In the days that followed, Brooke claimed a constant migraine and didn't leave her room for a second. A few gentlemen wanted to visit her, but Lady Lee sent them home. The latter had also wanted to start a conversation with her niece but had always found the door closed. It was finally Haley who managed to have the first serious conversation with the Frenchwoman when she came to tell her that the entire household was invited to spend a few days at the Scotts' country house. Brooke had thought long and hard before giving her answer, but she had finally agreed to come. She couldn't avoid Lucas indefinitely. She would take this opportunity to end their friendship while supporting Taylor. That would be very good.
So she left that morning with Lady Lee and the Jameses, heading for Aubrey Hall. She was very silent throughout the journey, just rubbing her wrist uncontrollably. When they finally arrived in front of the immense mansion, a knot formed in her stomach. She would see again the Viscount who had been so kind to her, as well as Lady Scott, so kind herself. And just as the carriage finally stopped, she saw the entire Scott family outside, coming to greet them. Brooke got out last and couldn't ignore Lucas's heavy gaze on her. However, she cut short their silent exchange and turned her attention back to Lily, who had just joined her.
Lily : Hello Miss Brooke, I'm very happy to see you again!
Brooke : Me too, Lily. Perhaps we can chat a little while I'm staying with you. Perhaps you'd even be willing to act as my guide, as your home is splendid.
Lily : I'd be delighted!
Karen : Lily, stop bothering our guest!
Brooke : Your daughter isn't bothering me, Lady Scott, don't worry. She's even agreed to act as my guide so I don't get lost on this large and magnificent estate.
Karen : Oh, I see, and the whole family will indeed be at your disposal to attend to your needs. I hope you're feeling better. I understood you've been unwell these last few days.
Brooke : Indeed, but I've recovered, thank you. And the country air will be all the more beneficial, I'm sure. I also wanted to thank you and the Viscount for this generous invitation. I could have stayed home and not disturbed you.
Nathan : No way, Miss Davis! We're all delighted to have you with us. I'm sure we'll all have a wonderful time together.
Brooke : Thank you very much, Lord Scott.
He gave her a small bow, and everyone followed the small group into the house. Servants escorted them to their quarters. Brooke thankfully had a private room, and it was very cozy. She took a moment to freshen up until there was a knock at her door. Upon opening it, she found herself face to face with Lucas.
Lucas : Hi, Miss Davis. I hope you find your room comfortable.
Brooke : It's perfect, Mr. Scott. Your mother is the perfect hostess.
Lucas : Without a doubt. I know my sister promised to show you around the house, but may I offer to be your guide in the gardens? My family has planned a game later, but in the meantime, perhaps you would be willing to spend some time with me?
Brooke hesitated for a moment. She wanted this confrontation, but she hadn't imagined it coming so soon. Still, she mustered up her courage and followed him outside. The beginning of the walk was silent until Lucas finally started the conversation. The one he'd been preparing for days and yet was already losing all control over.
Lucas : Brooke, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you like that, or pushed you into giving me an answer you didn't want.
Brooke : I don't blame you, Lucas. And I think I owe you an explanation now.
Lucas : You don't have to...
Brooke : I know. So tell yourself I want to...
He smiled back, as if to encourage her. So she stopped on a bench. Lucas sat down next to her. She was silent for a moment, as if to clear her head, then took a deep breath.
Brooke : My father and mother met when they were very young. My father courted my mother, who succumbed, you could say. She became pregnant with me before they were married, so they celebrated the wedding quickly after the announcement of her pregnancy. When I was a child, my father was very close to me. He considered me his little princess and spoiled me enormously. We traveled the world for his work and his business. He was in sales. He taught me how to be a perfect woman, an ideal future wife and a strong woman at the same time. At that time, I didn't see the reality of what he was. He beat my mother. Constantly. And one day, he changed completely with me too. One evening when I came home from a horseback ride, he ordered me to follow him. He made me sit on a chair and took out a poker that he used to brand the animals we transported on the ship. He held me with incredible strength and branded me, screaming that I was his property. That was just the beginning of many things. That brand is the symbol of my family crest. My name is not Brooke Davis, that's my mother's maiden name. My name is Brooke Weston. And Lady Lee isn't my aunt; she was my mother's best friend. When I was alone, I knew she was the only one who could take me in. Mother had told me that often. So I left and went to London. Lady Lee helped me hide my true identity and offered me sanctuary until I found myself in a more stable situation.
