To Marry A Matchmaker (Historical Romance) (14 page)

A distinct gleam came into his eyes. ‘As you say, what else? What else could we possibly
do?
It’s late. Your choice.’

Henri knew her cheeks flamed. She had been wrong to turn her head and invite him to kiss her. She was the one who had behaved like a courtesan.

She ran her tongue over her aching lips, trying to remember what she was, trying to recapture that sense that she was destined to die a widow, but it was gone. And in its place brand-new feelings coursed through her, shocking her.

She’d spent her whole adult life being one person and tonight she learnt she’d lived a lie. Her feelings for Edmund had never included dark passion and that wasn’t her fault. Desire and temptation flooded through her. And looking under hooded eyes at him, she knew she
couldn’t risk confiding any of this to him. It was all too new. She needed time to make sense of it, to make sure that she was not going to get hurt again.

He stood there, looking at her. His eyes were dilated and she knew the kiss had affected him as well. But he made no move to recapture her.

‘I’m overtired.’ Her voice echoed in the silence, far too high and shrill, and she knew she was taking the coward’s way out. ‘I will retire on my own. Please give my apologies to Sophie and Mrs Ravel. I had wanted to greet them when they returned. The news of Sophie’s triumph will have to wait.’

‘I’m not keeping you here.’

The firelight threw a shadow on his face. She wished he had protested. Or drawn her into his arms again. Her stomach knotted. She wanted to lay her head against his chest and listen to the steady thump of his heart. She made herself go and pick up her discarded book.

‘I know.’ Conventionality might not be morality but she knew it kept her safe. ‘I’ve trespassed on your hospitality. You returned for a reason.’

‘You are a guest. You have behaved impeccably. It is I who should beg your pardon.’

‘No pardon is needed…on either side.’ Her voice sounded breathy to her ears. ‘We remain in the utmost civility…as friends.’

‘It is good to have you as a friend.’ His rich voice filled the room. ‘I would hate to miss our discussions. We haven’t fully explored the implications of the scientific method.’

Relief flooded through her. He wanted to see her again. He did not think her wanton. And she could think
about her response, instead of having the room spinning, pushing her towards him. ‘I look forward to it.’

A tiny smile crossed his features. ‘Then it’s settled. Our acquaintance will continue.’

‘I’d like that.’

‘Until the next time, Henri.’ His rich voice floated after her. ‘Sleep well. There is no need to fear—anything.’

Henri stumbled up the stairs, not daring to turn around and see him. If he held out his arms, she’d be in them. Robert Montemorcy was far too tempting. Once she was back in the safety of Aunt Frances’s, then she could remember all the reasons why Edmund was irreplaceable. Suddenly Edmund’s kisses seemed like watered milk compared to the smooth intoxication of Robert’s mouth moving against hers. Henri raised her eyes to the gilt ceiling, trying to get her racing heart under control. This time, she’d grown up. This time, she had learnt her lesson. This time she kept her heart safe.

H
enri stood in the New Lodge’s entranceway, her bonnet set firmly on her head. The carriage wheels crunched on the driveway, coming to a stop just outside the door. Aunt Frances’s note this morning was a gift from the gods. It made her decision easy. She wasn’t running from her feelings. She had responsibilities and people needed her.

‘You’re determined to go,’ Sophie said with a pretty frown. ‘Robert will be disappointed. He mentioned nothing about it at the ball. Did you see him after the ball?’

Henri tied the ribbons of her poke bonnet tighter. ‘Why?’

‘I’d wondered. I swore I could hear the musical box as I came into the front hall, but it must have been my imagination. Stepmama thought my hearing needed attention. And if you go, Doctor Lumley will have no need to call.’

‘An excuse will be found.’ Henri forced a smile on
to her lips. They’d had a lucky escape. She hated to think what Sophie would have said if she had seen them locked in an embrace, with her pressing her body against Robert’s.

