Brooke had found the race a lot of fun. Not because of the horses, but because of Viscount Scott and Miss Haley James. They seemed to be engaged in a duel that was highly entertaining to watch until an argument seemed to separate them. Lady Lee then told Brooke to go home with them. Brooke thanked the Scott family profusely, gave Lucas one last look, and rejoined her little group.
The walk home was very silent, just as the evening was very monotonous. No one spoke during the meal, even though Lady Lee tried to make conversation. But it failed miserably. So everyone went to bed without another word. Arriving in her room, Brooke sat down at her writing desk, picked up her prettiest quill, and began to write. She loved it. Poetry. She was far from being a great writer, but she loved to indulge in it. Never, ever, would she have anyone read her lines, but it relaxed her. She let the words flow across the paper without thinking too much. She loved metaphors, hidden meanings. She never expressed her feelings too clearly through her verses. She loved the romanticism and delicacy of a pretty allegory. So she wrote until the flame of her candle flickered too much, then went peacefully to bed. But the night was punctuated by nightmares, as always.
Brooke woke up drenched in sweat, with bad dreams and memories still haunting her. So she got up quickly and got ready with Camila's help, then went to breakfast. She was alone this morning. The Queen had invited the James family and Lady Lee to the palace. Brooke could therefore rest peacefully and wander around the household. However, a footman came to her.
Valet : Miss Davis? Excuse me, but there is a visitor for Miss James. Should I tell him to come back later?
Brooke : I'll go, Witney, thank you.
Brooke hurried and followed the valet to the small blue drawing room, the one where Miss James received her visitors. She wasn't surprised to run into Viscount Scott. He, on the other hand, seemed surprised to see her there. So she left the door wide open since no chaperone was present. The servants would suffice.
Brooke : Good morning, Lord Scott...
Nathan : Miss Davis. Forgive my surprised expression, but I was looking for Miss James.
Brooke : I'm not offended, don't worry! But Miss James isn't here this morning. I'm alone, as they were all invited by the Queen. They will be back early this afternoon. If you wish, I will say nothing to Miss James about your coming.
Nathan : That would be wonderful indeed. But if I may, it's Miss Haley James you should especially not say anything to.
Brooke : We understood each other, sir...
Nathan : Well... I'll leave you then. Have a good day, Miss Davis.
Brooke : To you too, Mr. Scott.
She politely escorted him out, and just before she opened the door, he stopped and turned to her.
Nathan : Forgive my impertinence, but you're really not looking for a husband?
Brooke : If that's an invitation, sir, you should know that your courtship is quite direct...
Nathan : No, of course not, even if you are undoubtedly charming... It simply seems to me that you have charmed certain gentlemen in London, and it would be very damaging for them to bother courting you if you don't follow through. I wish you love of course, because everyone seems to be looking for that, but are you really looking for it?
His gaze was piercing. Far from malicious, but Brooke knew perfectly well why he was asking her this. So Lucas was truly interested in her? And what about her? How did she feel?
Brooke : To be completely honest, sir, yes, I dream of true love. But my history doesn't seem inclined to let me experience it the way I'd like. I greatly appreciate the good company of certain gentlemen who are charming. But as firstborns, I think we understand one thing: we have responsibilities.
Nathan : Forgive my audacity, but isn't yours to provide an heir to a good family?
Brooke : My responsibility goes far beyond the body I was born into. I owe safety above all to those I care about. And if we're talking about audacity, and frankly, sir, your brother is one of them.
Their eyes never left each other for a second, silently sizing each other up.
Nathan : Should I then tell my brother to stay away from you?
Brooke : He's your brother, your family, your responsibility. Do what you think is best for them.
Nathan : You're pushing me to keep him away from you to protect him. But without sounding offensive, you don't seem like a major threat, Miss Davis. And if my brother cares about you as I understand he does, even if he hasn't seen fit to tell me about it yet, it would be up to him, and more broadly up to us, to protect you, not the other way around. He would be ready for that, I know him. I would be ready for that too.
Brooke : I would never ask that of you, sir. Your family is far too beautiful to be tainted.
Nathan : By the sandal?
Brooke : By danger.
He saw the determined tone she had adopted and understood that Lady Whistledown was right: this young woman was full of secrets. Her gaze was hard and strong. Like his own.
Nathan : My brother cares about you, Miss Davis. To what extent, I cannot say. But know that the Scott family will never hold you in low esteem. Not when she has in front of her an individual, whoever they may be, who is in need and who is important to one of her members. Now, I'll leave you. Have a good day.
He lowered his top hat in a respectful bow normally reserved for men. Brooke leaned forward and closed the door behind him. She finally let out a breath and filled them with fresh air. She ran off, mounted her horse in her dress, defying all propriety, and galloped off.
