Page 33 of Forsaken Secrets

As soon as the front door slammed, I slumped onto the table and let out a deep sigh. All that acting had hurt my face muscles!

"Kaiya Jayde Maderoth. What were you thinking to torture him like that?" Aunt Grace said, tapping her fan on the table to get my attention.

I grimaced. He'd been so vexing that the words had just slipped out. "I'm sorry, Aunt. But you were doing that dazed thing again."

She nodded, but her lips were still pressed tightly together. "I understood the sentiment, but you know it won't help in the long-term. We need him on our side."

"It won't happen again."

She chuckled softly. "That isn't even possible, and you know it. You will try harder, though. Perhaps it would be best if you stayed away for his next visit?"

My heart lurched. Who knew what vile things he'd convince her of if I weren't there. "That isn't necessary, Aunt. I'll behave myself. You need me. Unless you like whatever he does to you?"

Her lips pressed together. "Funny. We don't even know what it is, though."

I nodded, then cleared my throat. "Do you want help at the shop tomorrow?" I asked, hoping to assuage some of my guilt.

"We both know that your help would cause more harm than good, dear," she said, chuckling. "I appreciate the offer, though. Perhaps you could do some work around the house? The vicar was right that it's looking a bit rough."

I swallowed hard. She was right, of course. I just hadn't had the funds to purchase the supplies we needed — at least not both the sewing supplies and the house materials. I hadn't told her that yet, though …

Perhaps I could go out and do some work later tonight? There were no supplies to fix the siding, but I could at least weed the entry drive.

It looked a bit overgrown, and at night there would be fewer prying eyes.

"What about your visit to the Harlsteds? How did it go?" she asked, eyes bright.

I winced.

"You didn't get the supplies, did you? What went wrong?"

My chest ached, and I swallowed hard, trying to ignore the lump in my throat. "Lady Ellingsworth took part of her payment at the store."

Her body stiffened, and she slowly put down her spoon before meeting my eyes. "She what?"

"She uh — took the money I got at the Harlsteds."

I rushed to finish as she stood and slid her chair back.

"Mr. Harlsted snuck me the supplies out of the total, but I don't think she'd have allowed that if she'd seen it."

"Why. THAT WOMAN … ?!" She was up and moving, headed towards the front door.

I chased after her. "She said we owed it, and there were too many people there to fight her about it. Mr. Harlsted is going to send me the receipt so we have proof, though."

"Damn that woman. If Calix were still alive, he'd stop this. Instead, we're stuck here in this house, just letting them get away with it!" She gestured to her gown and then to me. What were two social pariahs to do to stop this from happening, though?

Nothing. That was the answer. Nothing but do our best to pay off the debt before Lady Ellingsworth made it even worse for us.

My heart twisted. "I'm so sorry, Aunt Grace."

Her eyes softened, and she sat down the cloak and reticule that she'd grabbed in her anger before walking to my side.

"No, no." She took a deep breath, and I watched as the anger left her spine. "It's going to be fine, dear. I didn't mean to make you feel bad. Just — I wish things were different for you. You should be preparing for your first Season and a life of your own. Instead, you're still here with me, selling your jewelry so I can keep the business afloat."

I winced. I hadn't even told her I'd run out of jewelry to sell, let alone that I'd sold all my tools.

If she asked, I'd say they were getting fixed. Besides, I'd have them back before the end of the Season.

Problem solved.

I smiled and leaned my head onto her shoulder. She reached her arm around me and pulled me close.

All I really cared about was protecting her. So, as long as she stayed safe, I would be fine.

I'd keep the afternoon with Eli and Lynk a secret a bit longer. It would just make her worry, and neither of us needed that.

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