Robert had departed because he did not wish to face her. His business was smoke and mirrors to hide what had passed between them. She knew that. It made it easier to carry out her decision. If he was here, she’d have been tempted to stay, but after last night that would not be a good idea. She had to put distance between them and see if the attraction was real or some imagined thing. Far too often the close confines of a visit led to imagined affection. What Sebastian called Country House Fever—a malady of closeness rather than something real and lasting.

‘My aunt needs me,’ Henri said and hoped Sophie would drop the topic of conversation. ‘She sent a note. It is time for me to take up the reins of my old life. My ankle is nearly healed and the supper party and ball but memories.’

Henri allowed her voice to trail away, certain that Sophie would understand the unspoken message. She wanted to return to see Sebastian and discover how he fared.

‘Robert will wish to say goodbye.’ Sophie made a temple with her fingers, but her eyes narrowed. Henri knew Sophie had not missed the attempt to change the subject. ‘His valet is here and he always takes Fredericks if he will be gone for any time. He will be back before nightfall. You could delay your journey another day. And take your leave properly. You’ll need to quiz him about his dancing.’

Henri’s cheeks burnt as the innocent words conjured
up the image of last night’s illicit waltz. ‘I’m happy to take your word.’

Sophie made a moue. ‘Besides, I shall miss you. Do you really have to depart today? It promises to be dull without you. Stepmama is in bed with a headache and I want to discuss every moment of the ball. Did you know Lady Winship’s three pugs escaped and ran riot around the ballroom floor before the footman captured them? Apparently they wanted to see Lady Winship dance. And one of the garlands tumbled down in the chase. I laughed so hard that tears came into my eyes.’

Henri looked about the drawing room. The curtains were drawn and sunlight streamed in, but the musical box stood silent in the corner. Passion was a poor basis for anything. Calm considered reflection was best. Her mother’s words had kept drumming through her brain all night.

‘You have to be a regular caller.’ Henri forced her voice to sound light and unconcerned. ‘Our At Home day is a Wednesday, but you mustn’t stand on convention as we’re friends.’

Sophie put her hand to her throat and played with the string of red beads. ‘Will your cousin be there?’

‘Did Sebastian speak to you at the ball?’ Henri asked quietly, pretending an interest in her lace mittens. ‘Has he given you an answer to your letter?’

‘Matters are satisfactorily concluded. All misunderstandings cleaned up. I repeated what I said in the letter. He understood.’ Sophie clapped her hands together and gave a beaming smile. Henri breathed slightly easier. She hoped that Sophie had let her cousin down easily. Sebastian deserved to learn that women did have minds of their own.

‘Henri, if you ever need me to come and nurse you, simply send word.’ Sophie gathered Henri’s hands between hers. Her face took on a very earnest expression. ‘I heard what Doctor Lumley said about you overdoing things. If you will be more comfortable in your own home, so be it.’

‘I doubt Robert would allow that. It would be far too much to ask of him.’ Henri hated how her voice broke over his name.

Sophie gave her a sharp look. ‘Robert left the ball early. Did you know?’

‘Yes, I did.’

Sophie gave a dazzling smile. ‘Then you will understand why Robert would not dare refuse. And why he will want to say adieu.’

‘What is going on here? Why is Lady Cawburn’s carriage here?’ Robert’s voice rang out.

Henri’s pulse leapt and she struggled to keep her breathing even. Her simple escape plan had been foiled.

‘Dear Henri is leaving,’ Sophie called out. ‘I’m attempting to persuade her that she needs to stay for a while yet.’

‘Henri’s leaving? Why?’

Sophie cocked her head to one side. ‘Is that Stepmama calling? I promised her a tisane for her poorly head. Henri, you can explain to Robert why you are going on your own, can’t you?’

Without waiting for an answer, Sophie skipped away, leaving Henri standing in the entrance while Robert came through the front door. Sporting a wide-brimmed straw hat and loose coat, he’d obviously been out inspecting the Roman excavations.

Henri clutched her reticule to her breast, acutely aware of him and the searing kiss they had shared last night. She attempted to get her thoughts in order.

