From the Ashes

Chapter Thirty-Eight

The first half of their journey was over. Having stayed the night at a carriage inn the horses were now refreshed. They moved on to the second leg of their journey. With luck, they will be home by nightfall.

Juliana talked with Clara with an ease that Richard envied. They had spent most of their youth together, so for Juliana, it was like falling back on old habits. She always felt like an older sister to both Annabelle and Clara.

"I missed you since you were sent to your Aunt," Juliana began.

Clara smiled. "It is nice to be missed."

Richard had taken note that Clara has said many statements alluding to the fact that she was alone and no one seemed to care. Where the hell was that husband of hers?

"So how did you and Benjamin meet?" Juliana asked.

Clara frowned she really did not care to speak of her absentee husband. What must they be thinking of him leaving her all alone? No trace of him to be seen.

"At a dinner party," she told Juliana, choosing not elaborate.

"I wish I could have seen you and Annabelle get married," Juliana said wistfully. She knew of the events of course. Lady Catherine was in attendance but purposely took another maid to attend her leaving Juliana behind.

"I can't speak for Annabelle but as for my own wedding I do not think you missed much."

Richard could not take it anymore.

"Clara, I know nothing of Benjamin, his character, what make of a man he may be but I know you are unhappy and I must confess, that does not bode well for him."

Clara laughed for the first time ever since being in their presence.

"Thank you, big brother, but I am quite capable of taking care of myself and my marriage may be a mess but it is mine and of my own making. I cannot hold Benjamin solely responsible no matter how much I may wish to."

Juliana reached out and took the young woman's hand in hers. "We can respect that so long as you know you are never alone. We are family and are always here for you."

Clara squeezed Juliana's hand. "Thank you."

Richard still felt like pummeling this man he has never met.

"Why does he leave you alone so often?"

Juliana gave him a look, which he ignored. He knew he should not pry. That Clara was obviously embarrassed by her circumstances, but it was gnawing at him that she was being mistreated in some way.

Truthfully he was angry with himself for leaving the family so long without someone to look after them all. His family suffered for it, his father's lands and tenants suffered as well. Everything fell apart after his Father's death but he was still away fighting.

Lady Catherine was useless. Caring only for her own agenda of finding a new husband to support her lavish ways of living. She abandoned her daughters. Foisting them upon their Aunt. Thankfully Annabelle had made an excellent match but it would seem Clara was not so lucky.

"Richard, I appreciate your concern. Truly it warms my heart but I must ask you respect me in this and ask no further questions about him."

Richard did not like it, not one bit, but agreed.

"Then tell us more about yourself. Do you still love to read as much as I remember?" Juliana asked.

And Clara lit up from within. "Yes, in fact, I am hoping to have a novel published soon."