Lucas remained silent throughout the entire story. She hadn't once looked him in the eye, merely twirling a daisy she'd picked a few moments earlier. She seemed ashamed of this story. Yet, he reflected that he'd never met such a courageous woman.
Lucas : How did you get to London?
Brooke : I boarded a cargo ship in the port of Marseille. I docked in England and finished the journey on horseback.
Lucas : You did that alone? On a ship with all those sailors? For a young lady, it must have been difficult. The men are already sometimes rude to each other, so I can't imagine their behavior towards you.
Brooke : It wasn't easy every day, I must admit, and I was very scared at times. I tried not to show it to them. And the captain did his best to keep them in their place. I owe her a lot too.
Lucas : You're amazing, Miss Davis...
He saw her give a small smile, still without looking at him. He gently grabbed her hand, waiting for her reaction. She didn't move, silently giving him her consent. Then, he turned her slightly in his direction, delicately removed her glove. He ran his fingers over the palm of her hand, giving Brooke a shiver she couldn't contain. And finally, he placed his thumb on the scar. He stroked it gently, then looked up at her. Finally, their eyes met.
Lucas : The name Davis suits you much better. You were right to change it because your father didn't deserve to bear the same name as you. From such a courageous, caring, and strong woman. No woman belongs to a man, neither to her husband nor to her father. You did the right thing in leaving for a fresh start, and I'm very sorry your mother left us. She must have been so proud of you. You should be proud. You are remarkable.
Brooke couldn't take her eyes off Lucas's. They shone with an unparalleled intensity, and the warmth she felt where he touched her burned in the most beautiful way. She wanted this to never end. For him to never let go of her. He was kind, her family was right, but so much more. And while she had told him part of her story, she regretted not being able to tell him more. Despite the pain it caused her, she hadn't forgotten her other goal for the day: to keep him away from her. So, she removed her hand from his under his surprised gaze.
Brooke : Thank you for your understanding, Lucas. My past still takes up a lot of space in my life. And to be completely honest with you, I like you very much. But it has to end here. I can't get any more attached to you than I already have.
Lucas : Why?
Brooke : Because at the end of the season, I'll leave London and never come back.
Lucas : How? Where would you go? What will you do? I don't understand.
Lucas felt an immense anxiety rise within him, a whirlwind of emotions.
Brooke : I don't know exactly where I'll go; I'm preparing to leave. But I can't stay in London. Like I told you, my past haunts me and it will catch up with me. It mustn't impact anyone but myself.
She got up quickly and headed towards the house. Lucas followed her at a run.
Lucas : But you're alone. Without a father, without family, without a husband! It's too dangerous.
Brooke : That's why I'll do it alone. I don't want to hurt you, Lucas. I don't want to hurt the people I love.
He was speechless. Had she just said she loved him? She certainly liked him, he could say that without false modesty, but to go so far as to love her? Was it true?
Lucas : A husband, a family, could protect you. You wouldn't be alone anymore, and you could gradually forget all this...
She gave him the sweetest, most melancholic smile.
Brooke : If only, all I had to do was forget...
He was about to open his mouth to retort, but Peyton ran up to them to tell them the game was ready. Brooke followed her, smiling, but not without giving Lucas one last look. He remained motionless for a moment, thinking about that conversation. She had explained her life to him. He had thought he knew everything about her, then she had perhaps confessed her feelings to him. In response, he had hinted at a possible marriage, to which she had responded with another riddle. It seemed that Brooke hadn't confided everything about her life to him. And above all, he was going to lose her because of it. And that was out of the question.
