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Henri sat up straight and tried not to think about an anonymous inn with white linen sheets. Only this morning, it would have been a godsend, but now everything was conspiring against her. She glanced at the maid and saw a single tear dripped down her cheek. Robert was right. Grace wasn’t well. It was one of the things she admired about him. He did think about servants as if they were people instead of objects. ‘I thought we were travelling until we caught up with Sebastian. We agreed.’
‘Your cousin likes his creature comforts. It’s late and this is an excellent inn. I’ve stayed here on business before. As we have not caught up with Sophie before night fell, they will be marrying with my blessing and in a proper church.’
Her heart sank as she remembered the frying pan. Sophie had meant to send a message, but what sort of message and why hadn’t she simply stayed at the house? Somehow, she had to find Sophie before Robert did and find out what had truly happened, what Sophie actually wanted. Then she could decide what was best…when she had all the facts. ‘We could go on…after Grace has a breath of fresh air.’
‘Why are you intent on proving how strong and capable you are? I can see you’re exhausted.’ His hand stroked her cheek. It was all she could do not to lean into the touch. The desire to be held in his embrace nearly overwhelmed her. ‘We both will need our strength. You can sleep in the carriage, but I guarantee that the beds in the inn will be softer.’
* * *
Henri watched Grace’s steady breath. The little maid had fallen asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow in the dressing room.
Henri had refused all offers of help from the innkeeper’s wife, insisting on looking after Grace. Concentrating on Grace was supposed to be an antidote to the growing anticipation in her stomach. Robert had procured private rooms for both of them.
The worst part was that, thinking about how Robert had accused her several hours later, she knew she could have made the same mistake. Superficially she could see why, but she didn’t understand how he’d made the mistake and she wanted to understand. She wanted to go back to that easy friendship they had had before, but it seemed impossible. She’d never had to forgive Edmund for anything except dying.
The feelings that were coursing through her were far too new. And she was lonely without him. The future without Robert was a bleak prospect. Was Robert right? Was it only her pride that was hurt?
‘How’s the patient?’ Robert asked from the doorway. His hair flopped over his forehead and tiredness etched his face.
‘Asleep. I gave her a sleeping draught.’ Henri schooled her features and held up her bag. If she kept the conversation on Grace, he’d never guess her thoughts and desires. She wasn’t ready to open herself up to more hurt. ‘I came prepared. I’ve no idea of the state Sophie will be in. Poor Grace. Her head pained her. No doubt the day’s events overcame her. She couldn’t have continued on. You were right to stop. I wish I’d seen it earlier.’
‘You’re admitting that you were wrong. Is this a first, Thorndike?’
She concentrated on the coverlet and winced. ‘I’m not perfect. I know how imperfect I am, but it doesn’t stop me trying. Far easier to look after someone than give in to self-pity.’
‘You always think of others.’ He didn’t move from the doorway. ‘Now it’s time for someone to think about you. You need to eat, Henri.’
‘I will survive. I had muffins for tea with Aunt Frances.’
‘It’d be a shame to let the light supper the innkeeper’s wife has prepared go to waste. I had her lay a table in your room.’
The merest mention of food was enough to set her stomach rumbling. She pressed her hand against her gown.
‘I was going to sit beside Grace.’
‘You need to eat. I insist.’
‘Do you?’
‘Someone has to look after you.’ His eyes danced. ‘You weren’t made for martyrdom, but you seem intent on trying for it. No one will think better of you if you stay here.’
He caught her hand and raised it to his lips. The warmth radiated throughout her body. She looked up into the shifting browns in his eyes, teetered and knew she was lost.
‘You shouldn’t have. I can look after myself.’
‘It’s what makes it so much fun.’ He gave a half-smile.
‘I asked the innkeeper’s wife to make enough for two. You can watch me eat if you like, but you will take a look at it. There is a meat pie.’
His fingers closed around her arm and he led her from the small room to a much larger one. As he promised, a cold supper with salads and a variety of pies and a jug of wine was laid out in front of a small crackling fire. She also noticed the four-poster bed hung with dark blue velvet curtains and piled high with pillows, a feather bed and white linen sheets. Her hand gripped her reticule until the beaded pattern dug into her palm as she remembered his earlier promise. It would be easy to turn in his arms and demand he take her to bed. Even the thought made her breath catch.
