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“It is highly unlikely now but thank you.” Louisa walked out to the waiting carriage and then cried herself back to London.
HARRY DOUSED THE SMOLDERING timbers with one more bucket of water. The tenants and several servants from the house had all helped to put out the fire, but the stubborn blaze had destroyed the home and left Mrs. Smith with burns on her legs. The physician had done what he could to help her before leaving her in the capable hands of Mrs. Hill, who assisted the tenants with some minor healing.
“I think that is about it, Your Grace,” Mr. Hill commented as he stared at the destruction.
“Yes,” he replied, wiping a sooty hand across his weary brow. “I will look in on Mrs. Smith before I head back. Tomorrow I will have Mr. Fernwood stop by and get things started on rebuilding. There is still an empty home on the south side of the estate where the Smiths can stay until their house is rebuilt. Please make sure if they need anything to put it on my account in the village.”
“Thank you, sir. I will be sure to tell them. I can’t tell you how glad we were to see you here.” Hill looked down at the ground. “Many lords of your station wouldn’t have cared.”
“You’re my tenants, Mr. Hill. My responsibility. I apologize for not being here more.”
“Sir, we all knew you were in mourning. Mr. Fernwood is a good man and kept everything in order.”
“Goodnight, then.” Harry sighed as he walked back to the estate. Guilt slid over him. Leaving the estate with only Mr. Fernwood for two years had been irresponsible. A duke had responsibilities, and he had neglected his far too long. He was bone tired and wanted nothing but a bath and bed, but knowing Louisa, she would be waiting for him to finish their row.
As he reached the house, the front door opened, and a footman greeted him. “Good evening, Your Grace. We’ve had bath water heating for you. I will get the lads to bring it up no
w.”
“Thank you.”
He dragged himself up to his bedchamber and warily opened the door, expecting to see Louisa. Finding the room empty, he prayed she was pouting in her room for now. He needed time to bathe and rest before facing her. The door was open to the bathing room, and he could hear the footmen filling the copper tub.
He removed his filthy clothes and then sank into the half-full tub. The footmen continued to fill it as he leaned back, closed his eyes, and let his muscles relax.
“Send up a tray of sandwiches,” he requested.
“Of course, Your Grace.”
“Did Miss Drake eat supper?” When no one answered, he opened his eyes to find the two footmen giving each other strange looks. “What is wrong?”
“Miss Drake departed for London not long after you left to assist with the fire, Your Grace.”
“Dammit!” He’d told her they would finish their argument when he returned. How could she be that upset over their quarrel? She had to know he loved her.
But he hadn’t told her, had he?
Dammit!
“That’s enough water, boys. Pack a bag for me.”
“Are you leaving tonight, sir?”
Harry released a long sigh. He’d most likely fall off his horse if he tried to ride tonight. “No, at first light.”
That would get him there by noon. He’d pay a call on Louisa to finish their discussion and make sure she understood that no matter the scandal, no matter the talk, no matter what, she would be his wife within a fortnight.
But what if she refused?
She could not. There was a chance she might be carrying his child right now. She would have no choice but to marry him. Not that he wanted her to feel forced into marriage, he wanted her willing, knowing how much he loved her.
Why hadn’t he told her last night?
Because he was a fool, no doubt about it. Instead of telling her how much he loved her, he’d foolishly spoken about his first wife. He was an idiot. But he would fix everything tomorrow, assuming she didn’t do anything impulsive like accept Collingwood.
He finished cleaning the soot and grime off him determined to eat something and then sleep so he’d be ready to ride at dawn. After completing his bath, he walked into his room and opened the box on his bureau. He picked up the sapphire ring with diamonds on the band and smiled. Her eyes were not as dark as the gem, but still, it reminded him of her.
He placed the ring on the nightstand, so he would not forget it in the morning.
