Page 84 of Sacrificing the Untamed Lady Henrietta
“No… I suppose my own fears are beginning to creep in. I have tried to swallow them, but they are rather persistent.”
He glanced down and looked into her eyes. “I will not let any harm come to you, I swear it on all I hold dear.”
“Do you truly promise?”
“Cross my heart.”
Henrietta turned her gaze back toward the horizon. “That comforts me.”
“I am glad that it does.”
She smiled. “How did we come to be here, like this?”
“Well, we were married against both of our wills, and we have made the best of it. It has taken time, but from a tentative friendship, affection has developed. I suppose it is the natural order of lasting love,” he said, his gaze dropping as he realized what he had said.
Henrietta chuckled at his bashfulness, though she felt his words keenly.Does he love me? Truly?She had never expected it from him, but she did not mind the idea so much anymore.
“You believe we will be blessed with a lasting love?” she queried shyly, not turning to face him. She could not, lest his expression give him away.
“I think we may, if we are very, very fortunate,” he murmured, pulling her closer to him. He felt warm against the cold night, her head resting on his shoulder as they looked out toward the sea together.
In that moment, she almost able forget about the face she had seen in the window, putting it down to the nascent moonlight that peeked out from behind a cloud.A reflection, that’s all it was—the ghost of a frightened imagination.At least, that is what she hoped it was.
* * *
With two days to go before the Autumn Ball at Scampston Hall, the afternoon came when Henrietta was supposed to meet with Isobel in the alleyway behind the postal office. She had considered not going, knowing it was likely that the mysterious woman would not show up. After all, she had run from her on two occasions now—why would she appear now?
Funnily enough, after accidentally chasing Isobel away on those two occasions, an entire five days had passed without incident. There had been no letters, no messages, no words of warning. All had been silent, and Henrietta didn’t know whether to be glad of the quiet or be fearful of it. Had the girl reported to Seth, and he had told her to be more discreet? It seemed like it.
However, curiosity would not allow her to remain at the Old Bell, if there was even the slightest chance that Isobel would arrive. Besides, the gentlemen were busy making arrangements for the ball in two days’ time, and her mother had taken to her bed with an anxiety-induced headache. Nobody would miss her for an hour or so.
“Where are you going in such a hurry?” Ewan asked suspiciously, catching her on her way out of the door.
“I have an appointment,” she replied.
“With that woman?”
She shrugged. “If she appears. I doubt she will, and yet, I have to know.”
“I will accompany you.”
“You are busy with preparations. You need not trouble yourself.”
He smiled. “It is not a request, My Lady. With all of these worrying things happening around you, I am not letting you out of my sight. Gerome told me of your jaunt the other day, when you said you were taking the carriage to Fordham’s. I did not mention it, as you are free to do as you please, but I do not like the idea of you being in harm’s way whilst I know nothing of your whereabouts.”
Henrietta gaped at him. “Gerome told you where I was? How did he know? Are you having me followed now?” Her tone was sharper than she’d intended, but he only laughed in response.
“Not at all. He was already at Fordham’s when you were supposed to be there. He spotted the carriage by the promenade and noted you hiding in one of the shelters. He did not care to disturb you, as he is polite to a fault, but he did inform me of your curious behavior.” He paused, offering a disappointed look. “Fortunately, I guessed what you were up to. Gerome, no doubt, finds you somewhat strange.”
“You might have mentioned it, instead of embarrassing me in this manner,” she chided.
“And deny me the pleasure of seeing your surprised face?”
“You are too cruel, my Lord Marquess.”
“Only to be kind, my Lady,” he replied. “Now, shall we venture into town? Either you allow me to accompany you, or you do not go. It is entirely your choice.”
Henrietta folded her arms across her chest. “Well, apparently it is not.” She huffed out a sigh. “Very well. If you must come, then we must leave now, or else we shall be late.”
