with her sister, who was only six when they were separated.”
A smile lit her face upon hearing that news. “Miss Browning was the strongest of us all, my lord. She would slip small bits of bread to those who looked as if they needed it most. She would catch your hand and squeeze it reassuringly when the attendants were distracted. When Matron became perturbed at a patient, Miss Browning would step forward and ask to take their punishment. She was so strong and unwavering. I admired her a great deal.”
Pride filled Dez at hearing of Anna’s incredible bravery. “Miss Browning is very resilient,” he said, his voice breaking with emotion.
Lady Alice studied him. “You love her, don’t you?”
“I do,” he confirmed. “I don’t know if she will ever be able to return my love, though. Her experience in the asylum was difficult.”
She nodded. “Miss Browning was quite rebellious. She dared to do what none of us did. She fought back.” She gazed into his eyes. “Give her time, Lord Torrington.”
Dez only hoped that Lady Alice was right.
Chapter Twenty
Shelton Park
Anna walked with Jessa to the stables for their daily ride. In the month since she had come home, riding had been what made her happiest. Dez had sent Daisy over, knowing she had been comfortable on the horse. She hadn’t wanted to accept such an expensive gift but she knew his gesture was heartfelt and she couldn’t bear to hurt him more by turning it down.
He had obviously written to Dalinda about Anna’s resurrection from the dead because shortly after her arrival at Shelton Park a thick letter had arrived from her friend. In it, Dalinda expressed how happy she was that Anna was back home and shared what had happened in her life since that fateful day long ago. Dalinda explained why she couldn’t come for a visit to reunite with Anna. Gilford had taken a turn for the worse and she refused to leave her husband, not knowing how long he had and wanting to spend every minute with him that she could. She did issue an open invitation for Anna to come to Gillingham whenever she liked so that she could meet the duke and Arthur and Harry.
Her friend had closed the letter asking that Anna keep an open mind and give Dez every chance. Anna knew Dalinda referred to Dez wishing for them to wed. She didn’t know if Dez had mentioned it to his sister or his lack of referring to it clued Dalinda in that something was amiss.
She missed Dez every day even though her days were filled. She walked and read. Played the pianoforte. Did some gardening. Rode. She had gotten to know Tom and his wife quite well and thought her cousin was doing an excellent job as the new Lord Shelton. Anna’s life was peaceful. No ups or downs, just a smooth glide. Despite that, she couldn’t help but think she would be complete if Dez were by her side.
She hadn’t seen him since they’d parted. Besides sending Daisy to her, he had thoughtfully sent a note telling her he was going to London for business and would be gone several weeks. He would let her know when he returned and perhaps call upon her if she were agreeable. Hoping that time and distance from him would lessen her heartache, Anna had discovered it only enhanced it. She would allow him to call once he returned but she would have to make it absolutely clear that it was merely a call between neighbors and old friends.
Not the beginning of him pressing his suit.
They reached the stables and Jessa stopped in her tracks.
“Oh, bother. It is Thursday. I am supposed to attend an altar guild meeting at church.”
As of yet, Anna hadn’t left the property. She had not gone into the village, even though Jessa had encouraged her to see the seamstress. Her excuse had been she wanted to wait until she put on some weight and settled into the size she would be. For now, Dalinda’s clothes would suit her. She hadn’t attended church services either. Though word must be out by now of her reappearance at Shelton Park, thanks to their servants, she wasn’t ready to step out and venture beyond Shelton Park.
“Do you mind?” Jessa asked.
“Go,” Anna urged. “I have never been one for sewing.”
Her sister hesitated. “If you are certain you don’t mind.”
“Not a bit.”
They had the grooms saddle their horses and Jessa asked that one of them accompany