Hurt flashed across his face. “If it was someone else, you would say yes?”
“I–I don’t know. But I can’t marry you.”
And then, before the dam of tears could break, she fled into the house to her room.
It was foolish to think she could slip in undetected. More so because as it just so happened, every single one of her brothers (along with their wives) had apparently managed to make it home for Christmas Eve. It should have been a delightful reunion.
Immediately, they surrounded her, bombarding her with questions and concerns.
“Are you well?” was posed several times. Hands were holding her, patting her, embracing her.
“Who did this?” was a serious contender for the second most-asked question, followed closely by, “How did this happen?”
She made eye contact with her mother. “Mama, I’m fine. Please. Ask Isaac. He’ll tell you everything. I need to be alone right now.”
With understanding, her mother put an arm around her shoulder and freed her from the massive familial embrace.
“Go on, my dear. We’ll figure this out. All will be well.”
She wanted to believe that. In order to gather her thoughts though, she needed to be alone. But it was foolish for her to think she could keep them out of her room. They came in droves. They came in pairs. They came as singles. But it seemed as though each person had taken it upon themselves to return the favor of her meddling ways.
It didn’t take long. And even assuming Isaac didn’t share all the details, everyone could predict what had happened since Isaac and her returned unchaperoned.
First came the sisters-in-law. They embraced her, offered comforting words and support. Felicity had left her a short note. Giselle reassured her that they would have snow for Christmas. And Hali and Emma each hugged her twice.
Then came her mother with tea, reiterating that whatever Hope decided was best would stand. The family would rally behind her.
Next the brothers barged in. A few expressed (none too mildly) that she should marry Isaac. There was nothing wrong with him. He would be faithful. And wasn’t it about time fate had its way with Hope? (Most of those words came from Evan, though Dawson had chimed in a couple of times.) She knew they weren’t angry at her, and they would never condemn her. They just wanted her happy.
Surprisingly, Arthur mentioned that he had always thought Isaac was a good influence on her. She didn’t think her eldest brother paid that much attention to matters of the heart.
Each one patted her on the back as they departed.
And then came the least expected visitor of all.
Astrid.
And she came in tears.
“I know I should be consoling you, Hope. But, I just can’t bear it. I didn’t think that man was dangerous.”
By this time most of Hope’s tears had dried up, and she was perplexed by Astrid’s confession. “What man?”
“I was the one who told you about the apothecary. The man in the village. He said it had some nice products for ladies. He said my friends might enjoy it. When he pointed you out, I thought he was just including everyone. It’s all my fault. I’m sorry.”
Well…now…this was astonishing. Astrid was almost bawling in front of her. This was not the Astrid she knew. Then again, she didn’t really know Astrid, did she?
So really, there was only one response.
“Are you Lady X?”
“Oh my God, yes. And I’m so sorry for that as well. Hope, can you ever forgive me? I’m a terrible person. Look at all the damage I’ve caused.”
There before Hope was a choice. To forgive. Or to resent. It was only up to her. She could be one of those people who admired Astrid, was indifferent, or resentful. It would be justifiable to hold Astrid’s sins against her. Her actionshadcaused damage. But…all was well…enough. If Hope chose for it to be so.
It was a choice. That’s all it was. Forgive or resent.
“Before I forgive you, I should say that the whole apothecary business wasn’t your fault. You couldn’t have known.”
