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Patricia rushed to the door, just as it was being opened. “Margaret. Why are you here? Where is Mama?”
“Oh, Patricia,” breathed her sister, her bottom lip wobbling. “I had to see you. I took the carriage, without Mama knowing…”
Patricia gazed at her sister, so astonished, she didn’t know what to do for a moment. Margaret was clearly distraught. Her chest was heaving with anguish and her eyes swimming with tears.
“Come with me,” she soothed, taking her sister’s arm, leading her to the parlour. “You can tell me all when we are settled.”
In the parlour, she assisted Margaret to a chair, taking her sister’s hand. It was cold.
“Tell me what is troubling you, dearest,” she said, gazing at her earnestly.
Margaret burst into noisy tears. “Oh, Patricia. It is simply awful.” Her bottom lip wobbled dangerously again. “I overheard Mama admonishing Papa last night. She said that he had gambled away my dowry. And yours, as well.”
Patricia’s heart sank. This was dreadful. She had tried so hard to keep this from Margaret, and she knew her mother had been trying as well. Her sister was so young. She did not need this burden hanging over her.
But it was too late now. Margaret knew everything. And she was upset. Very upset.
“What will become of me?” whispered Margaret. “You have married well, Patricia, and do not have to want for anything now. But I am adrift. I shall have to sell myself to the highest bidder as soon as I make my debut…”
“Hush,” said Patricia, squeezing her hand, trying to smile. “I thought you said you did not care if you ended up a spinster, Margaret. That you were quite happy with your books.”
Her sister gazed at her in astonishment. “I know that I said that, but that was before I knew! I am not a fool, Patricia. I know that I must marry. But I had always hoped it might be for love rather than status or wealth. Now that hope is gone.”
Patricia’s heart ached for her sister. She had so hoped to keep this from her. The weight of the burden for both of them weighed upon her so heavily. She must reassure her that her life was not over. That there was still hope for her, to choose a gentleman she admired and hopefully loved.
“You do not need to worry about it, dearest,” she said firmly. “I have it all under control. I shall take care of your dowry when the time comes. You may still marry for love. I promise you.”
“Really?” whispered Margaret, her eyes wide. “You shall do that for me?”
“I will,” said Patricia grimly. “You have my vow.”
Her sister looked so grateful that Patricia’s heart lurched. Margaret burst into tears. Patricia gathered her up in her arms, trying to calm her, whispering soft words of endearment. She had never seen her sister in such an emotional state. It truly broke her heart.
She must speak with Jackson as soon as possible. It was imperative. For her sister’s sake. Margaret must never go through what she had. She had been lucky, with Jackson, but Margaret might not fare so well. She could end up with a horrible man. A man like Lord Cardigan, or even worse.
Patricia took a deep breath as guilt about what she must do overwhelmed her. This was only the start of her marriage – it had progressed so well. How was Jackson going to react when she told him?
* * *
Sally was just finishing her hair for the evening at the theatre when Jackson walked into her chambers. Patricia’s heart started to beat faster, and she tried to push Margaret’s disturbing visit out of her mind. It seemed that whenever she saw her new husband for the first time after even the shortest of absences she reacted thus. It had happened when she had seen him at dinner, after his afternoon in town, and it was happening again now.
She studied him covertly in her dressing table mirror. He was already dressed for the theatre, in a dark grey silk jacket and light grey britches. An olive-green silk cravat complemented his clothing. His raven black hair was slicked back, and his green eyes were shining.
Her breath caught in her throat. He was such a handsome man with a powerful presence. She knew that most people would temper that thought by saying he hadoncebeen a handsome man before his face had been scarred, but Patricia was having a harder and harder time even noticing the scar anymore. It was as if it was just a part of him. A significant part, that had probably made him the man he was today.
He had never talked to her about how he had been maimed. The only time he had mentioned his time at war had been in her family drawing room, and that had been talking about it in general terms. She had no idea how he had suffered, what had led to it happening. Instinctively, she knew it would be a hard subject for him. She only hoped that one day he could trust her enough to share it with her.
“Patricia,” he said, standing beside the dressing table, a slow smile playing on his lips. “How lovely you look. It shall be an honor to escort my new wife to the theatre this evening.” He paused. “I am sure I shall be the envy of every gentleman.”
She blushed, filled with pleasure at his words. “Thank you.”
He reached into his jacket pocket, taking out a black velvet jewellery box. Without a word, he placed it in front of her, on the dressing table. Sally stepped back, discreetly looking away, as Patricia gasped, gazing up at him.
“What is this?” she whispered.
His smile widened. “A gift for my new wife. I was passing the jewellers on Bond Street today, after my appointment with the solicitor and saw it on display in the window.” He exhaled slowly. “I immediately thought of you. I hope you like it.”
Her heart raced faster still as she slowly opened the box. She gasped again. Inside, nestled like a snake in a basket, was the most beautiful necklace she had ever seen.
