Page 44 of To Dance with a Devil

Jerome nodded. “So do I,” he said, and she heard the bleak note to the words.

“Courage,” she said, wishing she knew what to say, or do, to make it better, but she rather doubted there was anything that could do that. What words could ease such a loss? “I can come at any time, only tell me when. Now, I’d best be off, the Peculiar Ladies are meeting at Matilda’s, and I shall be late as usual.”

“You’re too good, Lady Helena, thank you.”

She gave a little laugh and shook her head as she moved towards the door. “Don’t be silly,” she said over her shoulder. “I’m not at all good, and you know it. That’s why Bonnie and I get on so well.”

***

Matilda looked around at the Peculiar Ladies and smiled, relieved at how many had come.

Prue, Minerva and Alice sat on one sofa, Aashini, Harriet and Helena on another. To her immense relief, Jemima had come today too and was perched on the chair closest to the fire. She seemed pale and far too thin, and the way she huddled closer to the flames made Matilda’s maternal instincts all flare to attention.

Kitty was absent, as she was back in Ireland with Luke, though Matilda had written to her to keep her up to date with everything that had happened. She waited until the tea had been served and everyone had taken their pick of the delectable selection of cream cakes and sweet treats laid out for them.

“It seems so odd not to be meeting at Ruth’s house,” she said, casting a critical gaze over the laden table. “She always gives such delicious tea parties. I hope I’ve done you all justice?”

“More than justice,” Alice said, reaching for another cake.

Matilda smiled, pleased that she’d taken to the idea of eating for two. She was such a tiny slip of a thing, but she had a very tidy little bump now and looked to be glowing with good health.

“But tell us everything,” Alice added, her expression growing serious. “How is Bonnie, have you seen her? Oh, the poor dear, every time I think about it….” Her voice quavered and she put her plate aside and snatched up her reticule, searching until she found a handkerchief. “She m-must be so unh-happy,” she sobbed.

Minerva put her arm around her and hugged her as Alice composed herself.

“Jerome is distraught,” Harriet said, setting her teacup down. “I think he needs our support just as much as Bonnie. He doesn’t know what to do for her, though he’s trying so hard, and Jasper’s wretched because he can’t protect his brother from the hurt. Oh, it breaks my heart.” She snatched off her spectacles and wiped her eyes.

“I agree. I called in on my way here,” Helena said, pressing a handkerchief into Harriet’s hand as she spoke. “She wouldn’t see me, which I quite understand, only I hope she’ll want to see one of us soon. Surely she needs her friends about her at such a time?”

Matilda shrugged. “I suppose everyone is different. We must give her time and make sure she knows we’ll drop everything the moment she needs us. There’s not much else we can do for the moment, other than write to her.”

Everyone murmured their agreement and Matilda knew that they had all sent cards and flowers, rallying around Bonnie as best they could.

“But what of Ruth?” Minerva asked, the other reason for today’s little gathering as everyone was worried out of their minds. “I’ve not had a word from her, have you?”

She watched as each of them shook their heads, apprehensive murmurs filling the room.

“I’ve written twice, with no reply,” Prue said, her anxiety plain.

“I have a letter,” Matilda said, taking it from the table beside her and holding it up. “She begs all of your forgiveness for not having written but… well, let me read it to you.

My dear Matilda,

Forgive me for not having written sooner, or for replying to all the letters that have arrived over the past few days. It is so comforting to know I am not forgotten and that all of my friends’ thoughts and good wishes have travelled with me. Perhaps you would be so very kind as to read this letter to them at the next meeting of the Peculiar Ladies. Indeed I wish I could be there to tell you all everything, but I promise to write more soon and catch up with my correspondence.

I am now Mrs Ruth Anderson! How strange it sounds, and how very far away I am. It has all been rather a whirlwind and continues to be so. Wildsyde Castle is without a doubt the most beautiful place I have ever seen, if rather daunting. I adore the Highlands. I think perhaps I must have Scottish ancestry for it feels like coming home and I have only to look upon the breathtaking scenery outside my window to be utterly spellbound. The castle, as Bonnie warned me, is in shockingly bad repair, however, and the staff are the most ramshackle, belligerent lot it has ever been my misfortune to lay eyes on. They call me ‘Sassenach’ and I do not feel it is a compliment. However, I do love a challenge and I intend to bring them kicking and screaming into the nineteenth century if it kills me. It feels a little medieval here, but nothing that time, money and good management cannot overcome.

Wish me luck ladies and do please forgive me for being such a dreadful correspondent but I hardly know whether I’m coming or going at present. I will endeavour to do better. In the meantime please be assured that I am reliant on your letters to keep me up to date with all your news. I love and miss you all and send hugs. Have a cream cake for me, dears.

Your devoted friend and Peculiar Lady,

Ruth.”

Matilda closed the letter and looked around, wondering if they would notice what had been glaringly obvious to her.

“She doesn’t mention him,” Prue said, meeting Matilda’s eyes.

“Not once,” Harriet added as they all darted glances back and forth.