Selina had not even thought of that; she had only thought of disappearing. And it would not just be Philip who worried about her, but her mother, her friends, the Dowager Duchess…
It would be terribly selfish, in fact, for her to run without telling a soul.
“I should return,” she said quietly. “I should return and speak to Philip immediately.”
Yes, she knew what she had heard, and she had some additional doubts thanks to Mary’s parting words, but should she not give Philip the opportunity to explain himself? Hear it from him directly before she decided her fate, one way or the other?
“I will take you back,” Lord Ramsbury offered, gesturing to his calm horse. “It will be quicker.”
Selina hesitated. “I suppose itisrather far, but should you not get your horse into a stall, out of the wet and cold?”
“He is a sturdy beast,” Lord Ramsbury replied. “Besides, I could not possibly do such a thing while you are still out here, also in the wet and cold. Come, let me put things right. It is the very least that I can do.”
Selina took a step toward the horse. “But why areyouout here?”
“I was weary of the company in the drawing room,” he explained. “At home, I often ride after dinner. Had I known theweather would be so bad, I might have restricted myself to a constitutional in the gardens.”
“So, no one has noticed my absence?”
He tilted his head from side to side. “I think your friends were justbeginning to search the manor for you when I left. I misunderstood, thinking it must be some game or other, so I am even more glad that I found you.” He paused. “I should hate for anyone to think I did not care for your whereabouts. No matter what has transpired between us, Lady Selina, you are still a friend to me.”
Shewould not have gone that far, considering him more of an acquaintance, but she was grateful for his kindness. Especially since she was just beginning to shiver.
“Very well,” she said with a smile, reaching for the saddle and pulling herself up. “Let us return to the warmth as quickly as possible.”
To her slight surprise, Lord Ramsbury climbed up behind her, his arms forming a protective barrier around her as he grabbed the reins, turned the horse around, and set off through the trees she had just come through.
The fastest path, no doubt.
