“We will wait for invitations.” Her mother laughed softly. “It is my hope that people understand that my daughter has always had an upstanding reputation, and that there is no truth in what was said about her.”
“And what is the truth?” Lady Eleanor asked. “Nobody has ever heard your side of the story.”
Adelaide opened her mouth to speak, but before she could say anything, a footman appeared in the doorway.
“Mr. Hargrave, My Lady.”
Adelaide’s heart lurched, hoping desperately that it was someone else. Alas, she had never been that lucky.
None other than Mr. Edmund Hargrave entered, his eyes immediately finding her before he even took his seat.
“Mr. Hargrave!” Lady Winston greeted. “What a surprise.”
“My apologies,” he replied in the same soothing and calm voice that he used in front of others. “I would have given prior notice, but I did not have the time. I heard that Lady Adelaide returned, and I simply had to come see her.”
The other ladies were clearly touched by the gesture, but Adelaide was not so easily fooled. He was the same man she had escaped from a year ago, and that was terrifying to witness.
“Say something, dear,” Lady Winston muttered to her.
“Hello, Mr. Hargrave,” Adelaide greeted quietly.
“You are looking well, albeit thinner than I recall. Did you enjoy your time in the north?”
“I did. It provided some much-needed respite after what happened.”
“And you undoubtedly needed that.” Mr. Hargrave smiled. “Lady Adelaide, I want you to know that I forgive you for what happened. I understand that you have difficulties that many cannot even begin to comprehend, and you have the courage to face such battles.”
The ladies around her cooed and smiled sympathetically.
Adelaide could not blame them. Mr. Hargrave was considered one of the most impeccable gentlemen in the ton. He was even considered the most eligible bachelor in London, despite the lack of a title.
For all they knew, she had given him no choice but to run for his life. It did not matter that it was untrue; people just wanted the scandal, and that was what they got.
“Perhaps we might give you both a moment?” Lady Winston suggested.
The ladies left the room, although a maid remained in the corner. Mr. Hargrave scowled at her, before turning to Adelaide with that charming smile of his.
“You have decided to return at last.”
“How did you know that I was here?”
“I saw your carriage outside. Now, I do not mean to frighten you, nor have I ever, but I must protect myself first and foremost. Ihave evidence that could send you to Bedlam, so if you insist on returning to society, I must warn you not to overstep.”
“I have no intention of having anything to do with you. I did not want to see you again, which was precisely why I called off our engagement.”
“I do not recall it happening that way,” he drawled. “As I remember, you viciously attacked me, and I told you that I could not marry a lady who hated me so much.”
“Then you do not remember things correctly.”
“No, I know what happened, as does the ton. And they will not take kindly to your lies. Do I make myself clear, Adelaide?”
She pressed her lips together for a moment, knowing that the easier thing to do was to agree with him so that it could all be done with. But she had a sinking feeling that the other ladies were eavesdropping, and she could not bear the thought of them hearing what would sound like a confession.
“If you will excuse me,” she said, leaving the room quickly.
She needed air, and she needed to breathe. More than anything, she needed to be away from a man who had only come to torment her further.
She stepped out into the front garden, taking steady breaths, when she looked up to see a gentleman she did not recognize.
