Elizabeth gasped, no doubt upset that her season was about to be cut short. Abigail felt bad for the girl, but in all honesty, she agreed with Colin. She was tired and nauseous all the time. The idea of attending more events seemed beyond her capabilities.
She looked at Lizzy with an apology in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Lizzy. I think your brother is right.”
“But the season is at its peak! I was just presented two weeks ago and was looking forward to attending more balls–”
“You will have to wait until next year, then.” He snapped, interrupting Elizabeth’s arguments and making her flinch. “For now, I’ve had bloody enough of society.”
The girl didn’t say more, but there was bewilderment and hurt in her eyes. And Abigail suspected it was not only because of the decision to go back to the country. No, the girl was upset because Colin had snapped at her.
When they arrived home, Colin descended the carriage and mounted the steps with vigorous fury, leaving them to the care of the footman. As if he couldn’t get away from them fast enough. Another uncharacteristic move. He usually helped them descend.
By the time she entered the house, he had already disappeared.
“Where did the earl go?” She asked the butler, who was keeping an impassive face as if nothing had happened. As if his master had not just stomped by, leaving his wife and sister in the carriage.
“I believe his lordship went to his rooms, milady. He asked me to send his secretary to him, but I’m afraid Mr. Wang left for Bath with the countess this morning.”
“Excuse me?” That was surprising news. She didn’t know Esther planned to travel, nor that she was keeping company with Mr. Wang. Apparently, Colin didn’t know either, seeing that he had asked for him.
She plodded up the stairs to her bedroom, where she had her maid remove her corset and walking dress. Then she rinsed her mouth and splashed some water on her face. She felt marginally better, and yearned for a nap, but she must talk to Colin.
He had been so angry. She shuddered, remembering the violence he had unleashed so swiftly and with so little provocation. With luck, he would have calmed down by now.
She knocked on the connecting door.
“Come in!” he yelled from inside, and she slipped into the room. He still looked upset.
The room was a mess. He was yanking drawers open and taking out neckties, shirts and other garments and placing them haphazardly on the bed. Without turning, he barked. “I need you to help me with the arrangements, Wang. We leave for Hartfield Park tomorrow morning.”
“So soon?”
He whirled around at her voice. His lips pressed together and his nostrils flared in annoyance.
“I thought you were Wang.” He bit out before turning back to ravaging the drawers.
“I was told by the butler that Mr. Wang left this morning with the countess. They were going to Bath.”
“What?” He turned around again, looking so bewildered that it was almost comical.
“I take it you didn’t know about their plans, either?”
“No! What the hell is going on? Has everybody gone crazy?”
She approached him with caution. Yes, he was angry and maybe still violent. But she also detected... hurt. He looked almost lost. It called to something tender inside her. It urged her to comfort.
“Colin, about what happened in the park–”
“I don’t want to talk about it.” He said in warning. Turning away from her again. He was now jamming clothes into a satchel.
“But we should. You are upset.”
He snorted.
“And you hit Quimby.”
“Yes? What of it?”
“You shouldn’t have.”
