“Of course. Whatever you wish.” Simon gestured for her to precede him down the stairs. He took a deep breath to steel himself. Reminding himself, once again, that sending her away was for the best, he started down behind her. It was for the best.
Suzy beamed at them when they entered the tavern. Her eyes moved down to the case he carried.
“Going away for work?”
He shook his head.
“I’m the one who’s leaving this time,” Madelene said. “I’ve come to enjoy one more of your delectable scones before I go.”
“Of course!” She led them to a table in the corner. When they were seated, she gave Simon’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. Did she know his heart was breaking? Probably. She always seemed to know his mood.
Watching Madelene eat her scone was a kind of torture. All he could think about was the night they’d made love in the kitchen. He’d trained for years to mask his emotions, though, so he called on every morsel of skill he could. She was hard to fool, but he could manage it. She was trying to fool him too. Behind her mask of determination was sadness. But she needed to go, and he wouldn’t allow his own pain to influence her.
He smiled at her, but when her tongue darted out to lick the jam from her lip, it was almost his undoing. A groan lodged in his throat, and he swallowed it down.
When they finally finished their tea and scones, Suzy walked them out. She kissed Madelene’s cheek and handed her some scones she’d wrapped up.
“In case you get hungry on your way. Take care of yourself, dear, and I hope to see you again soon.”
As she leaned in to press a kiss to Simon’s cheek she whispered in his ear. “She’s a good one, Simon.”
“I know she is,” he whispered, then pressed a kiss to her cheek. He patted her shoulder, hoping she understood his gratitude. She just wanted him to be happy. But she didn’t really know him. Didn’t know about the things he’d done or the disastrous end he’d likely meet.
As they approached the train platform, Mrs. Appleridge eyed the case he was carrying and a smile grew on her lips. “I see you’re all packed and ready to go.”
Madelene nodded, and although she smiled, the gesture made him sad. He didn’t like to see her silent answers. She would come around, though, and open up more once she was comfortable in her new home.
“Mr. Allister, it has been a pleasure meeting you. I hope you’ll come up for a visit soon. I would love to get to know you better.”
He inclined his head. It was unlikely he’d ever visit. That was simply asking for heartache for them both. He reached into his breast pocket and retrieved an envelope and handed it to her. Inside was a letter and some money. Not a lot, but a small contribution. “Take good care of her, and make sure she eats enough.”
“You know I will.” There was such kindness in her eyes. It was the right choice.
Lamsley came to collect Madelene’s valise and carried it to the train.
Madelene looked up at Simon, making every effort to convince him she was happy, and he did the same.
“Thank you, Simon. I will be forever grateful for everything you’ve done. You rescued me and made possible a life I never could have dreamt of. And I will always treasure the time we had together.” She swallowed and he knew she was fighting back tears. He despised himself for hurting her. Especially after swearing he never would.
He held her shoulders gently and leaned down to place a soft kiss against her cheek. “As will I.”
A warning whistle sounded. “That’s us,” Mrs. Appleridge said, holding out an arm for Madelene.
Simon nudged her shoulders gently to urge her to accept it. With another nod, she did, and the two women stepped onto the train, Lamsley right behind them.
Simon stayed strong as the train began to move, but his selfish heart screamed for him to run after her, louder and louder as she moved farther away.
Madelene wasn’t just a good one. She was the one. And now she was gone.
Madelene kept her spine straight and a smile on her lips until the train turned and Simon was lost from view. When she was sure he couldn’t possibly see, her strength finally crumbled. Grief crashed over her. She bent forward and tried her best to muffle her sobs with a handkerchief, but there was certainly no hiding it. Thankfully, Selma and Lamsley were the only other people in their compartment.
Selma rubbed soothing circles over her back. “There, there, love. It may not feel like it right now, but you’ll be alright.”
Dizziness hummed inside her head, reminding her of her first day with Simon. Even when he hadn’t known anything about her, he’d rushed to her side when she was in distress, comforting her and encouraging her, telling her how strong she was.
She didn’t feel strong now.
Why couldn’t she just be grateful for everything he’d done for her? He’d rescued her from hell, provided her with food, shelter, books, flowers… not to mention so much kindness. He showed her all the incredible ways her body could experience pleasure. He taught her how to be strong and confident. And last but certainly not least, he found her a home.
