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‘Aunt.’ Henri forced her voice to stay even. The frying pan changed everything. Someone had to look after Sophie and make sure that she was all right. Someone had to stop Robert before he compounded his error. ‘It is why I plan to go with Mr Montemorcy and make Sebastian understand his position. He has gone too far this time. Even if Mr Montemorcy discovers the pair and they are unwed, Sebastian might refuse out of pure devilment.’
Her aunt gave a reluctant nod. ‘That would be dreadful for everyone. I will go and see if Sebastian left any clues in his room.’
She hurried from the room, holding a handkerchief to her face. Henri heard a muffled sob in the corridor.
‘My aunt…believed the best of her son. She thought he’d changed.’
‘And you would be prepared to leave immediately?’ Robert raised an arrogant eyebrow. ‘Or are you like other ladies requiring several days of preparation?’
‘I can leave within the hour and we can travel throughout the night.’ Henri lifted her chin. Several days of preparation! What sort of ninny did he take her for? She could travel as swiftly as any man. Swifter than most. ‘Did Sophie leave her maid?’
‘She did.’ Robert waved a dismissive hand. ‘I have already interviewed her. She knows nothing or at least nothing she is willing to say to me.’
‘Grace can come with us,’ Henri said, concentrating on the practicalities rather than on what Robert had done. ‘My aunt and I share a maid and I have no wish to deprive Aunt Frances. Grace can serve me for now. Sophie will be glad of her.’
‘You appear to have worked everything out in a very short period, Thorndike.’
‘It’s my family’s honour at stake as well yours, Mr Montemorcy.’ Henri crossed her arms. It hurt beyond describing knowing that she loved him and that he hated her—hadn’t trusted her enough to give her the benefit of the doubt in this awful situation. ‘If you refuse to allow me to join forces, I’ll go on my own. I want to clear my name, and I’ll take great pleasure in watching you eat humble pie.’
He grabbed her elbow and murmured in her ear, ‘One of us will. If you are playing games, Thorndike, you will regret it.’
‘Are you a coward, Montemorcy?’ she asked in an undertone. ‘Or are you worried about something else?’
A muscle jumped in his cheek. ‘Nothing. Do you know what you are doing?’
‘I can assure you that I’m able to control my desires,’ she said with dignity. He should have believed her without question. She’d mistaken lust for something more. And it would be a lesson to her. The only way she knew how to get over hurt was to concentrate on someone else, and the nearest person to hand was Sophie Ravel. But whatever happened after this adventure, she and Robert were finished. Somehow the prospect made her feel unbearably sad. She was not ready for it to end. She wanted Robert to admit his mistake. She wanted to find a way, but happy-ever-afters only happened in fairy tales.
His cool eyes assessed her. ‘Very well, you may come, Lady Thorndike, if you’re ready within the hour.’
Chapter Fourteen
To Robert’s astonishment, Henri was waiting in Dyvels’ courtyard with her portmanteau at her feet and a fearsome expression on her face when he returned with the carriage an hour later. And he knew that he had made a grave error. He had been far too ready to believe in her guilt, far too ready to condemn.
‘We should have an hour or two before the carriage lamps need to be lit and it never gets truly dark at this time of year,’ Henri said as he alighted. She moved briskly towards the carriage and he knew the ultraefficient Thorndike was back. Somewhere beneath all those layers was the passionate woman he had held in his arms this morning. His desire to reach that woman confused him. He was supposed to believe in logic, not emotions. ‘We can make good time if your carriage is fast. My aunt’s is cumbersome at best and liable to break down. Sebastian—’
‘We need to discuss this morning,’ Robert said in an undertone, touching her elbow. She jumped as if his touch burnt her, he noted with grim satisfaction. ‘Before you get into the carriage. Too much is unsettled.’
Henri caught her lip between her teeth and turned her head away. Her poke bonnet shadowed her face. ‘This morning is best forgotten. An aberration. A mistake I should bitterly regret. Giving in to passion was wrong. Logic shall rule every move from now on. Pray do not refer to it again.’
‘But I’m very glad you did.’ He kept his back straight, but his heart sank. This was going to be harder than he had considered. He’d hoped that after a few words of apology, all would be well.
