Page 74 of Redemption

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“Miss Rhea, Miss Rhea.”

The excitement in Ginny’s voice made Rhea look up from the sock she was darning. Nine years of age, the girl was already showing signs she’d be a great beauty. Dark auburn hair and soft green eyes, Ginny had always reminded Rhea of a woodland fairy. The child raced to Rhea’s side and grabbed her by the arm.

“There’s a lady come to call, Miss Rhea. She has the prettiest hat with a veil and everything.” Ginny’s excited description of the unexpected guest made Rhea laugh.

“I think you’ll be a milliner one day with your love of hats.”

Rhea set aside Vincent’s sock making note to buy him more on her next trip to the village. The boy’s feet were growing so fast she hardly had time to repair one hole before his toes pushed through the wool socks to create another one. With Ginny’s hand in hers, she allowed the child to lead her out of the dining room where she’d been working. As they entered the Hall, cook appeared just a few feet outside the kitchen.

“Vincent and Rufus came charging into the kitchen with news of a guest, miss. Should I put a kettle of tea on?”

“That would be lovely, Mrs. Turner. Even if our guest refuses tea, I would love a cup.”

With a nod of understanding, the cook disappeared into the kitchen as Ginny tugged on her hand. A small laugh escaped Rhea as she allowed the girl to guide her to Green Hill House’s generously-sized parlor. Their female visitor was studying the portrait of Alfred Fremont that hung over the fireplace mantle. There was something familiar about the woman, and Rhea stiffened as her guest turned to face her.

Even through the thick black netting that covered her face, Rhea recognized Lady Patience. The first thought that flitted through her mind was that something had happened to Percy. She immediately dismissed the thought. Lady Patience’s clothing was a bright shade of brilliant yellow, definitely not a mourning dress. Gently touching Ginny’s shoulder, Rhea bent her head to catch the child’s attention.

“Sweetheart, would you please go help Mrs. Turner. You may ask her to put the sugar cookies you like on the tray.”

“Yes, Miss Rhea” There was a distinct look of disappointment on the girl’s face that reflected she had been hoping to stay in the room. But she obeyed Rhea’s dictates and left the room. When the child had left the parlor, Rhea turned to face her visitor. Lady Patience rolled up her veil to eye Rhea with a look of assessment.

“Forgive my unexpected visit, Miss Bennett, since Melton Park was so close to you I thought I would pay you a brief call.”

“That’s very kind of you,” Rhea said quietly then gestured to one of the room’s Queen Anne armchairs her aunt was so fond of. “Won’t you sit down? I’ve instructed our cook to bring us tea.”

“Unfortunately, I must refuse the offer as I didn’t exaggerate when I said my visit must be brief. I must not miss the last train to London for dinner with my family.” Lady Patience sank down into the chair and perched on the edge of it. “As I’m certain you know by now, none of the Rockwoods miss a family gathering unless there are extraordinary circumstances. We’ve learned in the most painful way possible not to pass up our time together.”

“I understand completely. Per—Mr. Rockwood mentioned the loss of your brother and brother-in-law as the reason your family always dines with the children.”

“Their death still haunts all of us.” The woman reached up to touch her scarred face. As if realizing she’d revealed something she’d not meant to, Lady Patience straightened in her chair. Her gaze pinned on Rhea the other woman eyed her carefully.

“I have always been direct with people, so forgive me for being blunt, Miss Bennett. Are you in love with my brother?”

Stunned by the question, Rhea could feel the color draining from her face. Had the Rockwoods discovered her past? Dear God, had Percy revealed something to his family? The moment the question flitted through her head she dismissed it. She stared at the other woman for a moment before she shook her head.

“The state of my affections is my own, Lady Patience.”

“I see. Again I must be blunt, Miss Bennett. Percy has told me he proposed marriage and that you refused him. Might I ask why?”

The question made Rhea stare at the woman in astonishment. To the woman’s credit pink color flushed her features. With a shake of her head Rhea pushed aside her surprise.

“You may ask,” she said quietly. “However, I shall keep my own counsel in that matter as well.”

“Would it change things if I told you that I believe Percy has feelings for you?”

Rhea stiffened as she remembered Percy’s words the other night. The indirect manner in which he’d mentioned love made Rhea’s heart skip a beat. She swallowed hard as she contemplated the woman’s question. Reality closed in on her a moment later. It didn’t matter whether Percy might care for her. She refused to give up control of her body, mind, or soul no matter how much she loved him. A chill splashed over her like a bucket of cold water. She loved him. How had she allowed herself to fall in love with him?

“You haven’t answered me, Miss Bennett. If you knew my brother loved you, would your answer to my brother’s proposal be different?”

“No,” Rhea exclaimed vehemently and leapt to her feet. “If Percy sent you here on his behalf, I confess you have made a terrible misstep.”

“Please forgive me, Miss Bennett,” Lady Patience exclaimed with obvious distress. “Percy doesn’t know I’m here. If he did, I have no doubt he would be furious with me for interfering. But I adore Percy. We have always been close, and I’m convinced his heart is either lost to you or on the verge of doing so. It’s why I took the chance to visit with you. I only wish to see my brother happy.”

“As I said, I keep my own counsel,” Rhea whispered as panic began to set in. If the woman didn’t leave, she might confess she was in love with Percy. The notion made her suck in a sharp breath. Percy would be relentless if he knew her heart. “I really must ask you to leave, Lady Patience. This conversation has taken a decidedly personal turn which is unwelcome.”

Percy’s sister eyed her in a manner reminiscent of her brother. It was a look of intense assessment that made Rhea feel as though the woman could see through all the barriers she’d erected over the years. The thought was a terrifying one even though she was certain Lady Patience knew nothing about her past. Percy would never betray her in that regard. She was certain of it.