“Since when does he care? He’s never shown any affection towards you aside from the bizarre piano affair. No, something bothered him, and he wanted me to go home, which made two of us. He also told me he had something urgent to tell me, but he then changed his mind and didn’t say anything else.”
“Does Lord Havisham know about the safe in your parlour?” she asked.
Mama looked taken aback. “What an odd question. But as a matter of fact, yes.” She laughed. “He paid for the safe. Ridiculously expensive. It was one of his gifts for me. Why?”
“Well—”
A soft groan came from the wardrobe, and the door swung outwards again. She slammed it shut, but grimaced when another noise came. She must have hurt his injured arm.
“Angeline.” Mama shot up, her rouged lips parting. “Is there a man hiding in your wardrobe?”
“No, no, what an idea.” She leant against the door to keep it shut.
Mama’s smile held too much excitement. “Well done, darling. Who is it? Mr. North? He wasn’t at the dinner tonight.”
“No. Mama, there isn’t anyone in the wardrobe, andifthere were someone, it wouldn’t be Mr. North.”
“You don’t fool me.” Mama craned her neck to look past her. “I really want to know.”
“Please.”
“Come on.” Mama took Angeline’s hand and tugged.
At the same time, the door was pushed open, revealing a crumpled and not-at-all pleased Royston.
He closed his eyes for a moment and muttered something she didn’t understand.
“You!” Mama shifted her gaze from Royston to Angeline. “What is Baron Wharton doing here?”
Royston uncoiled his massive body out of the wardrobe. Now that he was out, it seemed incredible he’d fit in it to start with. Thank goodness his jacket covered the bandage, although the fabric was ripped, or Mama would ask more questions.
“I’m not here against your daughter’s will, madam,” he said with a strained note.
Mama’s eyes widened as she turned towards Angeline. “This is why you didn’t come to tonight’s dinner. You had anassignation with the baron after everything he did to you. To me.”
Oh, bother. Angeline was going to get a headache. “It’s not like that.”
“Why is your jacket ripped?” Mama pointed a finger at the ripped sleeve.
“A little incident.” Royston straightened his jacket.
“You should probably go,” Angeline said.
He nodded. “Ladies, I bid you goodnight. Madam, I wish to tell you that nothing happened here tonight.”
Angeline shook her head. That was the wrong thing to say.
“I’m glad I interrupted you.” Mama didn’t look as shocked as a mother should be.
“No, we weren’t doing anything,” Royston said.
“What do you mean by that? Then why are you here?” Mama said at the same time as Angeline said, “Can we let him go, please?”
“But I don’t understand. Why would you stay home and invite him without telling me if you didn’t have any debauchery in mind? Why him? He made you cry.”
“Did I?” Royston asked, furrowing his brow.
“Please.” Angeline held up her hands. “We should discuss this tomorrow. Or never.”
