“My lord, I fear it is not appropriate to make calls on the help,” she said in a polite tone. “I would not wish for there to be any gossip about you because of me.”
“That is very considerate of you, Miss Clifford,” he replied, clearly misunderstanding her intent. “Do not worry, though. I do not mind what the gossipmongers have to say.”
She released a short breath. What could she do to convince him to let her leave?
Suddenly, she heard the front door opening in the foyer just down the hall. There was a small bit of commotion and then the sound of heeled footsteps approaching the drawing room. The next moment, Emily strolled inside. She looked between Victoria and Alvin with a furrowed brow, and then her expression shifted to one of cool politeness.
“Mr Hutches, what a pleasant surprise,” she said with a nod of her head. “I did not know you were stopping by.”
“I came to see Miss Clifford,” he replied in a tight tone.
“Is that so?” Emily glanced at Victoria once more and seemed to quickly assess the situation. “How gallant of you. I’m afraid you are in need of a chaperone, however. Allow me to join you both.”
Victoria felt a rush of gratitude toward Emily, and she noted that Alvin did not appear at all pleased with that idea. However, he could not exactly argue with her, as that was the proper decorum of which he was not above.
“Let us sit, then,” Emily said, leading them to two couches that sat facing each other. Victoria and Emily sat down on one, and Alvin sat on the other. No one spoke for several moments, and the silence grew uncomfortable and tense.
At length, Victoria asked, “What did you wish to speak with me about, Mr Hutches?”
He blinked at her as if caught off guard by her question.
“Ah, that,” he mumbled. “There was…nothing in particular. I just had some time and thought I would enjoy your company for a bit.”
Victoria nodded. “How flattering.”
She knew that was not the only reason he wanted to see her. She could only imagine what else was on his mind, but he was not being truthful now that Emily had joined them. He likely did not want to offend her, as she was an actual lady in his eyes. Victoria, though, did not warrant the same level of respect. That irritated her, but she pressed her lips tight together to keep from snapping at him.
“I heard that your husband had returned,” Alvin said to Emily. “How delightful that must be.”
“Indeed, it is,” Emily answered.
Victoria felt as though there was some invisible conflict going on between Emily and Alvin. She could not help but assume it was because of her. Emily was trying to protect her from Alvin, wishing to stake a claim on her.
She wished she could get away. Victoria wanted nothing more than to escape from his gaze when he looked at her. She hoped that he would simply grow tired of the strain of the atmosphere and leave.
He did not, though. He continued to sit there, the silence continuing on as though it would never end.
Finally, Emily said, “Well, I am so sorry, Mr Hutches, but if there is nothing else, Miss Clifford and I should really be getting back to Lily. She does not like for both of us to be away from her for long. I am sure you can understand.”
Alvin looked surprised at that and then momentarily angry. He quickly shifted his expression, however, hiding his irritation and replacing it with a cool smile that did not reach his eyes.
“Yes, of course,” he nodded, pushing to his feet. “I will not take up any more of your time. Thank you for sitting with me. I hope we can do it again sometime.”
“Yes,” Victoria said, standing as well. Emily rose with her, and they stood side-by-side before him. “I would be honoured, of course.”
Alvin bowed to them before turning and making his way out of the drawing room. Emily waited several moments after he was gone before turning to Victoria with an exasperated sigh.
“Well, that was unfortunate.”
Victoria nodded. “Indeed, it was.”
Emily put her hand on Victoria’s shoulder. “Are you all right?”
Giving her a small smile, Victoria replied, “I am, thanks to you. I do not know if I would have been able to get him to leave if you had not intervened.”
Emily furrowed her brow and said, “Do you know what he wanted?”
“I am not sure,” Victoria shrugged. “But I likely do not want to know.”