The Pall Mall Game seemed to be an institution in the Scott household, and Brooke had to admit she was having a great time. The competition between the siblings was fierce but fun to watch. As for the Viscount and Miss James, the eldest sister, it was clear that their rivalry was entertaining. Miss Taylor, however, seemed uncomfortable in the face of such good humor and rivalry. Brooke sometimes liked to compare her to a pretty flower: she was so fragile that it seemed as if a gust of wind could blow all her petals off. But Brooke really enjoyed herself. She shared good times with Peyton, Julian, and the Duchess, who was adorable. It reminded her of how much fun she had had as a child, for that period of her life was far removed from conventions and problems. She could play with the other children she met on her travels, dance with friends, whether girls or boys. Wandering unchaperoned through the mountains and countryside because nothing was expected of her other than knowing how to behave when necessary. The Scotts were gentlemen and ladies, certainly, but they had a human, frivolous side that Brooke greatly appreciated. For a moment, she imagined spending time with this family, as if she were one of them. But it was only a sweet dream.
As for Lucas, she avoided him somewhat, even though he seemed to be doing the same. Their eyes sometimes met, and a certain sadness filled them. And when they finally reached the last hoop, Lucas brushed Brooke's hand to make her final shot. A shiver ran through her. A silence seemed to fall between them when, in a split second, a clap of thunder seemed to resonate within her. So she took her eyes off this Lord she liked so much and hit the ball with more force than she would have intended. Everyone seemed surprised, but she acted as if nothing had happened. Nathan even congratulated her on her grip. She was no slouch against the Scott.
When the game finally ended with a victory for Lucas, an outstanding and undoubtedly clever player, Brooke returned to her room and did not leave it until supper. There was a knock at her door as the hour approached. When Brooke opened it, she found herself facing Lady Scott.
Karen : Miss Davis, I was coming to pick you up for diner.
Brooke : That's very kind of you, Lady Scott, but it wasn't necessary for you to come in person...
Karen : It's my pleasure; I wanted to spend a little time with you, my dear.
Brooke closed the door and followed the hostess, walking at her own pace. She clearly wanted to prolong things.
Karen : I hope you had a lovely day with my children. You seemed to be doing really well at game this afternoon.
Brooke : I tried to live up to it, but I had a wonderful time. Your children, and the Scott family in general, are lovely. I almost feel at home among you...
Karen : That's the highest compliment you could give me. You know, Lady Lee is a friend. And she told me about your mother. The two of them seemed very close.
Brooke : They were. Until my mother met my father and left England. Love makes you do strange things. Leaving your homeland, never settling anywhere, accepting so much suffering.
Karen sensed a deep sense of sorrow in the young woman's voice. She sounded so unhappy.
Karen : And you? What would you be willing to do for love?
Brooke : A lot, I think. I don't know what love is, at least not for a husband. But I think I would give everything I had. I think I would give my life for love and do everything in my power to give him happiness and security.
Karen stared at the young woman. She seemed to be trying to fathom her, to break the aura of mystery that surrounded her.
Karen : You are very different, my dear. I mean, from other young women I've ever met. This family home and your stories remind me that, even though I lost my husband, I am incredibly lucky to have known love and to have a family. I know Lady Lee loves you very much, but... I have no pity because I know it's an evil no one wishes, but I feel sorry for you, Miss Davis. You're alone, without parents, without brothers or sisters. And I think I feel tenderness for you. For your courage. Your tenacity. You deserve so many beautiful things, so much love. And I wish this for you as I wished it for my daughters.