She reached the pond and stopped. Her legs could barely carry her and finally gave way when she touched the bank. She fell to her knees, weeping. She had remained strong for a long time. Far too long. She had never known such kindness. Aside from her mother, no one had been as kind as Lady Lee or the Scotts. The Viscount, her mother, Lucas. Lucas. She enjoyed his company. Far more than she would have thought. She couldn't say she had fallen in love with him, not yet at least, but she had a deep affection for him. It was far more than she had ever felt before. Far more than she had allowed herself. She was breaking all her principles, and that had to change. But she couldn't. She stayed like that for a very long time, shedding too-suppressed tears as she gazed into the calm water.
When she finally regained her senses, she walked quietly back home, listening only to the sound of her horse's hooves on the ground. When she finally arrived at the stables, she saw Lady Lee rushing towards her.
Debie : Brooke, my dear, are you all right? What happened? Where have you been? I was worried sick!
Brooke : I'm fine, Lady Lee, don't worry. I just rode my horse to clear my head.
Debie : But do you realize how long you've been gone?
Brooke : No, but I...
Brooke looked outside and finally understood her aunt's condition. The sun was already very low. She had left late morning at the latest and had been missing for several hours.
Brooke : I... I'm sorry, I was lost in thought after Lord Scott came by and...
Debie : Lucas Scott came to see you?
Brooke : No, the Viscount. He was looking for Miss Taylor, and when I saw him out, we talked.
Debie : What did you talk about?
Brooke : He was trying to figure out if I was a good match for his brother. He was lovely, very caring and kind. And I couldn't reassure him...
Debie : But why my child?
Brooke : Because I don't want anything to happen to them; I'll never forgive myself.
She burst into tears in the arms of her beloved aunt, the one she had first met through her mother's stories, and who had then welcomed her so generously. The two women stayed like that for a long time, and for the first time, the older woman didn't know how to reassure her best friend's daughter.
Lucas had agreed to do a little fencing training with his brothers that afternoon. Nathan had gone to Lady Lee's that morning but returned empty-handed because Miss Taylor wasn't there. Yet, while Lucas had expected to see his brother upset, he seemed at most detached, which was unlike him. He then suggested that Julian and Lucas join him for foil practice. Nathan was very good at that, so Lucas quickly gave up his seat to Julian and sat down on a small bench. He watched them try to argue over each other until his thoughts drifted.
Long black hair came back to him. Pretty almond-shaped green eyes and a slim, feminine figure. A scent of lilac reached his nostrils as he heard the soft tinkling of joyful laughter. All he could think about was her and seeing her. So he didn't hear Nathan call him and only reacted when the latter placed his hand on his shoulder while sitting down next to him.
Lucas : Sorry, brother, I was somewhere else...
Nathan : Were you thinking of a pretty young French girl?
Lucas didn't know how to respond to that without fear of being mocked by his brother. So he said nothing more and realized that Julian had disappeared.
Lucas : Where's Julian?
Nathan : I asked him to leave us, I needed to talk to you...
Lucas : What did you want to talk to me about?
Nathan : When you announced your engagement to Miss Strauss last year, I was very angry for two reasons. First, you hadn't told us about it, and second, we didn't know her. I saw that you were upset when it all ended and that you were still talking about her when you came back from Greece. Yet, since Miss Davis arrived, you've changed a lot.
Lucas : Nathan, I...
Nathan : Let me finish. I spoke with her this morning.
Lucas : What?!
Nathan : Don't get upset, come on, it was a coincidence. I wanted to see Miss Taylor, and I saw Miss Davis. We chatted a little, that's all. I don't want to make the same mistake as last year, and I want to take an interest in the young women you like, brother.
Lucas : She doesn't...
Nathan : She's truly charming, and I hope you'll soon clarify your courtship, Lucas.
Lucas was speechless. Nathan had never mentioned letting him court a young lady; it was quite the opposite, as evidenced by his reaction to Miss Strauss last year. Lucas tried to make his choices on his own; he didn't need the approval of his brother or his family; he even tried to avoid them. However, seeing Nathan's reaction today touched him.
Nathan : I still wanted to warn you. Miss Davis told me she had a difficult past. She seems very touched and hurt by whatever her story is. I'll support you if anything happens between you, just so you know. But I think if you want to commit, you'll have to break through her shell.
Lucas : Are you the one telling me this when you're looking for a smooth, perfect wife?
Nathan : I'm Viscount Scott, I have responsibilities. It's different. And I wish you, as I do each of you, happiness. Perhaps you can find it with Miss Davis, but don't rush into it. And help her. I'll be there if you need me.
Nathan looked at his little brother very seriously. He protected and supported him. Of course, he always had, but now it was different again. So Lucas stood up, followed by Nathan, and took him in his arms.
Lucas : Thank you, brother.
Nathan : You don't have to thank me. And for once, I wouldn't say it's simply my duty...
