Chapter 17: The undoing of vows

Emma stood in the doorway, her chest heavy with guilt and determination. Lady Jane's pain was raw, and Emma felt the weight of responsibility settle on her shoulders. But she knew she couldn't leave until she had made some progress.

"I understand your anger," Emma began, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside her. "And I don't blame you for feeling this way. If I were in your position, I'd feel the same. But I swear to you, I didn't come here to offer empty apologies or meaningless gestures. I came here to make things right."

Lady Jane narrowed her eyes. "And how exactly do you plan to do that? Words won't restore my family's honor. Money won't bring back the dead."

Emma hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward, her hands clasped tightly. "What happened to your family was wrong—unforgivable. But you deserve justice, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to ensure you get it."

"Justice?" Lady Jane's bitter laugh echoed through the modest room. "Do you think you can simply undo years of suffering with a few kind words and a purse of gold? Justice won't come from the likes of the Ashbournes."

Emma's eyes softened. "Then let it come from me. I may be an Ashbourne by association, but I am my own person. If you have conditions, name them. I'll meet them."

Lady Jane studied Emma carefully, her expression unreadable. "Why would you do this? What do you stand to gain?"

"Because it's the right thing to do," Emma said simply. "And because I refuse to let the sins of the past define the future. Please, give me a chance to prove myself."

Lady Jane was silent for a long moment, then finally sighed, her shoulders sagging. "If you're serious about this, then you'll need to do more than just talk."

"I will," Emma assured her. "Whatever it takes."

Lady Jane hesitated before speaking again. "Fine. You want to prove yourself? Start by finding my husband's journal. Edmund took it the day he severed our partnership. He claimed it was 'for safekeeping,' but I know it was to cover his tracks. That journal contains everything—the terms of their partnership, the promises Edmund made and broke, and the debts that ruined us. Without it, there's no way to clear my husband's name."

Emma nodded. "I'll find it. I promise."

"And one more thing," Lady Jane added, her voice firm. "If you truly mean to make amends, then you'll restore my daughter's place in society. Margaret was meant to marry into a good family, but after what happened, no one would have her. She deserves a second chance."

Emma's resolve deepened. "You have my word."

Emma left Lady Jane's cottage with a renewed sense of purpose. She knew finding the journal would be difficult, but she also suspected that Edmund hadn't acted alone. Her instincts told her that Lord Waybridge—the man threatening Harrison—was involved in something far darker.

Emma began her investigation by visiting the Ashbourne estate's archives. With the help of Harrison's sister Beatrice, she poured through ledgers, letters, and documents late into the night. Finally, she stumbled upon a letter addressed to Edmund from Lord Waybridge.

The letter was cryptic but hinted at a secret partnership involving the Redwick shipping company. Waybridge had coerced Edmund into betraying the Redwicks by threatening to expose a failed investment that would have ruined the Ashbournes' reputation. In exchange, Waybridge gained control of key trade routes and used them for illegal smuggling operations.

Emma's heart raced as the pieces fell into place. Lord Waybridge hadn't just manipulated Edmund—he had orchestrated the downfall of the Redwicks to expand his own power.

Determined to expose Lord Waybridge, Emma sought out the docks mentioned in the letter. Disguising herself as a servant, she spent days observing the activity there. She noticed that certain shipments were unloaded in the dead of night, bypassing customs entirely.

Emma befriended a dockworker named Sam, who revealed that the shipments contained stolen goods and contraband, all under Lord Waybridge's orders. "No one dares to cross him," Sam warned. "He's got the magistrates in his pocket."

Emma pressed Sam for more information, promising to protect him. Eventually, he agreed to help her gather evidence. Together, they documented the illicit activity, including the names of accomplices and the routes used to smuggle goods.

With the journal and the evidence against Lord Waybridge in hand, Emma returned to Lady Jane's cottage.

"I found your husband's journal," Emma said, placing it gently on the table. "It proves that he was betrayed—and that Edmund was manipulated by Lord Waybridge."

Lady Jane's hands trembled as she opened the journal. Tears welled in her eyes as she read the familiar handwriting. "You... you truly found it."

"And there's more," Emma added. "I have evidence that Lord Waybridge has been running a smuggling operation, using the Redwick shipping routes he stole. He's the one who orchestrated everything."

Lady Jane looked up, her expression a mix of gratitude and disbelief. "You've done more than I ever expected. I don't know how to thank you."

"You don't need to," Emma said softly. "But I do need your trust. Together, we can expose Lord Waybridge and restore your family's honor."

Emma knew that taking down Lord Waybridge wouldn't be easy. She decided to present the evidence to Queen Victoria, who could ensure justice was served. But before she could act, she needed to ensure that Margaret's future was secure.

