He didn’t care if he never inherited this estate as his father had hinted about. All Terrick wanted was for Bella to love him as she used to, and for her to see beyond his afflictions and to his heart. Since his accident, he’d become a bitter, angry, and unforgiving man, but now that Bella was back in his life, perhaps things would finally change.
He prayed that she would make his life worth living once again.
FOUR
BELLA COULDN’T BELIEVE how quickly time flew by, but she was enjoying herself with Anastasia. Bella felt like a girl herself as she found a pretty dress for the girl, along with the feminine undergarments, stockings, and heeled boots. Styling the girl’s hair was also enjoyable, and the two of them laughed together as if they were longtime friends.
If Bella had indeed known Terrick seven years ago, Anastasia would have been a child in her tenth year. But of course, Bella couldn’t remember. Nothing at all seemed familiar about the manor.
After the midday meal, Bella and Anastasia went outside for a stroll around the grounds. The girl showed Bella her mother’s flower garden, which one of the gardeners took care of now. They walked into the large stable where the girl introduced her mare, Serene. Anastasia also pointed to Terrick’s steed – which he didn’t ride much anymore – and her father’s horse.
Asking Anastasia about her brother was on the tip of Bella’s tongue, but she withdrew from letting her questions fly from her mouth. This was her first day on the job. She shouldn’t stir problems.
They wandered outside again, and Bella looked up at the clear blue sky and closed her eyes. The estate was so peaceful, especially at this moment. She couldn’t believe people in town thought of this place as haunted. Indeed, they were fools like Garrett.
“Bella?” Anastasia asked.
Bella glanced down at the girl. “Yes?”
“Why haven’t you asked about my brother’s deformities yet?”
Startled, Bella gulped. “Well, I thought it wasn’t proper to ask such questions.”
“It’s really no secret.” She flipped a curled lock of hair over her shoulder. “Terrick had a meeting in town at the railroad.” She arched an eyebrow. “Did you know he co-owns the railroad?”
“No, I didn’t.”
Anastasia nodded. “Anyway, he had a meeting in town, and when he went into the barn to get the carriage, he realized Father had taken it. We had two, but the other carriage was being repaired. Terrick asked the driver to take him into town even though the vehicle wasn’t repaired fully.” A frown claimed her face. “Although the driver was careful, a wheel still broke off, causing the carriage to roll down a ravine.”
Bella gasped, and her hand flew to her throat. “That’s horrible.”
Anastasia nodded and continued walking toward the woods. “He’d been thrown from the carriage at one point during the time it was rolling, and when the vehicle finally came to a stop, it had pinned his leg.”
“Oh, the poor man.” Bella’s chest tightened as she imagined the horror Terrick must have gone through.
“Our driver was hurt, but he was able to hurry into town to get some help.” She sighed heavily. “His face was cut up, but only a few minor cuts were left as scars. Unfortunately, his leg never fully healed. He’ll probably limp for the rest of his life.”
Bella’s mind swirled with confusion. Wouldn’t she have heard about such an accident in town? Surely, the gossipmongers would have made the accident a daily topic. “Did you live here when that happened?”
“No. We were at our summer estate in California. This place,” she motioned toward the manor, “is what Father considers our winter estate. I think it’s because he loves the snow, and Montana has so much of it during the winter.”
“Yes, the winters here are beautiful but very cold.”
“Anyway, not long after the accident, Terrick came here to live. He’s actually been here for the past two years. Father and I stayed in California – even during the winter – because I was going to school there, and he thought I needed the extra training.”
They reached the edge of the forest and stopped. Bella studied the girl’s face, trying to see anything that might spark a memory. “Anastasia? I don’t know why I can’t remember your family, but I don’t. Tell me, do you remember me at all?”
Shaking her head, the girl frowned. “Terrick talked about you quite often, but Father had me living with Aunt Elizabeth for many years. I needed a mother, and Father felt that his sister would be able to give that to me.” Anastasia giggled. “Personally, I don’t think it worked out the way Father intended because she was the one who told me I could wear boy’s clothes and ride a horse astride.”
Bella laughed. “Oh, dear. That’s not good.”
Anastasia shrugged. “But here you are, so things must have been meant to happen this way. Right?”
Bella wasn’t sure how to answer. She believed things happened for a reason, but only remembering bits and pieces of her sixteenth year didn’t make sense, no matter how hard she pondered on it. “I suppose it is for some things.”
“Well, I happen to think,” Anastasia took hold of Bella’s hands, “that you were brought here for a reason.”
Bella grinned. “I was.” She winked. “It was to help you learn your manners and become a lady.”
Anastasia laughed. “Definitely.” She hooked her arm around Bella as they turned back toward the house.
Bella took two steps and stopped, looking at the man coming their way. Terrick was dressed slightly better than he’d been earlier, but he still wore a scarf around most of his face, and he leaned heavily on the cane.
“Terrick,” Anastasia called in a sing-song voice, “what are you doing out here?”
