She turned as his voice at last lost all restraint. “I knew it. That Westmond cad. You are making a mistake, Rowena.”
She rushed back inside, followed by Catherine, and they made their way upstairs.
“You are hysterical with worry. I understand. Please, let us speak to your parents,” he called after her.
“Never,” she replied as she ran, already regretting having told him what she and Christopher intended to do. The words had left her mouth before she could control them. The anger had forced her to reveal more than she should have. Now there was no turning back, no matter what he said.
“Rowena! I love you. I forgive you,” he called.
“Quickly, Cathy, I must get my satchel from my chamber. If I do not hurry, he will find a way to stop me.” The two rushed upstairs when suddenly, another familiar voice called her name…
Her mother.
She stopped on the stairs, listening.
“Where are you going? To Christopher? Where is your satchel?” Catherine asked.
“Under my bed,” she replied and without another word, her sister rushed away.
“Lady Hazelshire, we must speak to the Earl at once. At once. We must not lose one precious moment,” the Duke’s voice was full of hurry.
Their footsteps faded away into the distance and a moment later, Catherine returned, thrusting the small satchel into her arms.
“Here is it, now go. I will stall them.”
Rowena closed her eyes and considered turning back. For a moment, she thought about telling her mother everything. Perhaps if she told her what she’d learned about Lord Portsmouth, if she knew Betsy had found herself in need of shelter, and if she knew the Duke had refused to provide it, maybe she could see Thornmouth for who he was and send help for Betsy.
No. As much as her mother loved Betsy, she would never go against the word of a Duke. Not while he had a written note from Betsy. Not without seeing Betsy before her and hearing her own words.
And she’d all but told the Duke that she intended to undo their union and wed another. No. She’d have to go. There was no other way.
She turned to Catherine. “They will come after me. They will be here any moment to stop me. But Cathy, Betsy is in grave danger and I must–”
“Go, I will make excuses as long as I can. Do what you must to make sure Betsy is safe. And you are happy.”
The sisters embraced and then Rowena opened the door, stepping into the darkness of the night.
Chapter 27
Christopher found himself overcome by a yawn.
“Perhaps you ought to sleep for a while? It’s a big trip to Scotland,” Henry suggested. Christopher shook his head.
“No, it is quite alright. I am sure she–”
“Christopher!” Her voice sounded so full of panic and fear that it made his heart drop at once. He turned and saw her rushing toward him, her hair in disarray, a small satchel in her hand.
He was down the steps in a flash and wrapped his arms around her, not caring that this display would be met with not only stares, but rumors throughout the ton. He lifted her off the ground for a moment.
“What has happened?” He wiped a tear away with his thumb.
“Faith, Christopher, we must help Betsy.”
He frowned. “Betsy? Why, what has happened? Has she returned in a bad condition? Was something done to her?”
“No, that is the problem. She has not returned at all. She was not with Thornmouth when he arrived.” Hurriedly she told him what had happened over the course of the evening.
I am not at all surprised that this man could not be trusted to do as he promised. Another reason to get her away from him.
