No doubt because there would be so many other people present, and because of Beast’s likely reticence to show himself under such conditions, he had left instructions that only Bill the footman need attend me. True to his word, Gerard had let me go. Mrs. Jones had orders to pack the few belongings I had acquired since arriving on the island and to move them to wherever I wished to reside. Bill was to come with me, and I was to choose a maid of all work from the village. I was to have whatever I needed, but he would not see me again unless I asked for him. I had found the ruby engagement ring on the floor in my room, and though I would not wear it, I carried it in my small reticule as a reminder of the man who gave it to me. I had also removed my cameo, tucking it very carefully inside the same handkerchief containing the ring. My past and my future, side by side. As I climbed into the carriage, Mrs.
