periods of time. Dez shuddered, still not comprehending the number of women present at the place. And only women.
How many were there because they truly were insane versus how many had been put away by the men in their families, as had been done to Anna and Lady Jergens? He ached hearing the brief story Lady Jergens had shared. It struck him that she had said her marriage had not been consummated. If that was the case, he wondered if she were legally wed. It would be worth pursuing. Contacting her father, whom she had wanted so desperately, and seeing if he could claim legal rights over his daughter and annul her marriage to Lord Jergens.
“Do you know Lord Jergens?” Dez asked Shelton.
Distaste crossed his neighbor’s face. “I know of him. I have never spoken to him. His gaming debts are enormous. I had heard he wed Lady Alice.” He shuddered. “To think that was her . . .”
“I know. We must contact her father and see if he can help.”
“I agree,” Shelton said. He looked at Anna. “How are we to help her?” he asked.
An idea had been taking shape and Dez decided to share it.
“I think Anna will have a great fear of people after her experience. I am afraid to say this—but you and Lady Shelton are strangers to her.”
“I thought the same thing,” the viscount admitted. “I have not seen Anna since we were children. And even Jessa will be a stranger to her because she was so young when Anna was spirited away. She wouldn’t recognize the grown woman Jessa has become.”
“Because of that, I feel that I am the only one she will know. I want to help her, Shelton. Bring her back as far as I can to the girl she once was.”
Doubt flickered in Shelton’s eyes. “Is that even possible, Torrington? I am afraid with Anna having been at that madhouse for so long, she may never be normal again.” He paused. “Do you still love her?”
“I always have. I always will. No matter what she is like. Would I wish for her to be whole again and make her my countess? Of course. Is that even a possibility?” Dez glanced down at Anna, who still wept softly. “I have no idea. But I want to do whatever I can to bring her back.”
He took a deep breath. “I want to be in sole charge of her.”
Shelton’s brow creased. “What do you mean?”
“There is a small cottage where the three of us—Anna, Dalinda, and I—would play as children. It had been abandoned and never had a tenant move in. Over time, we brought odd bits of furniture to it. Toys. Books. Games. Since my return, I found it still unoccupied and have had it filled as though occupied. I even placed a desk in it so that I might work from there at times. I thought I might find great comfort in doing so, recalling the good times the three of us had spent there.
“It would be perfect for Anna.”
The viscount shook his head. “I am not sure I understand. Do you mean for Anna to live there?”
“Yes. For a time.”
“No, Torrington. She cannot look after herself.”
“I will stay there with her.”
“What? That’s impossible. She is unwed.”
Dez’s gaze bore into the other man. “Are you telling me you would pander to the strict rules of the ton when Anna’s very life and sanity are at stake?” He shook his head. “I will care for her. I will talk to her. I am the one, familiar face she will know. If anyone can bring Anna back to reality, it will be me.”
“It sounds preposterous.”
“Do you have a better idea? You cannot keep her as a caged animal at Shelton Park. What if she does grow violent and neither you nor your servants can contain her? Please, Shelton. Let me try. I won’t frighten her. She knows me. She loved me once. I can help her, I know I can. Just give me the chance.”
“For how long?”
Dez looked at the man helplessly. “I haven’t a clue. For as long as it takes, I suppose.”
“Jessa won’t like it. She’ll want her sister at Shelton Park.”
“Tell Jessa what you saw at Gollingham,” he urged. “Tell her of the deplorable conditions. How Anna needs the quiet and solitude. Give me at least a week. No, better two. Then you and Jessa may come visit,” he added, hoping that would be enough time for visible improvement to occur.
“I