Her dreams had been illusions. Her long-held anger misdirected.

Miss Corvus hadn’t stolen her away from anything worth having all those years ago—if she’d stolen her away at all. Indeed, it transpired, she had very probably saved Effie’s life.

25

The train departing Sawbridgeworth Station whistled a shrill final warning.

“All aboard!” the conductor shouted.

Gabriel set a gloved hand on the small of Effie’s back, wordlessly steering her toward the first-class railway carriage. She offered no objection, allowing him to guide her steps, just as she’d allowed him to purchase the two first-class tickets for their return journey to London.

The cost had been exorbitant, but any price was preferable to being cramped in an open railway carriage, with no ability to engage in unguarded conversation.

He and Effie hadn’t spoken since leaving the cottage in Trowley Green. Seated beside him in the hired carriage, she had remained mute behind her veil, her hands clasped hard in her lap and her body rigid. Gabriel hadn’t attempted to engage her. He’d been too stunned himself. Rendered all but speechless by the implications of the dreadful tale he’d pieced together.

It had taken him the full five miles to the station to get his chaotic thoughts in order. Only then had he resolved on something like a plan.

A railway porter in a green straight-buttoned coat stood at the door of the first-class carriage. He directed them to their compartment. Situated near the front, it was paneled in gleaming polished mahogany with four blue cloth–upholstered seats disposed in facing pairs.

Effie sat down in a seat near the oval window.

Gabriel shut the compartment door before taking the seat across from her.

Within seconds, a back-and-forth jolt and the grinding sound of metal announced the train’s departure from the station. The conductor shouted unintelligibly as it lurched into motion. Outside the window, the now empty platform slipped by with a gradual increase of speed.

Gabriel lowered the window shade. He removed his hat, placing it on the empty seat beside him. “You no longer need your veil.”

Effie slowly pushed the black net back over her bonnet, revealing her beautiful face by degrees. She was unusually pale. The shadows under her dark blue eyes appeared deeper in comparison. He’d noticed them earlier at the cottage. She looked as though she hadn’t slept since they’d parted in Cremorne Gardens.

His chest tightened with guilt.

It had been a calculated choice not to seek her out before today. One he’d made the night of Galezzo’s fall. Then, Gabriel had believed he was giving Effie an opportunity to recover from the upset she’d suffered. That, in his absence, her temper would cool and, when next they met, she’d be able to face him with something like an open mind.