‘Aunt Frances sent a note. She needs me.’ She fumbled with her reticule, trying to find the piece of paper. ‘I’ll find it for you.’

He waved an impatient hand. ‘And you were going to sneak out like a thief in the night without saying goodbye. Cowardice, Thorndike.’

‘We were bound to see each other again and no one knew where you had gone. Something has happened.’ Henri’s fingers closed around the note and she held it out to him.

She sucked in her breath as their fingers brushed. The merest touch sent her heart hammering against her ribs. She struggled to maintain her poise.

‘Then you must go where you’re needed, Lady Thorndike.’

Lady Thorndike. Henri’s insides twisted and she saw she had hurt him. She hadn’t intended to do that. ‘She’s my aunt. I look after her.’

‘She has a son.’

‘She depends on me.’

‘You are putting your responsibilities first.’ He gave her a dark sardonic look. ‘Who could fault that?’

‘There’s no need for sarcasm.’ She worried her bottom lip. This interview was proving far harder than she had dreamt possible. ‘I thought you’d understand.’

He pulled the brim of his hat down so it shaded his face. ‘I do.’

And she knew from the tone of his voice that he’d seen through her ruse. He was well aware of why she was going. But to stay was to risk temptation.

‘Everything will be as it was, Montemorcy. Life will return to normal. There won’t be a need to wager again.’

He caught her arm and pulled her close. Her body collided with his. His sandalwood scent surrounded her and held her. ‘I’ll let you go…this time…Henri.’

His whispered words sent an aching thrill arcing through her body. She flicked her tongue over her lips and resisted the temptation to turn her head, meet his mouth and discover precisely how intoxicating his lips were. She broke free.

‘The carriage is waiting.’ Her voice sounded thick and husky.

His knuckle traced the outline of her lips. ‘We’ll finish this conversation later. I promise.’

* * *

Raised voices in the drawing room greeted Henri when she returned to Dyvels. She breathed deeply, allowing the unchanging scent of beeswax polish, mothballs and old wood to fill her lungs. This was the place she had found refuge and had regained meaning to her life. She liked the constant unchanging rhythms. She knew who she was here. With Robert, she was someone different. Here, she’d become once again Lady Thorndike, instead of Henri. And Lady Thorndike knew her late husband was irreplaceable. Her heart was not going to be touched again or hurt again. She couldn’t bear the thought of going through that all-consuming grief again. Never again would one person have the power to reduce her to a gibbering wreck.

‘You are home, my lady.’ Reynolds bowed and his face betrayed nothing but welcome. ‘A most unexpected pleasure.’

‘Aunt Frances sent a note.’ Henri gave a polite smile.

‘We are glad to have you back. There has been a nasty tempest brewing. My lady is in despair. And it was good of you to come…’

The voices in the library became raised again. Henri tilted her head. ‘Stormy weather?’

‘My lady has discovered his lordship’s debts. They are worse than his father’s.’

Debts. Henri stood still. Sebastian had promised.

‘I see. Thank you, Reynolds.’

Henri opened the door to the library. Both voices stopped immediately. Aunt Francis stood frozen with several pieces of paper in her hand and Sebastian wore his sullen face.

‘Henrietta, my dear,’ Aunt Frances said, recovering first. She reached for her shawl and placed it about her shoulders. ‘You are so good to me. You may deal with this unpleasantness as I fear I’m not strong enough. Sebastian, tell your cousin what you’ve done.’

She rose and, after kissing Henri’s cheek, departed the room. A muffled sob sounded from the hallway.

‘How bad is it, Sebastian?’ Henri asked after the library had fallen into silence. ‘How did you disgrace yourself this time? You mightn’t care for Corbridge and its provincial society, but it is your mother’s home.’

‘It could be worse.’ He gave a shrug and began to play with the letter opener, tossing it from hand to hand. ‘I simply lost more than I bargained for at the gaming table, but it will be put right. I’m determined to look after Mama and to keep her in the style she is accustomed to. Me! This wagering with strange men for Mama’s sake must stop, Henrietta. It was wrong of you.’

