Lady Hightower had seemed pleased to hear it, though Rosalind found the lady otherwise rather inscrutable.
Except for Lady Hightower’s sudden appearance and having to leave Conbatten’s arms for the lady’s carriage, the plan had come off without a hitch.
She’d found herself in Conbatten’s arms, and glorious arms they were. It had been heaven to collapse into them.
The memory of that had taken up all her thoughts until she was once more in her own carriage and on the way home.
She could not speak to her sisters about anything that had happened, as Darden had insisted on riding with them.
As her brother went on and on about how Conbatten had handled the whole circumstance with such aplomb and how he really must seriously consider inviting him into the YBC on account of it, Rosalind’s thoughts began to be less on Conbatten’s arms and more on his words.
Or rather, lack of words.
Why, after she’d informed him in the clearest possible terms that he’d satisfied her requirement for courage and bravery, had he not declared his love for her?
What was he waiting for?
Rosalind once more got that sick feeling that perhaps he did not feel as she did.
But then, how could it be so? Why would the fates use her in such a manner?
It did not seem possible. Did he not always make a point of coming straight to her when they found themselves in the same sphere?
In all of the workings of the plan for a pickpocket to rob her, that had been the one piece of it that she had not been certain how to work out. How to be sure he was nearby and not off with another party and being distracted by them.
She’d not needed to arrange that bit of business at all. He’d come right to her on his arrival.
Her aunt had helpfully waved so that he might see them, and then he’d come straight over.
Finally, they arrived back to the house. Darden was still talking but, blessedly, her aunt interrupted him.
“I do think Rosalind still seems pale, Lord Darden.”
“Oh, yes, of course, poor Rosalind,” Darden said, seeming to finally remember that that situation had notonlyinvolved Conbatten.
“I think we shall take Rosalind above stairs and order a tea tray. Tea is always very reviving,” Miss Mayton said.
“And we will keep her company while she revives,” Juliet said.
“Of course we will,” Viola said.
“We will be right by your side, Rosalind,” Cordelia said.
“I will help you up the stairs, Rosalind,” Darden said.
“There is no need, Lord Darden,” her aunt said. “We can manage very well. In any case, I am certain you wish to be off to your club to report the extraordinary events of the day.”
Darden nodded vigorously. “That is true,” he said. “The members must all hear of Conbatten.”
Thanks to MissMayton’s good management, the sisters were secluded in Rosalind’s bedchamber with a generous tray of biscuits and a pot of tea. There had been much assurance made to the earl that Rosalind was quite recovered and no damage done, she was only tired.
“Do say what is wrong, Rosalind,” Cordelia said. “From my view, the thing went off wonderfully.”
“Oh yes, our plan came off,” Rosalind said. “But Conbatten did not declare himself. I made certain he understood that he had met my requirement as he carried me to Lady Hightower’s carriage, but he said nothing.”
“Perhaps it was too much of a surprise,” Miss Mayton said. “After all, it was onlyusthat were expecting a pickpocket. He knew nothing about it.”
“He did not seem overcome with surprise, though,” Rosalind said.
