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“Yes, my lord.”
“I will be in the library, but please do not hesitate to interrupt me.”
The woman was off in a flash, and Alex reluctantly returned to the library. He played two hands, all the time his mind on Natalie and why she was still asleep in mid-afternoon.
“St. John, you’re not paying attention. That card is probably the worst one you could have played.” Mr. Walker, the bridegroom—acting as his partner—shook his head.
“I am sorry, you are correct. However, I believe I shall withdraw. It appears my mind is not focused enough for the game.” He pushed his chair back and left the library. There was no sign of either Mary or his sister, Denise.
He ended up pacing in front of the stairs, his hands on his hips.
“Alex. I see you are free. Let us take a stroll in the gardens.” Mildred latched onto his arm, a bright smile on her face, but there was something in her eyes that troubled him.
He withdrew his arm. “No, Miss Walsh, I am not free to stroll in the gardens. Furthermore, I have no intention of strolling, walking, dancing, striding, promenading, or sauntering with you anywhere or any time. Our relationship has ended and will not be reestablished.”
Mildred glared at him. “Youwillmarry me, Alex. I have no other option. I need a husband.”
He shook his head. “That husband will never be me, so I suggest you come up with a better plan.”
“My lord,” Mary came down the stairs. “Lady Denise will be right down. She is now speaking with Mrs. Shaw.”
“Thank you, Mary.” How the hell was he to get rid of Mildred? The woman looked like she was settling in for a long stay and he wanted her gone so he could find out what was wrong with Natalie.
The maid scurried off and he was left with Mildred. He sighed and turned to her. “Miss Walsh, there isn’t much more I can say to you. We have ended our engagement. As a gentleman, I will not discuss the reason with you because of the chance of being overheard. However, if you keep pressing me to do something I shall never do, I might have to speak with your father and explain to him I shall never marry you.
“I have a wonderful fiancée for whom I care a great deal. I want to make sure you understand that and cease this annoyance.”
He cringed when she began to cry, but the picture in his mind of her and the footman kept him strong. Unable to stand there any longer, he turned and climbed the stairs. Although he could not go to Natalie’s bedchamber, he could certainly wait outside of it until Denise emerged.
Finally, after about ten minutes his sister came out. “Oh, Alex. I’m glad you are here.”
“What is wrong with Mrs. Shaw?”
“Nothing.”
“I find that hard to believe. She is an early riser and if she is still in bed at this hour, there must be something wrong.”
Denise sighed. “What is wrong, Brother, is someone put laudanum in her chocolate that Mary brought her this morning. That is why she has been sleeping the day away.”
Mildred.
“May I see her or would that be inappropriate.”
Denise smiled. “I understand your anxiety, Alex, but you cannot go into her bedchamber. We are having a tray sent up to her with strong tea. Once she eats, Mary will help her dress and then she will be able to join you.”
He gave her a curt nod. “I will be in the library. Please ask Mary to let me know when Mrs. Shaw has left her room.”
With a slight smile, Denise patted him on the arm. “It is so nice to see you happy again, Brother. Mrs. Shaw is a delightful woman and an excellent match for you. Mother and I couldn’t be happier.”
And how happy will you and Mother be when I tell you the engagement is over?
That was a problem for another day. Now he would occupy his time playing cards—hopefully with more concentration—and then take Natalie for another stroll in the gardens where they could enjoy a private conversation.
* * *
The food,tea, and a hot bath had brought Natalie back to herself. She had no idea what had happened to her. She had never slept an entire day away before. She remembered Mary checking on her, but she was simply too tired to get out of bed. It wasn’t until Lady Denise had arrived at her bedside and demanded she get up, eat something, and take a refreshing bath that she was able to shake off the stupor.
She was quite surprised to find Alex pacing at the bottom of the staircase when she finally left her room.
