Page 31 of Redemption

“But how? Mr. Ashford has assured us time and again that his movements have gone undetected in his efforts to rescue the children,” her aunt exclaimed with concern. “How could Ruckley possibly know where you are?”

“Unfortunately, one of Ruckley’s boys was at the Rockwood orphanage. He saw me.”

“Perhaps the child didn’t recognize you, dearest.” Her aunt’s optimistic tone caused a look of hope to lighten Arianna’s features. Rhea’s gaze locked with her sister’s, and when she slowly shook her head, Arianna paled.

“It was Edgar.” The moment her words filled the air, Arianna clutched at her throat.

“Who is this Edgar?” Beatrice asked in a worried tone.

“He’s one of Ruckley’s trusted lieutenants,” Arianna whispered as she focused her gaze on Rhea. “He had to have been at the orphanage to recruit younger children to fill Ruckley’s needs.”

“Dear Lord,” Beatrice gasped in dismay before another look of optimism replaced her worried expression.

“Simply because he saw you at the orphanage doesn’t mean he can find you.”

“Edgar is very resourceful, especially if he believes Ruckley will reward him well for information,” Rhea said softly as despair threatened to overwhelm her as it had when she’d left the orphanage. The memory of Percy’s determination to help her eased some of that fear.

“I refuse to believe this man has any power over you now, my darlings,” Beatrice said in a firm, defiant voice.

“His power is in what he knows, Aunt Beatrice,” Arianna’s terse reply made Rhea’s heart skip a beat. Lucy. It wouldn’t take long for Ruckley to discover Blake knew nothing about his wife’s daughter. One word from Ruckley in Blake’s ear could destroy Arianna’s marriage. Beatrice didn’t speak for a moment then released a breath of air that indicated she’d made a decision.

“You’ll simply have to tell Blake the truth.”

At Beatrice’s matter-of-fact statement, Rhea and Arianna stared at the woman in mute surprise. The older woman rose to her feet and brushed out the wrinkles in her coral silk skirts. She studied their startled expressions for a moment then sighed.

“Don’t look so surprise, my darlings. Lucy has Arianna’s complexion, blue eyes, blonde hair.” Beatrice waved her hand as Rhea opened her mouth to protest. “I knew from the moment I saw her in Arianna’s arms that the child wasn’t the motherless waif you said she was. I can also see the pain in Arianna’s eyes every time she says goodbye to Lucy. I know how hard it is—I’m sure it must have been terribly difficult for you, dearest.”

“But we never said that we…that…” Arianna’s voice died away, and Beatrice quickly closed the distance between them to embrace her niece in a warm hug. She pulled back and brushed a tear off Arianna’s cheek.

“You didn’t have to say anything, Arianna,” their aunt said with a deep sadness that made Rhea’s throat close with emotion. “I would have been a fool to believe either of you had only been pickpockets. I never asked because I knew you would tell me if and when you wanted to. I could never pass judgement on you for what you were forced to do, and it didn’t make me love either of you less. If anything, it made me love you more for being so strong and brave in the face of such adversity.”

As her aunt finished her impassioned speech, Rhea blinked quickly to hold back the tears threatening to fall. She swallowed hard as she met her aunt’s gaze then looked away.

“You are not alone anymore, my darling girls,” Beatrice Fremont said in a strong, defiant voice. “We will find a way to defeat this Ruckley fellow once and for all, but that means you must tell Blake everything, Arianna. I have a strong suspicion you’ve told Blake something of your past, but that you have failed to mention Lucy.”

“Yes, I didn’t know how to tell him about her. I don’t even know that I can tell him now. I don’t want to lose him.”

“The man adores you, Arianna. You will not lose him, although I will not be surprised if he becomes angry that you failed to trust him with the full truth,” Beatrice said as she patted Arianna’s arm.

The muffled sound of Blake’s voice suddenly filtered its way into the salon from the entryway, and Arianna paled. Aunt Beatrice immediately caught her niece’s hand and squeezed it as she whispered something to her. Rhea saw her sister nod as Blake entered the room followed by a short, stout man close behind. The smile curving Blake’s mouth broadened as he looked at Beatrice Fremont.

“Aunt, you’re the second surprise visitor in just two days,” Blake said with a quiet chuckle as he moved forward to greet the older woman with a light kiss on the cheek. “In fact, I’m beginning to think my wife is preparing to do some great battle and has called for reinforcements.”

At her husband’s playful comment, Arianna made a small sound of dismay. Concern darkened Blake’s face, as he caught his wife’s hand and kissed it with loving tenderness. Beatrice laughed and shook her head.

“I doubt seriously Arianna has need of any reinforcements, Blake. She’s stronger than she realizes.” Beatrice eyed Arianna with an encouraging smile.

“I’ll not argue that point with you.” Blake laughed as he kissed his wife’s hand again. “However, she’s about to learn that there are some battles I will not allow her to win. Allow me to present Dr. Hopkins.”

Blake turned to the man behind him who smiled at them cheerfully. At Blake’s introduction of the physician, Arianna drew in a sharp breath. It was a sound of fear that was reminiscent of the moments when Ruckley had threatened them or one of the children. Blake frowned again but before he could speak, Dr. Hopkins stepped forward.

“Lord Sherrington informed me you were reluctant to have a physician attend to you, my lady,” the doctor said with a jovial smile. “It is my experience that first-time fathers are far more in need of reassurance than their wives.”

Arianna’s mouth curved in a wan smile, while Blake shot a look of annoyance in the doctor’s direction. Beatrice laughed.

“Clearly, my nephew by marriage is not happy with your observation Dr. Hopkins.”

“Indeed,” Blake said coolly. “My first concern is for Arianna’s health.”