AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘My aunt needs me,’ Henri said and hoped Sophie would drop the topic of conversation. ‘She sent a note. It is time for me to take up the reins of my old life. My ankle is nearly healed and the supper party and ball but memories.’
Henri allowed her voice to trail away, certain that Sophie would understand the unspoken message. She wanted to return to see Sebastian and discover how he fared.
‘Robert will wish to say goodbye.’ Sophie made a temple with her fingers, but her eyes narrowed. Henri knew Sophie had not missed the attempt to change the subject. ‘His valet is here and he always takes Fredericks if he will be gone for any time. He will be back before nightfall. You could delay your journey another day. And take your leave properly. You’ll need to quiz him about his dancing.’
Henri’s cheeks burnt as the innocent words conjured up the image of last night’s illicit waltz. ‘I’m happy to take your word.’
Sophie made a moue. ‘Besides, I shall miss you. Do you really have to depart today? It promises to be dull without you. Stepmama is in bed with a headache and I want to discuss every moment of the ball. Did you know Lady Winship’s three pugs escaped and ran riot around the ballroom floor before the footman captured them? Apparently they wanted to see Lady Winship dance. And one of the garlands tumbled down in the chase. I laughed so hard that tears came into my eyes.’
Henri looked about the drawing room. The curtains were drawn and sunlight streamed in, but the musical box stood silent in the corner. Passion was a poor basis for anything. Calm considered reflection was best. Her mother’s words had kept drumming through her brain all night.
‘You have to be a regular caller.’ Henri forced her voice to sound light and unconcerned. ‘Our At Home day is a Wednesday, but you mustn’t stand on convention as we’re friends.’
Sophie put her hand to her throat and played with the string of red beads. ‘Will your cousin be there?’
‘Did Sebastian speak to you at the ball?’ Henri asked quietly, pretending an interest in her lace mittens. ‘Has he given you an answer to your letter?’
‘Matters are satisfactorily concluded. All misunderstandings cleaned up. I repeated what I said in the letter. He understood.’ Sophie clapped her hands together and gave a beaming smile. Henri breathed slightly easier. She hoped that Sophie had let her cousin down easily. Sebastian deserved to learn that women did have minds of their own.
‘Henri, if you ever need me to come and nurse you, simply send word.’ Sophie gathered Henri’s hands between hers. Her face took on a very earnest expression. ‘I heard what Doctor Lumley said about you overdoing things. If you will be more comfortable in your own home, so be it.’
‘I doubt Robert would allow that. It would be far too much to ask of him.’ Henri hated how her voice broke over his name.
Sophie gave her a sharp look. ‘Robert left the ball early. Did you know?’
‘Yes, I did.’
Sophie gave a dazzling smile. ‘Then you will understand why Robert would not dare refuse. And why he will want to say adieu.’
‘What is going on here? Why is Lady Cawburn’s carriage here?’ Robert’s voice rang out.
Henri’s pulse leapt and she struggled to keep her breathing even. Her simple escape plan had been foiled.
‘Dear Henri is leaving,’ Sophie called out. ‘I’m attempting to persuade her that she needs to stay for a while yet.’
‘Henri’s leaving? Why?’
Sophie cocked her head to one side. ‘Is that Stepmama calling? I promised her a tisane for her poorly head. Henri, you can explain to Robert why you are going on your own, can’t you?’
Without waiting for an answer, Sophie skipped away, leaving Henri standing in the entrance while Robert came through the front door. Sporting a wide-brimmed straw hat and loose coat, he’d obviously been out inspecting the Roman excavations.
Henri clutched her reticule to her breast, acutely aware of him and the searing kiss they had shared last night. She attempted to get her thoughts in order.
‘Aunt Frances sent a note. She needs me.’ She fumbled with her reticule, trying to find the piece of paper. ‘I’ll find it for you.’
He waved an impatient hand. ‘And you were going to sneak out like a thief in the night without saying goodbye. Cowardice, Thorndike.’
‘We were bound to see each other again and no one knew where you had gone. Something has happened.’ Henri’s fingers closed around the note and she held it out to him.
She sucked in her breath as their fingers brushed. The merest touch sent her heart hammering against her ribs. She struggled to maintain her poise.