Lucas finished the afternoon very calmly and spent the next day in the same spirit. He then prepared for the party he had been invited to at Lady Lee's house with his mother and sister. He very much hoped Brooke would be there, even though it was organized for Miss Taylor's court. Since Lucas had never shown any sign towards her, he also hoped that this invitation was another disguised message from Lady Lee.
When they finally arrived, they were all led into a pretty, dimly lit living room. Lucas looked around at all the guests, searching for the young French woman. After all, he had thought a lot about the conversation he had with his brother that morning. He was hiding the truth from himself by claiming he wasn't courting her, but that was false. Well, he had never really courted her; he simply enjoyed spending time with her, but he realized now that he sincerely wanted to court the young woman. And for that, he would need a lot more inventiveness than a simple visit to her home or a few compliments. Nathan was probably right; she was troubled by her past; he had to reassure her. But how could he do that when he didn't know anything about it?
She hadn't yet appeared when the show, as it could be called, began. Lucas amused himself by watching all his gentlemen perform more or less successful acts. Taylor seemed to enjoy watching all this, and as one gentleman unleashed his finest magic trick, Lucas's gaze was mysteriously drawn to a back door. No sound, just his instinct. He turned his head and saw Miss Davis emerge. Dressed in a lovely emerald green gown, she was radiant. Her hair was loose in long, tight curls, and the gloves she always wore fitted her hands beautifully. Lady Lee took this moment to suggest a break, and everyone dispersed for drinks or conversation. Lucas walked over to Brooke with a drink in his hand.
Lucas : Hello, Miss Davis...
He handed her a glass of lemonade.
Brooke : Hello, Mr. Scott. How are you?
Lucas : Good, thank you. And you?
He asked this question with interest because, upon closer inspection, he noticed that no smile or joy shone from her sweet face.
Brooke : Good too... Sir, I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to leave you.
Lucas : Already? But you just arrived?
Brooke : Indeed, but I've been feeling feverish since this morning and I'd like to rest. So I'll wish you goodnight.
She made a small curtsy and slipped away discreetly. Lucas was stunned and taken aback. His gaze wandered into space before meeting Lady Lee's. She was staring at him intently, and he saw her give him a slight nod toward the door. Lucas frowned, seeking confirmation. Was she indicating for him to join Miss Davis? And indeed, she repeated the gesture. Lucas thanked her with a smile and sped off after Brooke.
The latter walked briskly through the corridors, wanting to quickly find her room. The day before had been full of emotions and she had forced herself to prepare for Taylor's party. She didn't have the heart at all but had made an effort at Lady Lee's request. She knew that all the gentlemen present that evening would be there for her roommate and not for her, so she could have taken her mind off things. Yet, Lucas had appeared, reminding her that she had to get away from him as quickly as possible and reminding her of the pain it caused her. She couldn't endure that, not tonight, so she had lied to slip through his fingers.
She was just reaching her bedroom door when she heard brisk footsteps behind her.
Lucas : Brooke, wait.
Brooke : Lucas? What the hell are you doing here? I told you I needed to rest. Please leave me alone, and what if someone sees us!
Lucas : I thought you didn't care about that?
Brooke : Well, I changed my mind!
This hurt Lucas, but he didn't take offense.
Brooke : I'll leave you, Mr. Scott. Good night...
She opened her bedroom door.
Lucas : No, wait!
He grabbed her hand to hold it, but in the process, accidentally pulled her glove off. They both looked at her bare hand for the first time.
Lucas : What is it? Who did this to you?
Lucas couldn't believe his eyes. On Brooke's wrist was a mark, or rather a seal, with a coat of arms in the shape of crossed swords. It was undoubtedly a burn. A burn on her skin, as if someone had wanted to brand her like an animal. Brooke was petrified in front of Lucas, in front of his shocked and furious expression.
Lucas : Who did this to you?
He screamed the words, once again out of control, grabbing her wrist.
She regained her composure and freed herself from his grip to enter her room, trying to close the door behind her. But he was far too strong and followed her without hindrance, slamming the door behind him.
Lucas : Brooke, talk to me. Who did this to you? Who is the monster who did this to you?
Brooke : Stop it, Lucas...
Lucas : No, Brooke, this is very serious. Who did this to you?
Brooke : No, no, no...
She put her head in her hands, pacing.
Lucas : Brooke, answer me!
He grabbed her hand.
Brooke : My dad!
Lucas stopped dead in his tracks. He didn't move, too disturbed by this revelation and Brooke's reaction. She was distraught, her eyes glittered, and her whole body seemed to be trembling.
Lucas : Brooke, I...
Brooke : Go...
Lucas : But I...
Brooke : Go!
He looked at her silently, hurt for her, and turned on his heel to respect her wish. He closed the door behind him, trying to ignore the sobs he heard. He immediately left Lady Lee's home, thinking that he had wanted to discover all of Miss Brooke Davis's secrets ever since they met, but that he had never even imagined the reality.