Annabelle dipped her quill and held it aloft, considering anew how to word her letter to her parents. Thus far, she’d tried several different approaches and none of them had struck her asquite right. Though her intent was to ensure that her parents had indeed learned of her wedding, she could not be sure that they had not already done so. It was possible they were merely too busy to send an acknowledgment. Or worse, they were put out by her having acted without their blessing.
She did not want to come off asneedy,for lack of a better word. Neither of her parents appreciated the sentiment from their children—although, in her opinion, Gaston had an easier time communicating his wishes to their parents than she ever had.
A single rap sounded on her door, and she turned in time to see it open. Her husband entered, bringing all his dark vitality with him.
She sent him a tentative smile, half breathless at the sight of him, as always.
Then she noticed that he had not ventured further into the chamber. He remained near the door, arms folded over his chest, gaze drifting over her in a lazy fashion. When he reached the hem of her skirts, and spotted the crumpled missives, a frown puckered his brow.
Clearing her throat, she rose and kicked the discarded versions of her letter behind her. “Good afternoon, my lord. Is there something with which I can help you?” She did not look toward the bed even though, already, arousal heated her blood.
He gave her a considering look as if contemplating his next words. “As a matter of fact, yes. You can summon Babette to pack your things for an early morning departure.”
"We're leaving? Tomorrow?”
He pressed his lips together briefly. “You and Caroline, accompanied by Chip, will depart tomorrow. You won’t be heading straight for London, however, but for Harrogate.”
She stared at him. “I do not understand.”
He stretched his neck until it gave an audible crack. “My steward has informed me that he will be arriving later than planned. Thus, I will await him while I see to matters here.”
“You do not wish for me…er…that is for your sister and me to remain here with you? Perhaps we could help.”
He did not meet her eyes. Clasping his hands behind him, he began to prowl the room. “It is not that I do not wish for you to remain, it is simply that, certain tasks require my immediate attention, and”—his jaw tensed—“I’ve decided having you here will hinder my progress unduly, and thereby delay our return to London.”
In an instant, as if she’d swallowed something rancid, her stomach pitched. Hehadgrown tired of her. Or perhaps, despite his apology, he still held a grudge for her reckless behavior yesterday.
“I see,” she somehow managed while schooling her features into a neutral mask—she hoped. Her face kept trying to crumple.
When he shot her a quick look and his eyes widened, she knew she had not succeeded.
“This is for your sake, as well,” he began, hurriedly, “As the estate needs will demand so much of my time, it will be far better for you and my sister to spend the time enjoying the waters rather than remain holed up here, bored.”
“In February?” she demanded in the haughty tone she’d long ago perfected.
“February?” he repeated.
“Never mind.” She turned her back on him and, seeking something, anything, to occupy her. She picked up the loose sheets of parchment on her writing desk. “I’m sure the baths will be heated. Thank you,” she said, stacking the papers before placing them and squaring the corners.
He’d said what he’d come to say, hadn’t he? Why didn’t he leave?
She would simply have to make him leave.
She spun to face him, chin lifted. “You know, the more I think on it, the better the idea of a holiday away from this desolate land sounds. Perhaps, we will make an extended holiday of it.”
After a brief hesitation, he inclined his head. “I think not. Caroline should not miss the Season entirely. Best if I join you at the conclusion of my business here and escort you both to London.”
She forced a scoffing laugh. “Indeed, no, sir. You’ll only spoil our fun. I insist you go on to London at your earliest convenience, just as soon as yourimportanttasks conclude.”
A slight tightening of his features indicated she’d managed to annoy him.Good.
She pressed on. “Caroline and I will take our time enjoying all that Harrogate has to offer. If and when you happen upon an acceptable candidate for your sister’s hand, you may send word. And if you don’t, perhaps we will enjoy the healthful waters for the entire Season.”
His brows slammed together. “Do you really think it wise to speak for her in this instance?”
“Very well, perhapsIwill enjoy the waters the entire Season. A lady’s companion can surely be obtained?”
He glared at her.