Emma arranged for Margaret to attend a ball hosted by the blackwoods, where she introduced her to eligible bachelors and spoke highly of her character. Slowly, Margaret began to regain her confidence and her place in society.

Meanwhile, Emma worked tirelessly to build her case against Lord Waybridge. She knew the risks were high, but she was determined to protect Harrison and the Ashbourne legacy while righting the wrongs of the past.

Emma's carriage pulled up to the opulent estate of Lord Waybridge on the outskirts of London. The air was crisp, and the tension in her chest mirrored the sharp winter wind. She carried a satchel containing the journal, letters, and documents she had painstakingly gathered as evidence. Every detail of her plan was carefully considered, but she knew the stakes were perilously high.

Inside the grand hall, Lord Waybridge was hosting a lavish luncheon. Nobles mingled with glasses of wine in hand, their laughter filling the air. Emma's arrival caused a stir. She was known as the Diamond of the Season, and her presence was rarely ignored.

Waybridge greeted her with a snake-like smile. "Lady Hastings. What an unexpected pleasure. To what do I owe this honor?"

Emma returned his smile with steely resolve. "I came to discuss a matter of great importance. Privately."

Waybridge's smile faltered for a fraction of a second, but he quickly recovered. "Of course. This way."

Waybridge led Emma to his study, a dark and richly decorated room lined with books and portraits of his ancestors. He closed the door behind them and turned to face her.

"Now, what is so urgent that you would grace my humble home unannounced?" he asked, his tone dripping with false charm.

Emma set the satchel down on the desk and began pulling out the documents. "This." She spread them out, one by one: the journal of Lady Jane's husband, the letters between him and Edmund, and the evidence of the smuggling operations.

Waybridge's face darkened as he examined the papers. "Where did you get these?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.

"That doesn't matter," Emma replied evenly. "What matters is that I know the truth. You orchestrated the downfall of the Redwicks to gain control of their shipping routes. You manipulated Edmund into betraying his partners, and now you're using that same leverage to control Harrison. Your corruption ends here."

Waybridge's lip curled into a sneer. "And what exactly do you plan to do with this... truth? You think you can bring me down? I have allies in Parliament, connections in the courts. You're just a young woman playing at justice."

Emma met his gaze without flinching. "I have no intention of playing games, my lord. This evidence will go directly to Queen Victoria. She has little tolerance for those who undermine her empire, especially through smuggling and fraud."

For the first time, a flicker of doubt crossed Waybridge's face. "You wouldn't dare."

"I would," Emma said calmly. "Unless you agree to my terms."

Waybridge scoffed. "Terms? You're in no position to bargain with me."

"Oh, I think I am," Emma countered. "Here's how this will work: You will release the Ashbournes from your blackmail. You will leave Lady Jane's family in peace, restore their shipping routes, and issue a public statement clearing her husband's name. In return, I'll refrain from handing this evidence over to the Queen."

Waybridge's hands clenched into fists. "And if I refuse?"

Emma stepped closer, her voice dropping to a deadly whisper. "Then your entire world will come crashing down. Your allies will abandon you, your name will be tarnished, and you'll likely spend the rest of your days in exile—or worse."

Waybridge's eyes narrowed. He was cornered, and he knew it. "Fine," he spat. "You win. I'll do as you ask."

Emma didn't trust Waybridge to keep his word, so she insisted on formalizing the agreement in writing. She called in two of Waybridge's servants as witnesses and dictated the terms of the deal. Once the document was signed and sealed, she tucked it safely into her satchel.

"One last thing," she said as she prepared to leave. "If I ever hear of you attempting to retaliate against the Ashbournes or the Redwicks, I won't hesitate to destroy you."

Waybridge glared at her but said nothing.

Emma's next stop was Lady Jane's cottage. She handed over the signed agreement, along with the restored shipping routes and a letter of public apology from Waybridge.

Lady Jane was overcome with emotion. "I don't know how to thank you," she said, tears streaming down her face.

"You don't need to thank me," Emma replied. "Just promise me you'll use this opportunity to rebuild your family's future."

Lady Jane nodded. "I will. And I'll never forget what you've done for us."

Emma returned to the Ashbourne estate late that evening. She found Harrison in his study, staring out the window with a somber expression.

"It's done," she said softly.

Harrison turned to face her, his eyes filled with disbelief. "What do you mean?"

"I cleared your father's debts and exposed Lord Waybridge's corruption. You're free from his control."

Harrison stepped closer, his voice trembling. "Emma... how? Why would you do this?"

"Because I love you," she said simply. "And because you deserve to live without the weight of your father's mistakes on your shoulders."

Harrison's resolve crumbled, and he pulled her into his arms. "I don't deserve you," he whispered.

