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“You are very brave, Miss Trean.” Albina did not know what to say. Was he referring to her presence here in his house, pretending to be a governess? “Lord Kingston caused you additional problems and for that, I am sorry.”
The tight knot in her stomach loosened and Albina let out a slow, careful breath.
“That is not your doing, my Lord.”
“I told him to join this house party, even though I did not know his character. His sadness over the loss of his betrothed encouraged me to have him visit here so that he and I might share our situations and mayhap find something – although I do not know what – that might encourage one or both of us.” Closing his eyes, he shook his head. “Perhaps as a balm to my guilt.”
Albina tilted her head.
“You have no guilt to speak of when it comes to your brother’s disappearance, I am sure.”
Lord Addenbrook’s eyes swirled for a moment, his lips pressed flat.
“I have no part in his disappearance, certainly, but I have a great deal of guilt in the fact that he has not returned home or to his son here – and that I have done very little in the interim.”
Leaning forward in her chair, Albina spoke firmly.
“That is not so, my Lord, I am sure. You have been searching for him. You have men out still, do you not?” Seeing his nod and wishing to encourage him, Albina tried to smile. “You are doing a great deal, Lord Addenbrook.”
“I should be doing more!” One hand thumped down hard on the edge of the chair, making her jump. “Instead, I am throwing house parties and attempting to push myself into amusement and joviality. I am doing what pleasesme, rather than thinking about my brother and my nephew.” Closing his eyes, he rubbed his fingers over his brow. “I am inclined towards arrogance, as you know, Miss Trean. I am eager that others should be reminded of my status and my wealth – and yet now, I find that such things no longer hold any interest for me.” Albina did not know how to respond. Lord Addenbrook was informing her of things that were so very personal to him that she was uncertain as to what one ought to say. “However, at least I am not false.” His jaw jutted forward. “I am not at all convinced that Lord Kingston is truly as sorrowful as he appears to be about the loss of his betrothed.”
Albina’s heart squeezed painfully.
“You do not believe him?”
“A gentleman who declares himself to be so fond of his betrothed but is yet willing to behave most inappropriately with the other young ladies present is no gentleman at all.” His lips pulled to one side. “That does not speak well of myself, however, for I am a gentleman who has never shied away from dalliances, Miss Trean. However, should I ever find myself in such a position as Lord Kingston where I find myself fond of a particular young lady, I can assure you that I would never continue in such affairs.” Embarrassed, Albina looked away only to hear Lord Addenbrook groan. When she glanced back at him, he was pinching the bridge of his nose, his eyes screwed up tight. “I should not have spoken so openly.”
Albina wanted to agree, but found herself so uncomfortable that she could not form even a single word. Lord Addenbrook was being quite honest, certainly, but she was not in any sort of position where she could respond well.Although, she told herself,you trust that he would keep his word and would not behave so, should he ever find himself inclined towards…. a young lady.
Her cheeks heated and she closed her eyes. Why did she suddenly want Lord Addenbrook to be inclined towardsher? It was ridiculous, for he believed her to be a governess and were she to reveal the truth, Albina could not be sure that he would respond with understanding. She would have broken his trust in her completely and there might be no returning to their current relationship, such as it was. At present, it was not a risk she could take, despite her strange, tumultuous feelings.
Lord Addenbrook sighed heavily and drew her attention back towards himself.
“What I am trying to say, Miss Trean, is that I made a mistake in inviting Lord Kingston here. I would beg you to be very careful indeed if you have cause to come downstairs again for fear that he may be watching for you.”
Albina’s throat constricted and her hands grasped the arms of the chair tightly.
“Watching for me?”
Lord Addenbrook nodded.
“He has remarked upon your presence here already and the fact that he was attempting to coerce you this very evening does not give me cause to think well of him. You must be careful, Miss Trean.” Letting out a frustrated hiss between his teeth, Lord Addenbrook raked one hand through his hair, grimacing as he did so. “Would that I could think of a way to remove him from this house.”
Trying to calm her frantic thoughts, Albina steadied her mind and tried to speak.
“Is there any thought as to who it was that was upstairs, my Lord?” she asked, hearing the tremor in her voice. “I fear for Henry’s safety.”
Lord Addenbrook shook his head.
“It is difficult to say, Miss Trean. It could be one of the guests, I suppose, but what would be their purpose in such a thing?” Spreading his hands, he shrugged. “I will have a footman walk through the schoolroom and the nursery each morning and evening in the hope of making sure of your protection.”
“Thank you, Lord Addenbrook.” She rose. “I will leave you now.”
He was by her side before she could take even a single step away from her chair, his hand on her arm.
“I will accompany you to the staircase, Miss Trean.” There was no request, no asking her permission but rather a determination that he would do so. “And again, if there is ever something that concerns you, I beg of you to come to me at once – if you are able.”
Albina looked up into his face and found herself suddenly yearning to be in his embrace. She wanted to feel the strength of his arms about her so that she might rest her head on his shoulder and allow the weight she carried to dissipate for just a few moments.
