Page 100 of Sacrificing the Untamed Lady Henrietta
“No, you would be a guest. Once it became clear that you meant us no ill will, then you would have true freedom. You will become a part of my household, if you so choose.” Nerves wracked his body, for he knew he was taking an enormous risk. If Gerome continued to harbor a grudge, then Aaron would never be able to let him leave. Then again, it was better that Gerome be a prisoner in his house than a prisoner in a dank gaol.
Will Henrietta ever forgive me for this?
“Is this a trick?” Gerome asked, his expression boyish.
“I know you have been disappointed often in your past, Gerome, but this is no trick. This is a genuine offer, so that I might pay penance for my previous acts. I want to offer you a real chance at life, but you have to be willing to take it with both hands. You must relinquish your anger, and begin to forgive, otherwise this cannot work.”
For a long time, Gerome did not say a word. Instead, they simply looked at one another, assessing silently. Aaron’s mind drifted towards thoughts of his daughter, who had been seen to by his men on the bridge. He was desperate to get back to her, so he could ensure that she was safe, but first he had to do this. If Gerome did not comply, then prison was the only option.
“I agree to your terms,” Gerome said quietly, dropping his gaze.
“You understand that you must keep your distance from my daughter?”
He nodded. “I understand.”
“And that I will have to keep you near?”
“I understand.”
“Then we should leave, for my daughter requires my assistance.”
A shamefaced look drifted across Gerome’s features. “I understand,” he repeated.
Aaron stood, and reached out to help Gerome to his feet. He did not untie the binds that Ewan had placed there, and Gerome did not ask him to. Instead, they walked together through the trees, heading for the field beyond. Ewan turned in surprise as they emerged, a look of confusion glinting in his eyes.
“Where are we taking him?” he asked.
“He is coming home with me,” Aaron replied firmly.
Ewan coughed. “You cannot be serious?”
“I am perfectly serious, Lord Peterborough. This is my doing, and I must be the one to offer redemption, not only for him but for myself as well.”
“Henrietta will never forgive you.”
Aaron sighed. “I pray that she will. I have spent too long without compassion, and I will not make that mistake again. Seeing her on the edge of the bridge, I realized how I had failed her as a father. She had sought my respect, my support, and my affection, and I gave her none of those things. Perhaps this will show her that I have a heart, after all.”
Gerome smiled wryly. “Fear not, My Lord, I will not be expecting an invitation to Nightingale anytime soon.”
“Just because General Oliver is feeling lenient does not mean that I am,” Ewan snapped. “You almost murdered my wife tonight, and I will not forget that in a hurry. The General might wish to offer you redemption, but you have a long road ahead if you wish to gain forgiveness from me or my wife. Is that clear?”
“I would not expect you to,” Gerome shot back.
Aaron did not know how he would mediate this hatred between the two men and, presumably, Henrietta. Even if his daughter would not speak to him again for doing this, an idea was forming in his mind—a way in which he might make amends to both his children. It might not win him Henrietta’s forgiveness, but it might procure her future happiness. In the end, that was all he wanted.
He had granted his son redemption, but he was going to have to offer something else to Henrietta.
I will make it right, my dearest girl. I will win back your affection. I will become the father that you have always hoped I might be. That, I promise, even if you and I never meet face-to-face again.
Epilogue
Henrietta blinked awake to find herself in her bedchamber at the Old Bell Inn. She did not remember falling asleep, nor did she remember being brought there. Indeed, the last thing she recalled was the life being squeezed out of her, and the sight of Ewan coming to her rescue. Her throat felt dry and her temples throbbed, her eyes sensitive to the light coming in through the window.
What time is it? It was dark when Gerome tried to strangle me.She stared up at the ceiling, wondering if this was heaven instead.Did I die back there on the bridge? Is this what awaited me on the other side of the pearly gates?
“Henrietta, are you awake?” a familiar voice murmured. A moment later, Ewan’s face came into view. She turned slowly to face him as he perched on the edge of the bed and took her hand.
“I… think so. It is somewhat difficult… to tell,” she rasped.