Emma smiled through her tears. "Yes, you do. And now we can finally build the future we deserve—together."

The Ashbourne mansion hummed with the anticipation of the wedding, which was set to take place the following day. Every corner was adorned with floral arrangements of white roses and hydrangeas. Servants scurried about, preparing the grand dining hall for the rehearsal dinner, while seamstresses made final adjustments to Clara's elaborate wedding gown in her suite.

Clara, brimming with pride and excitement, walked through the halls with her mother. "Tomorrow, Mother," she said, her voice triumphant, "I'll be Lady Ashbourne. This house will be mine, and so will Harrison."

Lady waybrigde smiled knowingly. "Indeed, my dear. All our sacrifices will pay off. Harrison has no choice but to marry you. He knows what's at stake for his family."

Clara beamed, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "And when I'm his wife, no one—not even that ridiculous Emma Hastings—will ever come between us."

Emma and Harrison descended the staircase hand in hand, their footsteps echoing through the vast hall. The noise of the household quieted as servants stopped to stare at them, whispering among themselves. Word of Emma's presence spread quickly, and soon Clara and Lady waybrigde appeared at the base of the stairs, their faces a mixture of confusion and suspicion.

"What is the meaning of this?" Clara demanded, her voice sharp. She noticed Harrison's hand intertwined with Emma's and turned pale. "Harrison, why are you with her? You're supposed to be preparing for our wedding!"

Lady waybrigde stepped forward, her tone icy. "This is outrageous! Violet, your son has clearly lost his mind. Do you realize what is at stake here? Everything your family has built will be destroyed."

Emma, steady and resolute, released Harrison's hand and faced them. Her voice was calm, yet it carried an unmistakable authority. "It's over, Lady waybrigde. You will not hold the Ashbourne family hostage any longer."

Clara's laugh was shrill. "What nonsense are you speaking? Tomorrow, I will be Lady Ashbourne. There is nothing you can do to stop it."

"Oh, but there is," Emma said, stepping closer. "I've spoken to Lady Jane. The debt has been repaid, and I've uncovered the truth about Lord Waybridge's dealings. I have proof of his schemes—proof that he orchestrated everything to manipulate Edmund into submission. And now, his power over this family is gone."

Lady waybrigde paled, her voice faltering. "You—you're lying. This is impossible."

Emma held her ground. "If you doubt me, you can ask Lord Waybridge yourself. I've already delivered the evidence to the Crown, and they are not pleased with what they've learned. Your schemes have come to an end."

Clara, shaking with rage, turned to Harrison. "You knew about this, didn't you? And you still went along with her!"

Harrison's voice was cold. "I knew nothing of Emma's plans, Clara. But now that I do, I realize how blind I've been. This wedding was a mistake from the beginning."

Clara's voice broke as she cried out, "You'll regret this, Harrison! You'll regret choosing her over me!"

Emma stepped forward, her voice cutting through Clara's protests. "You were never chosen, Clara. Not by him, not by this family. And now, it's time for you to leave."

Lady waybrigde grabbed her daughter's arm, her expression twisted with fury. "Come, Clara. We're leaving. But this isn't over."

As they stormed out, the hall fell silent. Violet, standing near the edge of the room, exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Beatrice, her eyes sparkling with pride, rushed to embrace Emma.

Harrison turned to Emma, his eyes filled with gratitude and something deeper. But before he could speak, Emma held up her hand. "Not yet," she said softly. "There's still much to be done."

The next day, Emma returned to Hastings with a mixture of relief and exhaustion. Eleanor and Alfred greeted her warmly, though their expressions were tinged with concern. Thomas, ever curious, waited eagerly for his sister to explain everything.

As the family gathered in the drawing room, there was a knock at the door. The butler announced the arrival of the Ashbournes.

Harrison entered, followed by Violet and Beatrice. His eyes immediately found Emma's, and he crossed the room with purpose.

"Emma," he began, his voice steady despite the emotions threatening to overwhelm him. "You've done so much for my family—more than I could ever repay. But I'm not here to thank you for that."

Eleanor and Alfred exchanged glances, understanding dawning on their faces. Thomas leaned forward, his excitement barely contained.

Harrison knelt before Emma, pulling a small velvet box from his pocket. "I've spent so much of my life trying to do what was right for others. But for the first time, I want to choose what's right for me. Emma Hastings, will you marry me?"

Emma's breath caught in her throat as she looked around the room—at her family, at Harrison's family, at the man before her who had captured her heart.

"Yes," she whispered, her voice breaking into a radiant smile. "Yes, I will."

The room erupted in cheers, and as Harrison rose to take her hand, he murmured, "You've given me back my home, Emma. Now let me give you mine."