Major Westhaven's Unwilling Ward. Emily Bascom

he has no grasp of what manner of man Major Westhaven is!’

      ‘What makes you say that?’

      Lily stared at her maid in disbelief. ‘Did you see him? The man can barely exchange pleasantries—and Robbie says that is honour and integrity?’ And he had spoken of her at the ball so rudely—as if she was his to judge. Perhaps he considered that she was.

      Jo bit her lip. ‘True, he is a little rough around the edges. But he has been out of society a long time, Miss Lily. Perhaps he has forgotten how to deal with ladies.’

      Lily was wiping her eyes in a vain attempt to stop crying. ‘He wants me to visit his home in Richmond. He says I can live there if I do not wish to live with him. But how can I go—it will look as if I am agreeing!’

      Jo took her hands. ‘Miss Lily. May I give you some advice?’

      Lily nodded, helpless.

      ‘Trust your brother. You need not trust the Major, you don’t know him from Adam, after all. But give Robbie a chance, at least.’

      Very still, Lily stared at her. ‘I have always trusted Robbie.’

      ‘Then don’t stop now.’ Jo smiled wryly. ‘Besides, this house is to be sold out from under you, and you’ve no money. What choice do you have, really?’

      Lily frowned.

      ‘Just visit him, at least.’

      ‘But then I am as good as accepting his ridiculous proposal!’

      ‘It is not his ridiculous proposal,’ said Jo gently. ‘It’s Robbie’s. What was that you were just saying about trust?’

      Lily took the letter from Jo and read her brother’s bold scrawl again. This was the last wish he had, Major Westhaven said, that she would be looked after. The last thoughts he had on earth had been regarding her, and her safety. Did that not merit something?

      She sighed. ‘Very well. I will visit him, and see if he can at least be civil. But that is all.’

      Jo smiled, and squeezed her arm. ‘It’s a start, Miss Lily. It’s a start.’