AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I agree. Watching him has afforded us nothing. If he has the girl there or hidden away somewhere else, we need to know it. We need information.”
“Do you think it worth the risk to confront him?”
“I think time is running out for the girl, if it’s not already too late.”
God forbid. “Then we are resolved. Send for me when he shows up.”
Chapter Nine
Groaning, Eden scrunched her lids tightly against a sudden, intruding brightness and tried to recapture her dream. It was no use. “George’s gout, Elsie—it cannot yet be eleven,” she grumbled, pulling a pillow over her head to block out the unwelcome light.
“No, ma’am. ’Tis only ten.”
“Then what in heaven’s name are you on about? Close the curtains!”
“I cannot, ma’am. Lady Catherine ordered me to awaken you and tell you she wishes to see you with all possible haste.”
Eden uttered another groan into her pillow. Damn. It was too early to face her stepmother’s wrath. Half an hour later, still yawning, she poked her head into her stepmother’s bedchamber.
“Good morning.” She smiled as though nothing was amiss. “You are feeling much improved, I hope?”
Catherine tossed the paper she’d been reading down on the quilt beside her. “Did I not clearly state that any and all interaction between Lord Tavistoke and yourself would be handled according to my terms and conditions?”
“You did.”
“Then you may explain to me why you were seen much together throughout the Torringtons’ party—and why you made no mention of it upon your arrival home.”
“You were ill, it was late, and I did not wish to disturb you.”
“My illness had nothing to do with it. You knew very well what my reaction would be.”
“Despite what you think, I had nothing to do with his presence there,” Eden answered quickly. “I knew nothing of it until I saw him.”
“I’m fully aware he was unexpected. But no one is going to refuse an unmarried marquess entrée, Eden, especially not a woman with three unwed daughters.”
“He was invited,” said Eden. “Lady Torrington herself told me after dinner that she was thrilled he’d decided to attend. I stood and listened to her tell of how his secretary had mistakenly declined her invitation and of how he was unaware of the error until that evening. She said he was quite mortified.”
Her stepmother’s bark of derisive laughter set off a fit of coughing. “What rubbish!” she finally wheezed. “If he did receive an invitation, I suspect he himself declined it and only changed his mind upon learning of your intent to be there. I suspect he also knew I was indisposed.”
“How could he have possibly known such a thing?”
“News of my illness had already reached the far side of London by late Friday evening,” said Catherine. “I know this because I received a note on Saturday morning from Mrs. Ellingsworth offering her best wishes for my quick recovery. If she knew, then it is entirely possible he did as well. Servants talk, especially when they’ve been drinking or offered coin in exchange for information. I’ve little doubt but that Tavistoke is well informed regarding the goings on in this house.”
Eden let out an incredulous gasp. “Surely you don’t believe that to be—”
“You may cease your misguided defense of the man. My point is, I would not put it past him to hear of my indisposition and make the best of it.”
“Your hatred of him is unreasoning. He has done nothing to offend, yet you simply refuse to see any good in him.”
“He has done everything to offend!” snapped her stepmother, flushing. “His willingness to endanger your good name alarms me more than I can say.”
“Endanger my—he was the perfect example of gentlemanly conduct throughout the entire evening! And I tell you he did not know of your absence until after his arrival.”
“Then he should have left at once upon learning of it.”
“Are you mad?” Eden stared at her. “You cannot expect him to avoid events to which he has been invited simply because I happen to be present without you. As for my reputation, you may cease your worry. We remained in full sight of everyone at all times. If you’ve any doubts, then I encourage you to inquire of Lady Torrington or perhaps Lady St. Claire, as she was my chaperone for the evening.” But even as she delivered the vehement rebuttal, she knew it was futile.
“That is entirely beside the point,” persisted Catherine. “His attention alone is enough to damage you. I don’t think you quite understand the urgency of your situation.” She snatched up the paper from beside her and held it out. “Perhaps this will open your eyes.”
