Page 87 of Hearts of Locke Hill

Andrew’s expression softened.

Lydia cried, “You’re in love with mybrother?” at the same time Spencer’s eyes grew twice their size. “WithAndrew?” he said. He turned to Lydia. “You said there was nothing between them.”

Lydia spun again to Andrew, pointing back to Violet. “Did you break her heart?”

“No,” Violet said firmly. She sighed. “No, not Andrew.”

Lydia looked between Violet and Andrew and back again.

Spencer spoke up. “Then … who are you in love with?”

Violet still looked to Andrew, whose gaze grew compassionate.

“May I?” he asked.

She nodded and sniffed. “I believe I’m in need of a scheme.”

With a nod, Andrew folded his arms. “I believe Miss Whittemore … is in love with Mr. Burke.”

“What? Mr.CyrilBurke?” Lydia exchanged a look with Spencer, then approached Violet and knelt before her. “Is this true?”

Violet took a deep breath. “It’s true.” She looked again to Andrew. “And I—I’ve ruined everything.”

Lydia took Violet’s hands and gently squeezed them. “We’ll fix it.” She nodded. She looked behind her. “Won’t we, gentlemen?”

Their deeply murmured acquiescence blended.

Then Lydia sat back on her heels and held her hand up, palm flat. Spencer dug a note out of his pocket and pressed it into her waiting hand.

Lydia closed her fingers around the money. “I told you so,” she said.

Behind her, Spencer shook his head. “That you did, love.”

Violet gasped. “You placed a wager on me?”

Lydia lifted a shoulder, having the nerve to look contrite.

“And I’m the insensitive one,” Andrew muttered.

A commotion at the door drew their attention. Florrie appeared looking pale and upset, Nibs in her arms. “Oh, you’re all here. Good.” She took a few steps into the room. “We’d only just arrived when Ralston met us at the bottom of the staircase. Ruby had a call—her mother knew she’d be here, of course.” She stopped, as if unsure what to say next.

Violet stood. “What news, Florrie?”

Florrie turned to Violet, hugging Nibs firmly, her eyes wide. “Ruby’s father. Mr. Burke.” She shook her head. “He’s taken a turn for the worse.”

Chapter 22

Violet shifted and depressed the pedal as far as she dared. She sped along the road, eyes open for animal, person, or vehicle that might suddenly impede her way. The last thing she wanted was an accident. But time was not her friend at the moment.

She checked the curve ahead and slowed just enough to make the turn and speed up again.

Florrie had sent Ruby home to Oakleigh with her driver. The family was gathering to go to London. Mrs. Burke had been unable to contact Cyril at the school, and Pimms Mill had no telephone as of yet. Violet had volunteered to go directly to the millhouse, as it was on her way back to the school, to make sure he’d been informed and, if not, to give him the news herself.

She hoped it was the right decision.

Everyone else had surely thought so.

She groaned and switched gears again.