Twins of Tenby Hall

Chapter 20

Lord Riley and Mr Dunsworth Sr sent express letters to each other via Lord Riley's private messenger. Lord Riley and Miranda were sick with worry, as was Mr Wesbrook who returned to Tenby hall as often as he could, bringing news, distraction, and whatever support and comfort his person could extend.
Lady Isabel Riley was confined to her room in Bath under careful watch lest Lord Miles attempt to abscond with her again. Sicily and Eugene did not abandon their friend, they spent the three days following The Frightening Encounter – as they called it – in her room playing games, chatting, and trying to entertain themselves in general. The third day they were informed of Lord Riley and Mr Dunsworth's plan. Isabel would be sent to the Dunsworth's home two days ahead of them, she would exit the building through the servants' quarters and step immediately into a carriage which would take her straight to Blackstone Abbey – the Dunsworth's home in Southamptons. Eugene Dunsworth would be riding with her for her safety. The word would be spread Isabel was in London, and Matthew was to remove Miranda from London as soon as was possible. 

Isabel and Mr Dunsworth stood inside the servants' entrance, ready to depart. She held a carpetbag with two changes of clothes only. Miss Dunsworth held her friend tearily, Isabel petted Miss Dunsworth's short hair consolingly. 

"I will come to no harm, Sicily, your brother is with me to ensure that. I am forever in your family's debt for saving me – twice over – I am so sorry to be halting your lovely vacation and forcing myself into your home. I should be the one crying, for am sorry and ashamed I have become a nuisance to your wonderful family." 

"Nay!" Miss Dunsworth exclaimed "You are expected to cry, but for fear, not because of shame! How dare you consider yourself a nuisance! We are happy to aid you, and more than happy to have you in our home! Eugene, assure her!" 

"Oh no, please don't feel obli.." 

"I assure you," Mr Dunsworth obliged, interrupting Isabel, "the only thing that could make us happier is if you were returning home with us of your own free will." 

"Oh no! I am...I wish to go!" 

"Yes, but would that it were under more pleasant circumstances; circumstances that allowed you the choice not to." 

"He means he is sorry for The Frightening Encounter that led to us having to pack you off in secret." Sicily comforted "Not that he thinks you do not wish to visit Thornhill." 

Mr Dunsworth looked away and acted as though it was high time they were on their way. 

"We really must be off Sicily," Isabel urged "I will see you in a short few days."
Miss Dunsworth teared up again, and with a kiss for Isabel's cheek waved her off.

The dark carriage trundled through town and into the country. There was silence for many, many minutes before Isabel spoke to the man in the opposite corner. "It is not what you meant is it." 

"Of what do you speak?" he regarded her. 

"You said: you wished I had the choice not to come to Thornhill; and your sister claimed you meant you were sorry I experienced The Frightening Encounter, not sorry I had no choice but to come." 

"I am sorry for your experience, it is horrifying and I wouldn't wish it on any woman." 

"Yes, but you believe if Lord Miles had never existed, I would never wish to visit Blackstone, and are sorry I have to come at all." 

"I am not sorry you have to come, you are a friend of my family, why would I be sorry to host a friend." 

Isabel sighed with exasperation. "Stop avoiding the point. I believe you are sorry for my sake because you think I would not choose to visit Blackstone, were I invited."