Angel of Mercy

Chapter 33

Emma had decided with Reggie back at Lavender Hall, and her time limited, she needed to speak with him regarding Ethan's accident. She couldn't depart without discovering what had happened that fateful day. It was one thing to leave him knowing it was the honorable thing to do, it was another entirely to abandon him while he was in danger.

Reggie, as Emma had learned, was quite useless at most things except one: painting. She found him on the third floor in a bedroom facing the front of the manor. He was painting the tree lined drive and the whispers of snow floating in the air.

"That's quite good Reggie."

He started at the sound of her voice and got some paint on his breeches.

"Oh dear, I didn't mean to frighten you. I have a handkerchief." Emma fumbled for the one in her skirt pocket. Another of Ethan's gifts. This gown was buttercup yellow.

He waved her hand away and dabbed at the splotch on his knee with a cloth. "It's fine. Can I help you with something?"

"Yes, I hoped we could talk if you're not too busy."

Reggie like Ethan had black hair. But he was tall and gangly with a long nose like his mother and fine bones. A good twist and Emma were certain his arm would break. Reggie set down his paintbrush and stood from the stool he had been sitting on.

"And what is it you wish to discuss Miss Rhodes?"

"Lord Salisbury's accident."

"I'd heard you were inquiring about that." Reggie remarked.

Emma's heart quickened. "From whom?"

"I have my sources." Reggie went to the bowl and pitcher on a stand in the corner and washed the paint off his hands.

"I don't think it was an accident." she declared.

"You know I tend to agree with you on that."

He wiped his hands with a towel.

"You do?" Emma asked, surprised.

Reggie nodded.

"But I'm told you were sure he was dead." Emma relayed.

"He certainly appeared that way to me. Lying there, his body twisted at an odd angel, not moving. What was I to think?"

"If he died you would have become the new earl of Salisbury." Emma pointed out.

"Yes, so it's fortunate he survived. I should not like that."

Emma crossed to the window and looked out at the dreary day. Giving herself a moment to process what he had just said.

"You don't want to be Earl?" Emma repeated.

"No. My mother on the other hand would like nothing more but I am content with my life. I have money, painting, and the freedom to do as I please. And as I'm sure you've heard I'm hardly an intelligent man."

Emma turned around. "No one said you were stupid."

"It doesn't have to be said. I know what I am. I've accepted that."

"Why are you not closer with Lord Salisbury?" Emma asked curiously, "The two of you grew up together, shared a childhood."

"I was never interested in having a brother, an education, or the ability to win a duel. I am a simple man Miss Rhodes and I like my privacy. His lordship was better than I at almost everything, why try and compete with that."

"But you care for him?" Emma asked.

"He's, my family."

"And you would never harm him?"

Reggie frowned. "Not intentionally."