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Despite her growing fury, the sight of Caroline’s desperate face moved her. “Very well. I dislike being held hostage in this manner, but for Caroline’s sake I’ll make the effort.” The visible relief on Rowena’s face at the concession grated on her nerves. “However, do not expect me to apologize to her for what I said—or to accept her son’s suit. He is a brute and a liar, and I will have no part of him.”
“Of course not,” said Charles without hesitation. “I don’t know what passed between you and his mother, though I expect to be fully informed forthwith,” he added, looking pointedly at his wife, “but after spending a full day in his company, I can honestly say I have no desire to see the Yarboroughs become part of our family.”
Unexpectedly, Rowena nodded agreement. “I am of like mind. Should he press for your hand, his suit will not be considered.” She paused, seeming to wrestle with herself for a moment. “Eleanor, I would not ask you to humble yourself if I thought there was any other way. I did try, but Lady Yarborough will only accept your contrition.”
“That will be most difficult, as I have none,” Eleanor snapped. That she should bend knee, albeit metaphorically, to such a woman was both ridiculous and insulting. But she would do it for Caroline. “However, I’ll do my best to at least appear remorseful.”
“Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet,” Eleanor warned. “She’s furious with me and from the look she gave me just now that’s not likely to change over a few words.”
“Nevertheless, I do appreciate your willingness to try.” Rowena looked at her with such concern
that it made her heart turn. “Do be careful, dear. Neither of them is of significant rank, but their newfound wealth may broaden their sphere of influence. And duke’s daughter or not, you are as vulnerable as any when it comes to gossip. There is only so much we can do to protect you.”
“I understand,” Eleanor replied. She stood just as servants entered bearing dessert. “If you will excuse me, my appetite is quite gone. I think I shall go to bed now.”
Charles rose, too, waving off the attendants and their sweets. “And I, as well. You and Caroline are sharing the room next to ours. We will escort you upstairs.”
Eleanor followed them in silence, wishing with all her might that they were back at home where she could retreat in privacy. Then she remembered that Holbrook wasn’t really “home” anymore.
“I shall call for hot water to be brought up to you,” said Rowena as they unlocked the door.
“Thank you,” said both Eleanor and Caroline at the same time.
Charles poked his head in and glanced around the room. “Not that I expect any trouble, but you have only to knock on the wall or call out if we are needed,” he said quietly. “Wincanton is just on the other side of you, as well.”
So close… Eleanor’s spine tingled, and she wondered at it. Was it her conscience pricking her again, or was it something else? She had no time to decide either way.
“Where are Sir Yarborough and his mother staying?” whispered Caroline, speaking for the first time in more than half an hour.
“Across the hall,” answered Charles, jerking his chin in that general direction. “So watch how loudly you converse.”
“Good night, Ellie, Caroline,” said Rowena. “Lock the door behind us.”
Immediately after doing so, Eleanor went to the narrow bed against the far wall and sat, claiming it. On the other side of this wall, there might be another bed just like this one. And in it, Sorin might be resting even now, his head on a pillow, just inches away. The thought was both comforting and disturbing.
“I’m so sorry, Eleanor,” said Caroline, coming to sit beside her.
“It was not your fault,” Eleanor answered, wishing she would just be quiet and let it go. “It was mine. I ventured my opinion without thinking of the impact it might have on others. I should have had better self-discipline than to allow her to get under my skin.”
“If it is any consolation, I agree with everything you said to her,” said Caroline. “And—and I can definitely see now that Sir Yarborough is not someone I would ever want as a suitor. You were right about him.” She made a face. “But even if he were not a complete ass, I certainly would not want her for my mother-in-law. I’ll do my best to distance myself from him during the remainder of our journey.”
Though glad to hear it, Eleanor knew it wouldn’t be that simple. “You’ve accepted an invitation to tea, remember? You cannot renege without a valid excuse, of course, but I would advise that you break ties with them soon afterward, lest everyone assume you are being considered for a match.”
Caroline frowned. “You were just invited to tea by Lady Wincanton. Does that not put you in the same position?”
Eleanor blinked in surprise and then forced out a little laugh. “Our situations are entirely different. I’ve known Lord and Lady Wincanton practically all my life, while you’ve only just met the Yarboroughs. Everyone knows Sorin is a sort of older brother to me—perhaps even an uncle, given the difference in our ages. No one will think anything of it.”
Inwardly, she squirmed. ‘Uncle’ was a bit of a stretch, but it was too late now. She was determined to use such assumptions to her advantage, but she would have to be careful. Her best hope now lay in Lady Wincanton, who had referred to her in very motherly terms tonight. She would foster that rapport—in private and in public. Not only would it fend off the Yarboroughs, but it might help Sorin see her potential as a wife.
Again, she quailed at the thought of what might happen if she succeeded in changing his view of her. Is that something I truly want? She tried to sort out the muddle of thoughts and feelings provoked by the idea, concentrating on the positives. He is handsome. And intelligent. And kind to a fault. He’s a good man—one of the finest I know. And despite his sometimes starchy demeanor, he has a rare sense of humor. We’ve always gotten on quite well. Altogether, it would be an excellent—
“I have little reason to believe either Lady Yarborough or her son has any genuine interest in me, anyway,” said Caroline, her face settling into an expression of grim resignation. In truth, I really think they’ve only been nice to me in order to get to you.” She sighed. “I did not anticipate needing to be concerned with such ruses until after we reached London.”
“Caroline, there will be gentlemen interested in you for more than just your fortune and connections. You must believe that.”
“Oh, I do,” said Caroline, her chin rising. “But Sir Yarborough is not among them. He would not have looked at me twice were I not your friend.”
