Page 50 of One Waltz with the Viscount

As Sarah uttered her name she thought Lady Kingsley’s eyes narrowed just a fraction further, and she felt a flicker of hope. She certainly had never crossed paths with Lady Kingsley before, so there was a good chance she recognised the name from Selina visiting.

‘Perhaps I can hurry my husband along. What did you say your business with him was pertaining to?’

‘I didn’t,’ Lord Routledge said, softening his words with a smile. ‘But it regards an opportunity I wish to talk to him about.’

Lady Kingsley held his eye for a moment, then returned his smile with one of her own. Sarah felt as though she was trapped in a game where she did not understand the rules.

After a tense few seconds Lady Kingsley excused herself and left the room.

‘Did you see that?’ Lord Routledge murmured.

‘She recognised my name.’

‘Either Lord Routledge has been very honest with his wife about his previous indiscretions, or she has met your sister recently.’

Sarah tried not to allow her hopes to rise too much, but finally it felt as though she was a step closer to finding her sister.

There were heavy footsteps on the stairs and the door to the drawing room burst open. Standing on the other side was a man in his mid-fifties, scowling as he looked into the room.

‘What is the meaning of this?’ he demanded, forgoing any pretence at niceties.

Next to her she felt Lord Routledge take a tiny step forward, so his body was in between her and Sir William’s.

‘Good morning, Sir William,’ Lord Routledge said, his voice totally calm.

‘What is the meaning of this?’ Sir William demanded again, as Lady Kingsley appeared behind him in the doorway.

‘Might I suggest we take a seat and discuss things calmly and rationally.’

Sir William’s face turned an even deeper shade of red. ‘You’re lucky I respect your father so much. Coming into my home and telling me what to do.’

Sarah felt some of the nervous anticipation drain out of her. Standing in front of her was a preposterous middle-aged man. She did not wish for anything from him, so he had no way to hurt her, nothing he could hold over, her except perhaps some knowledge about where Selina was or when he had seen her.

‘Hello, Father,’ she said calmly. It was meant to inflame the situation and Sarah had judged right. Sir William roared and took a few steps into the room. Lady Kingsley let out a dramatic moan.

Sir William came within touching distance before Lord Routledge put his hands on the older man’s chest to restrain him, keeping him out of reach of Sarah.

‘There will be no violence,’ he said firmly. ‘I suggest you calm yourself and we sit and discuss this like rational adults.’

Sir William looked as though he was considered violence as the only way forward, but after a moment some of his anger dissipated and he stepped back. He motioned for them to take a seat.

‘I do not appreciate being ambushed like this. In my own home no less.’

‘You would rather we did this in public?’ Sarah asked, her confidence returning as she remembered she cared nothing for this man or what he thought of her.

‘Do not be insolent, young lady.’

She bit back a retort, realising she did not wish to argue. She wanted only to know if he had seen Selina.

‘I am here because I think you are my father,’ Sarah said, ignoring the second dramatic moan that came from Lady Kingsley’s direction. ‘After my mother passed away, my sister and I found some letters you had sent to her.’

‘Unsigned,’ Sir William muttered, but motioned for her to go on.

‘I want to be clear, Sir William. I want nothing from you. I do not wish to get to know you, I do not ask for any money or advantage.’

Lady Kingsley snorted and Sir William turned to her, irritation in his eyes. ‘Be quiet,’ he snapped, evidently not caring about the upset and embarrassment on his wife’s face.

He turned back to Sarah. ‘If you want nothing, then I would have to question why you are here.’