“No need to fret, Mama. I am sure taking the air will set me right.” She turned her face to the Duke. “Perhaps Isaac, you could accompany us?”
His eyebrow twitched but he replied with a nod of the head.
“Of course. Please, let me accompany you. Perhaps a cup of tea might ease your headache?”
He rose and offered her his arm which she took, although begrudgingly.
“Perhaps if the fresh air does not help.”
Together, the three departed the drawing room, leaving her parents behind to entertain themselves.
* * *
They made their way downstairs to the yard. Once they stepped through the door and the air hit Rowena in the face, she sighed.
“You feel unwell. Here, let us sit,” the Duke said and led her to the bench she’d sat on with Christopher such a short while ago.
Catherine, meanwhile, busied herself with the rose bushes that grew at the far end of the garden. She bent down and sniffed the blooms, giving them privacy.
“Perhaps we can speak somewhat more privately here.” Rowena said. He seemed taken by surprise by this statement, having apparently assumed the matter closed.
“Oh, you mean about your friend. Do not fret,” he said at last. “She is quite safe. She came to see me as you instructed her to do. And on a horse which she took from Lord Portsmouth’s stable to boot. She requested my assistance in returning to London. However, my counsel to her was that this would be unwise.”
Rowena’s eyes grew wide.
“Unwise? But why? Lord Portsmouth has made advances toward her, unwanted and uninvited.”
He sighed. “Yes, so he has. And I spoke to him about this. In fact, we had quite the stern talk. I made it quite clear to him that he is to not bother your friend anymore. He agreed.”
“You spoke to him? How? When?”
“After speaking to Miss Carmichael at length, I transported her back to Bedfordshire and then met with Lord Portsmouth. After this, I went on my way and left your friend where she belongs. At her place of employment.”
At the mention of Betsy’s name, Catherine rose and turned, her eyes widened with surprise and concern. Rowena shook her head, not wanting her sister to involve herself in the conversation. As it was, she could not understand what had happened to change Betsy’s mind. Betsy’s letter had sounded so desperate. She’d been so eager to return to London.
“And Betsy agreed to stay?”
He shrugged. “After I gave her my assurances that the matter would be dealt with, she appeared calmer. Of course, I advised her also that to insist upon leaving after Lord Portsmouth already saw the error of his ways would be a terrible move on her part. One that I could not support.”
Rowena blinked, taking in the information. “You refused to take her to London with you?” Again, she noted Catherine’s head as it turned toward them, growing ever more curious at the conversation.
She also noted that something in Thornmouth’s expression changed and he took a step back.
“I do not care for the tone you are using. I was only looking out for her. She is a young woman from an unfortunate circumstance who had the good luck to be raised by a noble family. Something that enabled her to secure a wonderful position. One that someone with as little experience as she possessed would not have been possible without her connections. However, to leave such aposition would place a stain upon her. A question mark would follow her wherever she went.” He shrugged. “It would be most unfortunate for her future. So, I encouraged her to stay. Eventually, she saw that I was right. As I trust you will as well.”
He left her behind. I cannot believe it. I cannot believe she would have agreed to stay.
Rowena stared at him blankly. He was so sure of the correctness of his action that he appeared confused at her reaction.
“You appear vexed. What can I do to ease your mind?”
He touched her arm and she flinched which caused him to frown at her. “Rowena, I must admit, I am taken aback by your reaction. You know this is the best thing for her…” he stopped speaking and placed his hand inside his waist coat pocket. “Here, see for yourself. I asked her to write you a note to reassure you.” He handed her a folded letter. It was not sealed, as all of Betsy’s other letters had been. She furrowed her eyebrows as she opened it.
“My dearest Rowena, I am sorry to have alarmed you. The Duke of Thornmouth has given me his wise counsel as to the reality of my situation. I understand now that my place is here, with Lady Portsmouth. I was wrong to run away. I am fortunate Lord Portsmouth has taken the Duke’s advice and forgiven me for my transgression. Please, do not fret. I am well. Your loyal servant, Betsy Carmichael.”
Your loyal servant? Transgression? This does not sound like her at all.
She glanced up at him and narrowed her eyes and she re-read the note. When she was done, she folded the paper and looked at him.
