husband.

That dowry would serve as much-needed financial security for their future.

There was a way to help the couple. Nell would create a small dowry from the money Whitton had left her.

It wouldn’t be a large amount, but it would assist the couple and represent Nell’s acceptance of their desire to marry.

Nell swallowed, but her sadness still lingered. Christa was correct. Nell had been ruined. Her entire life had been stripped down to the bare essentials because she’d been a dutiful daughter and had obeyed her parents’ edicts, whether they were in her best interests or not.

Why was she even contemplating keeping her sister from her true love? Memories flooded her with the grief she’d felt after she’d sent that note to James informing him they couldn’t marry. She closed her eyes as the longing and the pain of her actions reminded her of that fateful day.

“Why are you crying?” the little girl asked.

Nell blinked and suddenly realized that a tear had fallen down her cheek.

“It seems that I must have gotten something in my eye.” Or mayhap, she was finally seeing clearly for the first time in her life.

She sniffed gently, then leaned across the table.

Pressing another kiss against Valentina’s cheek, she said softly. “I’m so lucky to have you as a friend.”

“I will always be your friend. If you ever need me, I will be here for you.” Valentina stood from the table and then hugged Nell. “I don’t want you to be sad. You’re going to be my new mama. That should make you happy.”

Nell didn’t answer. She should have a conversation with James about telling Valentina the truth—they would never marry. He should take Valentina to the estate where the other women were, so she could pick out a new mother. She squeezed her eyes shut at the ungodly thought.

“Darling, I’m a little tired.” Nell stood and pressed a final kiss to Valentina’s head. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go lie down for a bit.”

“Though I don’t care for naps, sometimes I don’t mind them.” Valentina nodded. “They make you feel better when you wake up.”