“My lord, my apologies, the master isn’t at home,” Molly said regretfully, then eyed him cautiously, as if sensing his agitation.
Collin mumbled a word under his breath. “Is Miss Essex at home?” he tried, thinking that perhaps he could escort her on a short walk, with Molly accompanying them. Certainly that would be allowable.
“Miss Essex isn’t taking callers,” Molly said stiffly.
Collin let out a tight breath. “Would you please let her know who is requesting her company? I believe that might make a difference.” Or so he hoped. Why was she not receiving callers? It seemed off, like a puzzle piece missing from a picture that inhibited the viewer from understanding the picture.
Molly debated, switching her weight from foot to foot before she nodded once. “But please wait here.” She closed the door.
Collin twisted his lips. He couldn’t very well just come in, not with her father gone, though he’d done it before, but that was…different. Damn and blast how this courting changed things.
He took the steps of the stoop down to the street and scanned the faces of those walking on the road. Was there someone here now, watchinghim? He narrowed his eyes as he thought about it, fury building in him, even as an errant thought tickled his mind. If Elizabeth refused to see him today, he could use that to her benefit. At least for the moment. For if someone was keeping an eye on her residence, then the servant not allowing him entrance might make the tea smugglers think that she had severed a connection with him. That would make her safer for the moment. He hated the thought, resented thinking it, but it could work, at least in theory. He glanced back to the door, half of him wishing to see Elizabeth open it, half wishing to get a refusal so he could have the chance to keep her somewhat safer.
The door opened.
Collin took the step up and then paused as Molly shook her head. “Miss isn’t feeling well. She gives you her apologies, Lord Penderdale.”
Collin nodded. “Please give her my deepest regards.” He smiled wanly, then waited for the door to close. With a flair of drama, he took off his hat and swung it in a deliberate expression of anger and frustration. He stomped down the final step, huffed, took on a grim demeanor and all but stomped away. As he finished his performance, he hoped that it wasn’t in vain, and that someone of import saw it and would report it back to McKensie.
It was the least he could do.
But in the meantime, if Professor Essex wasn’tat home, that meant he was at the college. Collin started toward the River Cam, determined to find the professor, one way or another.
He took a bridge over the water and navigated along the cobbled street until he came to Christ’s College. He opened the door to the building holding the professors’ private offices and nodded to a few students who gave him curious stares. He traveled the hall, then paused in front of Professor Essex’s door, knocking.
“Enter.”
Collin twisted the knob and walked into the room.
“Lord Penderdale,” Professor Essex said with some surprise, and stood in respect. He gestured to a chair and then took a seat himself.
Collin nodded his thanks and took a seat, memories of the first time he’d visited the professor upon returning to Cambridge flooding his mind. It was here he’d met Elizabeth, already captivated and irritated by her beauty and wit. Reflecting, he could see how he had already been fighting a losing battle regarding her, and he smiled in spite of himself. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees and forcing his attention back to the task at hand.
“Professor Essex, first I hope that Elizabeth feels better. I stopped over at your house before coming here and was informed that she was feeling poorly.”
Professor Essex glanced to the desk, shiftingin his chair. “Yes, well, I’m sure that she will work through it,” he replied cryptically.
It was an odd reply, and Collin frowned. “Work through it?”
Professor Essex released a tight breath, as if bearing a heavy load. “There was some news that came to us early this morning…rather, came to me.” He drew a deep breath. “And as you are courting my daughter, I think you should be aware. However, I also want to give my daughter the opportunity to speak with you about it, so I’m facing an odd question of what is best at the moment—whether you should hear it from me, or from her.” He leaned back, closing his eyes.
“Why don’t you give me a small amount of information and go from there? If I believe it is something that should come from Elizabeth, you have my word that I will wait to hear it from her and give her the benefit of the doubt,” Collin answered.
“You’re very kind, Lord Penderdale,” Professor Essex replied. “Very well.” He paused. “It was brought to my attention today that Elizabeth has been holding a ladies’ education club that has garnered the attention of those that would see it ended.”
Collin nodded. “I see.” He wasn’t sure if he should divulge that he was aware or merely leave it alone until he was able to speak with Elizabeth. But with her father’s words, much of the morning’s situation made sense. Elizabeth would be distraught,knowing her father’s displeasure not only at her activities, but that she’d been dishonest with him. The rejection he’d suffered earlier seemed quite insignificant, and he wished she’d shared her burden with him rather than suffer alone.
“Your reaction makes me think two things,” Professor Essex stated as he leaned forward. “One, that you already knew. Or two, you understand that this could hinder her respectability, especially as the wife of an earl.”
Collin wasn’t going to be dishonest with him, so he merely nodded. “I was aware.”
“I see,” Professor Essex said. “I will say that gives me some relief. I was concerned this would potentially ruin her in your eyes.”
Collin chuckled without mirth. “Professor Essex, I’m inclined to find her more desirable because of her actions.” He shook his head. “Believe me, I know what game I play with fate regarding Miss Essex, and I will say I’d not have it any other way.”
Professor Essex gave a soft chuckle. “Good, at least there are no surprises there.”
“Elizabeth is likely flaying herself for her dishonesty,” Collin observed.