‘I…I…’ Henri put her hand to her throat.

‘Dear Mama is worrying over nothing. It won’t come to selling this house and her widow’s portion is safe. All I did was ask her for a loan just until my rents come through. You would think I had asked her to commit murder.’

‘This is the real reason why Robert Montemorcy did not want you to court Sophie—your inability to manage money. He thought you a fortune hunter of the worst sort.’ Henri put a hand to her head and sank into the winged armchair. Her ankle throbbed slightly. ‘The sale of Chestercamp wiped the slate clean.’

‘My money situation is my business, cousin. It is temporary, until the rents come in. A gentleman’s debts of honour must be paid.’

‘You’re becoming exactly like your father, Sebastian, and you always swore you never would,’ Henri said with resignation.

‘Temporary, Henri. My luck is about to change. I can feel it in my bones.’

She hugged her arms about her waist. She did not know what was worse—Sebastian’s debts or the fact that he had hidden them from her. Or that Robert had kept it from her as well. As if she had ever asked for his protection!

‘Gamblers always say that, Sebastian, just before they lose it all.’

‘A slight setback. I plan on paying Mama back. My creditors are being less than generous. I will recover with the right woman by my side. It is only because I am missing her that I spend time at the tables.’

‘And wouldn’t this right woman have expectations
at being kept in a style that she was accustomed to? Without fear of the bailiffs?’

‘No wife of mine would ever want for anything!’ Sebastian made a mutinous face. ‘Montemorcy had no right to go prying into my affairs!’

‘He has every right. Sophie is his ward. He needs to look after her interests.’ She closed her eyes.

‘You’re being ridiculous, Henrietta!’ Sebastian looked aghast that she might think differently. ‘You’re being far too judgemental. You’ve forgotten what it is like to be passionately in love. You’re far too practical.’

‘Your faith in my character does wonders for my self-regard.’ Henri shifted uncomfortably. What would Sebastian do if he knew about the kiss she had shared with Robert Montemorcy? Would he use it as a bargaining chip to get what he wanted? She refused to let him. ‘But you need to consider Sophie. She wrote to you. She doesn’t want to be estranged from her family.’

Sebastian half-closed his eyes and an overly pleased smile crossed his lips. ‘How does Sophie feel about me, Henrietta? The truth, now. Did you tell her of my suit and how I long to be with her? We spoke—briefly. That Armstrong person hovered at her elbow, like a determined dragon. It was all I could do to get her to dance with me.’

‘Sophie danced with you?’ Henri leant forwards, looking for any slight clue in Sebastian’s demeanour of what had actually occurred.

‘We danced one of the Harlequins. There was time for a few whispered words without the Armstrong dragon descending.’ Sebastian drummed a steady beat against the rosewood table. ‘Why does everyone assume the worst of me, Henri? My intentions are honourable.’

‘And…?’ Henri waited for Sebastian’s verbal acknowledgement of Sophie’s indifference.

‘Her guardian doesn’t favour my suit and his mind remains unchanged as my prospects remain the same.’ Sebastian made a face, but he ceased drumming. ‘She has no wish to cause distress to her family. Would I be willing to wait until she reached her majority and then we’d see.’

‘Then, it is an end to it. She has more familial feeling than she has feeling for you.’ Henri wished she could shake them both—Sophie for hiding behind Robert and Sebastian for ruining his prospects. ‘There are plenty of other women.’

‘Poor sweet Henrietta.’ Sebastian shook his head in a pitying way. ‘You have no talent for deception whereas Sophie is a mistress of it. It is her guardian that is the problem. Blast his eyes. Sophie as good as told me that. Without him…she would already be mine.’

Henri stared at her cousin open-mouthed. ‘Sophie is an intelligent young woman who is used to making up her own mind. From what I know of Robert Montemorcy, he wouldn’t stand in the way if his ward truly desired the match. Take the rejection on the chin, Sebastian. Move on and find a woman who adores you.’