Samantha looked like her brother. She had his coloring, but she didn’t smile, and her eyes were more grey than blue, and there was no storminess in them. Not sadness either. Just…emptiness.
“How did you meet my brother?” Samantha asked once they were settled into chairs in her room. It was a similar room to the one she’d slept in while Simon had recovered here.
Madelene thought about her answer for a moment before responding. She wasn’t sure how much Simon would want her to share. His sister deserved the truth, though.
“He rescued me.”
“Were you…?” Her fingers turned white as she gripped her hands tightly together. “Were you in a fake marriage too?”
Madelene shook her head. “I was in Auburn Ridge.”
“But.” Her brow furrowed. “I don’t understand.”
“When your brother learned the truth about the asylum, he went there to punish the men who had hurt you. But when he entered, he found me in the tub. I assume you know what that is?”
“Yes.” She looked into Madelene’s eyes. “I’m sorry you had to experience that.”
“Well, Simon wouldn’t just leave me there, so he rescued me. And not surprisingly, I fell in love with him.” Madelene shrugged.
“I’m so glad he found someone. He’s a good man, and he deserves to be loved.” Samantha smiled, but it was only a gesture. It didn’t reach her eyes. It wasn’t as if she was disingenuous, but more like she was no longer capable of happiness. No wonder Simon had been so desperate to help her.
“Will you tell me about him?”
“When I was a little girl, he was the perfect big brother. He used to carry me on his shoulders and gallop around like a horse, complete with neighing and snorting.” She closed her eyes, and the memory sent a single tear down her cheek. “And then, when I was eight, he taught me how to ride an actual horse. He was always encouraging and protective.” She sighed. “When I was nine, he left home and set out on his own. I didn’t see him more than once a year after that, but he’d usually bring me a birthday present when he came. And then at sixteen, I was married, or at least I thought I was, and didn’t see anyone in my family for five years. That’s when Simon appeared and rescued me too.”
Other than the horse rides, everything else she talked about was completely emotionless. Madelene took hold of Samantha’s hand. “He sounds like a wonderful brother.”
“He was.” Samantha shook her head. “He is. Sometimes it feels like this is a different life from that one.”
“He thought you’d be safe at Auburn Ridge.”
“I know. He’s only ever wanted what was best for me. Is he a good husband?”
“So far, he’s better than anything I could have wished for, but we’ve only been married since yesterday.” Madelene flashed her a teasing smile, but Samantha didn’t laugh or return the smile.
“I wish I’d been there,” she said after a moment.
“He does too. We were in Scotland, and it was spontaneous and rushed. He would have invited you, Samantha. He loves you. I hope you know that.”
She nodded. “I love him too.”
“Before we were married, I was staying in your room in his townhouse. Do you want me to bring you your things? Your clothes, or your sketchbook?”
“Between Gwen, Ella, and Daisy, I have more clothes than I know what to do with. They’ve been spoiling me. I would very much appreciate my sketchbook, though.”
“I will be sure to visit again soon, and will bring it with me.” She squeezed Samantha’s hand. “In the meantime, I can’t wait to see Simon blush when I ask him to gallop around like a horse.”
Chapter
Twenty-Two
“I’m glad you made it,” Ash said when Simon found him on the balcony of The Raven’s Den. “Before we do anything else, I wanted a quick word about your sister.”
“Is there a problem?” His heart accelerated. She’d seemed fine when he’d seen her just a few minutes ago. Or, as fine as she could be under the circumstances.
Ash shrugged. “Of sorts. She’s made some progress, but not as much as I’d like. She’s not acclimating well here.”
“Well, perhaps it will be easier for her now that I’m working here.”
