Page 62 of Death at Fournier Downs
In her fathomless humiliation, she realized he had never intended to offer for her. He had simply used her as a bit of sport, his words of love hollow and delivered with only one objective in mind. As Philip had professed a desire to do earlier, Audrey wished to call the heartless blackguard out. How a man could be so unfeeling and callous toward an innocent, untried young lady stupefied her.
When Audrey finally returned to her own room, she was thankful not to find Philip waiting for her. They were both angry, both overwhelmed, and though the murders had been solved, the turmoil was not at an end. Something would have to be done about Cassandra. Her mind would not cooperate, though, and so Audrey dismissed Greer and fell into bed, shutting out every thought that tried to gain entry.
Not unexpectedly, her thoughts were waiting for her as soon as she woke at dawn. The first through, without surprise, was the memory of Hugh Marsden crossing the uneven ledges at the quarry pit and bringing her into the safety of his arms. They had each lingered, neither of them moving to disentangle from their embrace. He’d touched her cheek. Her lips. As Audrey lay in bed, her eyes still closed, she allowed herself the briefest moment of freedom to imagine what might have happened had he closed the few inches of space between them and kissed her. It made every inch of her body overheat and thrum, and then, it had all been doused with a cold splash of guilt.
She opened her eyes and exhaled, a sheen of sweat covering her body. Though not from the fantasy of Hugh’s mouth pressed against her own. No, it was already sweltering hot, and the sun hadn’t yet fully risen. Audrey sat up and pushed the covers away. She had more things to think upon and worry about than a kiss that had not happened.
She put her mind to the task of bathing, dressing, and then seeking out Philip to advocate for a different fate for Cassie. She found him at the breakfast table, his wound dressing removed. He still had a throbbing headache, but he would be just fine. He was lucky. Andrea Millbury could have killed him with that blow to the back of the head.
“Mercifully, I have an infuriatingly thick skull,” he said as he dipped a corner of toast into his soft-boiled egg. He peered at her, waiting for her to make a sarcastic comment. Audrey only arched a brow at the peace offering, then allowed a smile.
Philip pushed his plate away. “I am sorry I made you cry.”
Audrey sipped her tea and nodded. “Thank you. And I’m sorry we have yet another scandal to endure.”
“That is not your fault. I was wrong to say it was.”
“You were,” she agreed, but then shook her head. “But we’ll say no more on it. Yesterday was challenging for all of us.”
He rubbed the back of his head gingerly. “Can you even imagine—killing innocent women out of fear their babies would be born bearing a mark that would betray their father’s identity? It is madness.”
The oolong tea turned bitter on the back of her tongue, and she set the cup down. “I think she also felt betrayed by her brother. After giving everything up to stand by his side, to take on a new life and identity, she feared he’d again jeopardized her dreams and her security.”
For women, so much of their lives depended upon the men who supported them. If those men failed to do so time and again, it would be natural to feel resentful and bitter.
“But she had been wrong.”
Audrey nodded. She had been, and her fear had led her to do unthinkable things.
“Cassie must marry,” Philip said after a momentary quiet. “Either that or she has the child in secret and gives it up before returning to London. There will be rumors—”
“She says Renfry does not know.”
“And he will not know.” Philip sighed. “But servants do gossip, and both Millbury and that murderess, as well as Marsden, knows.”
“Mr. Marsden will not say anything,” Audrey said. “And I’m certain no one will listen to a single thing the doctor or his sister says now.”
Then again, at the quarry, Andrea had revealed the truth about Audrey’s stay at Shadewell. Hugh knew. So did the doctor. She wondered if Hugh had dismissed the maid’s claims, but his pointed expression at the time told her he believed it. Moreso, that it had only confirmed what he’d already known. Had he known? She couldn’t imagine how. Then again, he was a superb investigator, and on the carriage ride back from Kilton House, he’d nearly persuaded her to confide in him about her uncle’s indicative remark.
Philip pushed back his chair and stood. “I’m sure you are right. If you’ll excuse me, I have a letter to write.”
She frowned. “To whom?”
“I have a friend in Sweden who might be persuaded to host Cassie through her confinement.”
Sweden. Audrey’s heart fell at what the young woman would endure the next several months. But it would be better than a loveless marriage to a revolting cad like Renfry.
The duke came to Audrey’s chair and in a show of affection that took her by surprise, leaned over and kissed the crown of her head. Then, without another word, he departed for his study. She sat still for another few moments, startled by the display of warmth. Philip did love her. They were the best of friends and partners.
However, as she, too, abandoned her breakfast, she understood that it would never be enough.
* * *
As Dr. Wilkeswould be visiting the Marquess and Marchioness Finborough to convey the news that their daughter’s murderer had been apprehended, Audrey took it upon herself to make the trip to Greely Park, to inform Lady Prescott. Greer offered to go with her, but Audrey declined. She wanted some time alone, and as soon as she was seated in the brougham and on her way, she realized why. Tears quickly formed and fell as, at last, she accepted that Charlotte was gone. She wept for her friend, for the child she had decided to keep and bear, even if it would remind her of the horrible man who had taken advantage of her sadness and loneliness.
Audrey wept for Mary, too, and for Ida Smith, who had only ever helped women in need. There were some tears for Cassie as well, but the difference was that at least she had her life. She had another chance, no matter how complicated her future appeared to be right then. Audrey removed her gloves and dashed away the tears as she heard the greeting call of an approaching driver and the clattering of tack. Her own driver slowed and made room for the oncoming carriage. She peered out the window as it passed—and met with Hugh Marsden’s momentary countenance.
His brown eyes brightened with alertness as he saw her, and then, he was gone, their carriages traveling onward in separate directions. Audrey sat forward, breathless.
