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“One of the captains who just arrived from that area had a message for me. The mine has hit a rich vein. We are rich! But, we must get there right away to oversee production and the distribution of the profits.”
Zander gaped at his friend for several moments.
“Please do not tease me about this, my friend.”
“I assure you, I am quite in earnest. I propose we set sail at first light.” A delighted smile covered Owen’s face. “In fact, your cabin is ready. You can simply send for whatever it is you need from Slattery Hall.”
Thereupon Zander grew serious. He could not leave Tallie.
“Zander, what is wrong? I thought you would be pleased by this news. I know I am.” Owen tilted his head, giving Zander a quizzical look.
“Tallie,” was all he could say.
“But, is she not to be married soon? I know you will be unhappy to miss the nuptials, but time is of the essence. Surely she will understand. No doubt she is caught up in the excitement of wedding plans and young love, so your absence will hardly be noticed.”
“I fucked her in the arse last night.”
Owen, who had taken a hearty sip of whiskey, spewed it across the room and choked until Zander had to slap him on the back repeatedly.
Once they had resumed their seats, Owen spoke again. “That does seem like a significant change in circumstances. Unless she still intends to go through with the marriage. She would not be the first to have a dalliance before marriage.”
“No, the marriage is not happening. You may be the only person in London who has not heard about the scene she caused in Hyde Park yesterday afternoon.”
“Wait, I did hear about a young lady who denounced her betrothed in the middle of the afternoon promenade...”
“That’s my Tallie.”
“Do you have feelings for her?”
Zander paused before replying. “I love her with every fiber of my being.” It was the most truthful statement he had ever made.
Owen took a careful sip of his whiskey before saying, “Sounds like she is perfect for you. And just the sort of wife who would much prefer life in South America to London.”
“As a matter of fact, she is.”
* * *
In just a few hours, Tallie had read and reread the letter from Zander so many times the edges already had tattered. As the day wore on with no word from him, she clung to the bit of paper for reassurance of his return.
Of course, she told herself, it was foolish to think he had run out on her. He had said they would work everything out when he returned and she had to trust him.
Absolutely she trusted him and she would prove as much to herself and him by not allowing the demons in her thoughts to cloud her thinking. She busied herself with a few tasks. The books that usually held her attention did not provide sufficient distraction. When she found herself staring out the window, eyes searching the streets for him, she forced herself to turn away.
If only she could go out for a walk or to pay a call upon one of her friends, anything to speed up time, which currently moved at the pace of cold treacle.
She eyed the front door. Would it really be so horrible if she went out for a few minutes for just a bit of fresh air?
In the meantime, you are not to leave Slattery Hall. Do not discuss the events of last night with anyone.
The nerve endings in her bottom tingled as she envisioned Zander’s reaction if he caught her disobeying him.
Movement in the room drew her attention to the doorway and she turned, her heart fluttering in hopes of seeing Zander. Instead, it was the butler. “Pardon me, my lady, but Lady Julia Grummond has called for you. Are you at home for callers?”
Oh, thank heavens. If anyone could fill an afternoon it was Julia, her old school friend. “Yes, of course, please show her in.”
Her conscience pricked for a moment, but Zander’s letter said she was not to leave the house and said nothing of visitors. She could hardly turn away her dear, dear friend Julia, could she? And if Zander had meant for her not to have callers, he would have said as much, which he most assuredly had not.
“Julia, how grand that you have called. I am in a mood for a good chat. What news have you to share?”
