“Arabella doesn't know I’m coming. We haven’t communicated in three years. There. Now you know. I’m a terrible person.”She hugged her arms to her.
Henry seemed unimpressed. “That certainlyis a long string of hideous lies.”
She took a big breath. “And there is also something else.”
“More?”
Lucy wrestled with herself, then blurted out: “I’m not at all respectable.”
She stared into the distance, so she didn’t see his brows shoot up.
“I don't follow.”
“I’m not—I mean—This is difficult to talk about.” She sighed. Henry kept puffing away on his pipe, waiting for her to talk. “I’m a failed governess,”
“That is unfortunate, but I don’t see how that would make you not respectable.”
Lucy looked down and away.
“So now?” he prompted.
“Now I’m visiting Arabella.” She stared blindly at the picturesque meadow that passed by.
“Who doesn't know you are coming? That is awkward. But not necessarily terrible.”
She propped her chin on her hand. “Arabella always wanted me to visit her at Ashmore Hall. Except—you know. Her brother.”
“Ah, yes. The odious brother. Forgotten all about him.”
“He’ll throw me out in no time.” She swallowed with difficulty.
“Yet you haven't even met the man.”
“He's not a man. He's a duke.”
“You talk as though he's a god.”
“He is. Arrogant and all-powerful,of the worst kind. I'm sorry to be talking like this about your master. Of course,you see things differently and you must be loyal to the family.”
“A most unfortunate situation.” There was a trace of laughter in his voice.
“Why do I have the feeling you are secretly enjoying my woeful situation?” She frowned. But his face remained deadpan, his gaze steady.
“Me? I wouldn't dream of it. You have my utmost sympathy.”
“There is another reason I am visiting Ashmore Hall.” Lucy’s forehead knit together. “I need to ask His Grace something of the utmost importance. I need him to write a letter of recommendation.”
“Why?”
“So I can return to Miss Hilversham’s Seminary. Say. Can I try the pipe again?”
“No.” He puffed away at the pipe in contentment. “You already tried it and didn’t like it.”
“That didn’t count because I choked on it.”
“You’ll choke on it again. Why the deuce do you want to return to the Seminary?”
She felt his body heat next to her, the smell of sweat, tobacco, leather and earth. His left hand lay next to hers, not quite touching hers.
