Page 92 of Lady Edith and the Registry Office
They were all silent for a moment.
“Perhaps she is related to someone who died on the HMSSt. George?” Louisa asked. “Or the lieutenant who took his own life?”
Nathaniel wondered how Louisa knew so much about the tragic events in his past. He noticed the ladies exchange a glance. Edith knew about his past as well. He felt the room spin and then right itself as he took several deep breaths.
“How do you know about Lt. Cooper?” he asked with a frown.
“Alicia mentioned there were events in your past that often make you feel sad,” Edith said hesitantly. She added softly, “Charlotte filled in the details.”
“Is that why you’ve suddenly found me more interesting, Lady Edith? Because I’m a tragic soul?” He hated the words he was saying but couldn’t stop himself. The last thing he wanted was her pity.
The lady shook her head. “Alicia and Lord Ashford are worried for you. Worried that your happy demeanor is a mask.”
“So mydemeanoris a topic of speculation by my friends and family.” He got to his feet. “I hope my moods have provided everyone with sufficient entertainment. Good day.”
Cecil also rose to his feet, placing a hand on Nathaniel’s shoulder.
He shook off the hand as he said, “I’m going to my club. Alone.”
He strode from the library out onto the pavement without a backward glance. The weather was clear, thank goodness, as he felt the need for a very long walk.
Chapter Thirty
Edith was quite takenaback by Lord Harbury’s behavior as he had never been anything but scrupulously polite to her.
“I’ll be in contact if I find out any further information about our Mrs. Stafford.” Lord Wycliffe bowed and exited the library.
“Are you all right?” Louisa asked once Lord Wycliffe was gone.
Edith felt a weight descend upon her shoulders. “I think I’ve hurt Lord Harbury.”
“I always thought there was more to the baron than his jovial behavior.” Louisa sighed. “He had some horrible experiences during the war, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he feels some guilt over surviving the sinking of theSt. George.”
Instead of talking to the baron to offer comfort, Edith had observed him like an experiment.
“I need to apologize to Lord Harbury. And I will. I’ll give him time to calm down and then beg his forgiveness.” She stood up as resolve flowed through her. “Shall we return to Hanover Square? We need to find out how to get on those hulks. I wonder if Diana knows anything helpful about our fake Mrs. Stafford. I’ll send her a letter once we return home.”
