Did she have the courage to stand up to Seton?
She was soon to find out.
CHAPTER 18
Onora wanted to believe Jack was sincere, that his declaration was more than flattery, but did he understand what he was truly proposing, and what the consequences would be upon his career?
She couldn’t bear the thought of him coming to regret his rashness, of blaming her perhaps for the shrinking of his life, of opportunities contracting due to his association with her.
One thing she had absolutely decided: her betrothal to Seton must end. Her father had promised her, long ago, that the arrangement could be amicably set aside if shechanged her mind. Except that, he probably hadn’t envisioned things progressing so far.
Entering the villa’s courtyard, she was relieved to find all quiet. This time of day, most would be resting, for it was truly too hot to be outside. Others might be in the temple with Seton. He’d mentioned something of the sort.
Then she saw the step ladder and Kareem upon it, securing a string of bright paper lanterns to the framework of the pergola walkway.
For the party, of course. I’d forgotten…
Onora was hardly in the mood for merriment, but the party did offer the opportunity for her to tackle what must be done. Amidst the hubbub, it would be easier to pull Seton aside. Then, if he were angry, they might avoid one another. She might even slip away early to bed, pretending a headache.
Kareem immediately descended, wishing blessings upon her and asking if all was well. An impulse came, to tell him that she washaving second thoughts about her engagement, that she was desperately unhappy.
Don’t be ridiculous!
For him to have even an inkling of what was in her mind would be unfair. He worked for Lord Seton, and it was wrong to place him in a position of divided loyalty. Besides which, what could Kareem do to help?
She responded with the required words of thanks and offered similar wishes for his own good health and that of his family, before asking if he might do her the favor of finding one of the house staff. She then requested refreshment be brought to her room—for she had entirely missed luncheon and eaten sparingly of breakfast.
Looking relieved, Kareem departed.
Immediately on entering her room, Onora could sense someone had been there. Not in the usual way, of her bed having been tidied and fresh water placed in the basin, but as if a person had been handling her personal things.
A cursory look told her nothing had been taken. Not that she had anything of realvalue. Her only true jewels were the pearls gifted by Aunt Clodagh. Her perfume was unstoppered, but she might easily have left it that way herself.
Someone had certainly been perusing the books on her bedside though: her compendium of Jane Austen, as well as a collection of the Romantic poets and an edition of Shakespeare’s works. On the very top wasThe Lady’s Guide to All Things Useful—except Onora was sure it had been in the middle of the pile before. Picking it up, she slumped on the bed.
She hoped that whoever had been curious enough to look at it had gleaned something of worth. As it was, she doubted it had anything to say that would smooth her path.
On the off-chance, she flicked through to the letter E, searching for ‘Engagements’ and was surprised to see a section dedicated entirely to the subject, broken down into subsections: how to tell if a man was likely to propose; how to word an announcement in the newspaper; how to respond to well-wishing letters; suitablelengths of time for an engagement; not unreasonably, a reference to a forward chapter on ‘weddings’; and finally, ‘breaking off of’.
A woman wishing to end a formal contract of betrothal must make ‘diplomacy’ her watchword. A man’s sense of worth, while liable to be inflated, is of fragile construction. Wound him and beware.
Onora turned the page, expecting more, but there was nothing further on the subject.
Wound him and beware.
Seton could certainly make life difficult for her, if he chose, and for Jack.
How much time would need to pass for Seton to accept that his bride had jilted him in favor of his nephew?
She feared one lifetimewould not be sufficient.
The soundof the door brought Onora back to the present, as it was cast open and Madame Auvray swept boldly inside.
“Ah! You are returned from your adventures with young Monsieur Balfour. How were the cave tombs? Fascinating, I have no doubt. I must ask him to show me, exactly as he has for you today.” There was mischief in her eyes. “I’m sure, like yourself, I shall discover a great deal…and, perhaps, I shall surprise him with a few things he has not yet learnt. What do you think,chérie? Do you recommend the experience?”
Onora snapped the book shut and rose to her feet.
Everyone would know that Jack had escorted her to the cliffs. While not entirely conventional, it could hardly come under censure. He was a family member, after all—albeit one rather out of favor.
