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‘Then something has happened to her!’
‘What do you propose to do, Mr Montemorcy?’ There was a greediness about the woman’s eyes. He could see her eagerness to depart and confront the next person with her intelligence. Unless he was very careful, Sophie’s innocent jaunt in the countryside could lead to her ruin.
‘The countryside will have to be searched. However, I suspect that there is a much more innocent explanation. This is the Tyne Valley, rather than London or Newcastle.’ He gritted his teeth. Behind Miss Armstrong, a cart and horse rumbled, a girl chased a hoop and the milliner put a fresh hat in the window, little everyday actions that served to remind him that Miss Armstrong was jumping to the wrong conclusion. Nothing had happened to Sophie. When he returned to the Lodge, she would be there full of fun and mischief at the great jape she had played.
‘Will you chase her to Gretna Green and demand that she marries?’
‘Until we know precisely what has occurred, I would suggest you keep your theories to yourself. You do know what they say about people who spread false and malicious tales.’ Robert turned on his heel. ‘Good day to you, madam.’
‘But Lord Cawburn was there just before she made her excuses.’ Miss Armstrong hurried after him. Her entire being quivered. ‘And as I was leaving, his man delivered a letter to you. From Miss Ravel, I’d wager.’
‘You are speculating, madam. Kindly refrain from doing so. A young woman’s reputation hangs in the balance.’
* * *
‘Where is Sebastian, Aunt?’ Henri asked going into her aunt’s inner sanctum. ‘The house seems strangely still.’
Of all the people she dreaded meeting after her encounter with Robert, it was Sebastian. Unless she was very careful, he would be able to discern in an instant what had passed between her and Robert. When she had gone into the drawing room, she had discovered several half-written letters demanding money and a whole sheaf of bills. She wanted to believe that her cousin was better than a common blackmailer, but she’d not expected the extent of his indebtedness.
Her aunt looked up from some shards of Roman pottery. ‘He has gone out. He has decided to do some visiting.’
‘Sebastian hates visiting. It will be the post inn.’
‘No, he definitely said visiting. My hearing is as good as it ever was. You wrong Sebastian, Henrietta. He does have a good heart and now that he is back here amongst people who love him, rather than in the wicked fleshpots of London, he will settle. Over the last few days, it seemed as if the little boy who used to bring me buttercups before breakfast had come back to me.’
A tiny prickle nagged at the back of Henri’s brain. Sebastian was plotting. Sophie. Today was the day she went out with Miss Armstrong. He was going to confront Sophie. Hopefully, this time, Sophie would be firm and actually tell him the truth. ‘Did he give any reason for this sudden desire to attend At Homes?’
‘I fear he thinks you have become awfully dull and censorious.’ Her aunt gave one of her silvery laughs.
‘Why have I become dull?’ Henri asked lightly.
‘He thinks you have made up your mind about him and are determined to see the worst. He wants to clearly demonstrate how he has changed and what a success he can make of his life.’ She put down the pottery shards. ‘He has sworn that he has given up gaming. And this time, I truly believe he will.’
‘It would be pleasant to think that he could change.’ Henri tapped her finger against the pile of letters. She had the uneasy suspicion that Aunt Frances was keeping something from her. Once Sebastian returned, she would speak to him about these letters. She refused to allow Aunt Frances or herself to become embroiled in some money-making scheme. It would be better for everyone if Sebastian had a new start somewhere else.
Her aunt reached for her teacup. ‘Has Mr Montemorcy gone? I had asked Cook to make cucumber sandwiches particularly.’
‘There will be more for Sebastian, then, as you seem to have given up on them.’
‘Sebastian keeps saying that cucumber is bad for my digestion. Now, why did Mr Montemorcy depart? Were you unkind to him, Henri? Do try to stay friends with him, Henrietta.’
Henri stilled. The rules for widows were slightly different from those for unmarried women, but even so, she had no wish to cause her aunt distress. As long as she was discreet and did not become the subject of common gossip, she was free to behave as she chose. ‘He departed a few moments ago as he has other business to attend to in the village. He only wished to assure himself that I was well and the journey back here had done nothing to harm my ankle.’