Brooke was speechless. Karen Scott had such a maternal tone and attitude with her. So caring. It felt good. Very good. Tears welled up in Brooke's eyes, and she was at a loss for words to thank her. Lady Scott seemed to understand, so she gently took the young girl's hand in hers, gave her an understanding smile at her silence, and guided her to the dining room.
For his part, Lucas had spent the rest of the afternoon with his brother Julian. Julian seemed to be worried because he had admitted to the royal academy and remained very skeptical about his acceptance. Anxiety was getting to him. So, Lucas had suggested they have tea so they could talk and help him dispel his worries. Very quickly, Julian had broached the other subject that had not left his thoughts after drinking a vile concoction from Greece, supposed to drive away his dark thoughts.
Julian : I thought you and Miss Davis were close...
Lucas : Why do you say that in the past tense?
Julian : Because you haven't spoken a word to each other all afternoon. You exchanged glances, no doubt, but nothing more. Did something happen between you? You were just coming back from a walk together, I think. Besides, it's a good thing we're at the family home, or your little outing would have already made you engaged.
Lucas : That might be a good thing...
Julian : What? Did you just babble about wanting to get engaged to that girl?
However, he quickly became serious again at his brother's somber expression. Nathan entered at that precise moment and seemed to have heard the beginning of their conversation.
Nathan : So I won't be the only one engaged at the end of this trip?
Lucas : Of course I will, Nathan. I'm not going to propose to Brooke.
Nathan : Brooke? You two are very familiar...
Lucas : And yet that doesn't stop her from pushing me away.
Julian : What happened?
Lucas : She... She confessed to me that she fled France because her father left behind belongings that were far from those of a gentleman. She's running away from her past. The one he left her.
Julian : What did he leave her?
Lucas : I don't know in detail, I'm not even sure I want to because the little I know is already fragmenting my being. He marked it, my brothers. With iron. Literally. That man was a monster.
The three men were silent for a moment. Saying it out loud was all the more difficult for Lucas.
Nathan : When we spoke recently, she told me that danger was lurking. That she more or less wanted me to keep you away from her to protect you. She cares about you, Lucas.
Lucas : I'm not so sure. She told me she'd be leaving London at the end of the season.
Nathan : Does she have family elsewhere?
Lucas : No, she's going alone. She's running away again.
Julian : But what is she running away from? Are her father's actions known to high society?
Nathan : If that's the case, that's why she doesn't want to be connected to our family. Danger and scandal. Those are the words she underlined...
Lucas : But I can't leave her alone, in danger even more so. I care about her, my brothers.
Nathan and Julian looked at each other silently. They all knew that things were very different from last year with Miss Strauss. Lucas was in love with her, but with Miss Davis, it went beyond that.
Nathan : Lucas, the only way to protect her is to marry her. Our family will protect her, you know that, and to be honest with you, that's what I told her too. But marriage is a lifelong commitment, so be aware of that.
Lucas : Are you the one reminding me of that? When you're planning to marry a young woman you don't care for?
Nathan : I like Miss Taylor... That's beside the point. But you just admitted that you like Miss Davis.
This realization hit Lucas hard. Yes, he liked her. He couldn't yet tell if it was love, but what he felt was pure and intense. He wanted to be with her. He wanted to get to know her. Protect her. Touch her hand again because ever since he'd discovered her soft skin, he'd thought of nothing but her. He wanted her to forget her marks and her past. He wanted her to think only of the future. He didn't know if he was in love with her, but he couldn't live without Miss Brooke Davis. He couldn't see her suffering and drifting away from him.
Lucas : That's the case, my brother... Would you give me your blessing?
Nathan : Yes, with pleasure. But I think a simple marriage proposal won't be enough with this young woman. Nor will an ordinary courtship, for that matter.
Lucas : Indeed. You'll have to be convincing.
Julian : You've got your work cut out for you, Lucas!
He laughed, throwing himself back in his seat. It seems it really wasn't wise to let him drink all that tea, Lucas thought. This meal promised to be eventful.
