Page 51 of A Love to Remember
“I see.” But he didn’t. The maid seemed upset with him, which was hardly surprising. She’d been with Rose for many years and would know it was Philip who had walked away.
Apparently, those few words were all Rose had sent him because the woman turned to go.
Philip stopped her. “One moment. I have news about His Grace’s accident.” But with the child sleeping in her room he could hardly visit her tonight. “Please tell Her Grace I wish to see her tomorrow.”
The maid stopped. Now she turned back, and her face was coldly furious. “See her? Why don’t you just write another note? To treat her that way—I had thought better of you. Her Grace deserves better than you.”
On those cryptic words she continued on her way.
Note? “What note?” he called, but she did not stop.
If he hadn’t already caused such a scandal tonight by planting Tremain a facer he’d have gone straight up to Rose’s room. Drake would also be there. Damn it all. He would have to wait until morning.
The maid might never forgive him for ending his affair with her mistress, but he hoped one day Rose would understand and do so. It would be unlikely. Only one responsible for another’s death could understand his vow. How could anyone else?
What others thought did not matter. It was his vow and his alone. He would know. Robert would know. God would know.
He hoped it would be enough. When he saw Robert once more he hoped he would have atoned for his selfish acts. He hoped Robert would be proud of him.
Chapter 15
“What do you mean Her Grace is gone?”
Philip glared at the maid the next morning as she was cleaning the empty bedchamber.
“I don’t know, my lord. Her Grace and the young duke left at dawn.”
He stopped scowling. There was no point in frightening the poor girl, and he wouldn’t get the answers he wanted from a maid.
Kirkwood must know what was going on. It was not yet ten, but he turned on his heel and made for Kirkwood’s study.
Why had Rose fled? And why had she not come to him for help.Because you’ve made it clear she’s not important enough to you.The blood pounded in his head, and trepidation gripped him. On the open road she and Drake were an easy target.
There was another possibility, of course.
He turned away from Kirkwood’s study and strode toward the dining room. To his relief, Tremain was not only still in residence, but also sitting at the table breaking his fast with Mr. Hemllison.
Philip’s immediate concern for Rose eased slightly. Tremain would not be carelessly plowing through kippers if he’d assisted Rose to leave. And Philip was not about to tell the man anything, either, just in case.
Mr. Hemllison saw him before he could slip away, so Philip entered and walked directly to Tremain. “Tremain, my sincere apologies for my behavior last night. I had too much brandy.”
Tremain’s surprise was evident but he recalled his manners. “Apology accepted, my lord. I may have overstepped good manners myself.”
The two men shook hands.
“Why don’t you join us for breakfast, my lord?” Mr. Hemllison said.
Philip smiled at the man and said, “Thank you, sir. I would, but Lord Kirkwood is expecting me. I look forward to the hunt later this afternoon. Gentlemen.” With that he slipped away.
As he made his way to Kirkwood’s study, he considered Tremain.
Could Tremain know about the contents of Roxborough’s will? If so, how? And would the man have stomach enough to put a plan like this into action? He was desperate, yes. But Mr. Hemllison seemed willing for Tremain to court his daughter—so why risk his neck by plotting murder?
The more Philip thought about it the less likely it appeared that Tremain was their man. The fact that he had no other suspect made his gut tighten.
As soon as he’d spoken to Kirkwood he would go after Rose.
Something had made her bolt. What? And why?
