Emma drew a shuddery breath. "Earlier today, I poked my nose where I oughtn't have. I... I asked Marianne about the nature of your relationship."
Ambrose frowned.
"I know, I know, everyone is always telling me I'm too managing," his sister wailed, "and here I've gone and done it again."
"Tell me what transpired during the conversation," he said.
"I asked Marianne if she planned to... to..."
"Spit it out, child," Samuel said.
"I asked her if she planned to marry Ambrose." Biting her lip, Emma looked up at Ambrose through her lashes. "Iamsorry. I was only trying to help."
Ambrose's throat felt like sandpaper. "How did Marianne respond?"
"She said it was a private matter. Between the two of you." Em hung her head. "I know I oughtn't have pried in your affairs, but I was worried for you. After what happened with Jane… oh, Ambrose, I just want you to be happy."
Numbly, he realized why Marianne had left. She was spooked about a future with him; he'd been right about her reaction the last time. To have his sister bring it up a second time… that must have prompted Marianne to bolt.You're a sinking ship, man—did you honestly expect a woman like her to stay? To take you on?
"You have always taken care of us—but who is to care for you?" Emma said in a small voice. "I wanted her ladyship to know that she would not be getting a bad bargain. That we would not interfere with your marital bliss."
Ambrose rubbed his temples, which had begun to throb. "Of course you wouldn't," he said distractedly. "It isn't about you, is it now?"
"It was with Jane. You had to give her up for us."
Despite his own disappointment, Ambrose saw his sister's chin wobble. Sighing, he said in a gentler voice, "Jane wasn't mine in the first place. Father was right. I have no regrets over what happened."
"And Marianne?" Emma hesitated. "If things... do not work out, will you have regrets about her?"
For the rest of my days.
He gave a weary shrug. "Don't worry your head over it, Em. When Marianne returns, she and I will sort matters out." His chest tight, he said roughly, "More change for all of you, I'm afraid."
Though he'd never intended for his family to get used to living in the present circumstances, his search for a more permanent place for them had thus far yielded options he'd rather not consider. But he'd figure something out. The Kents would not stay where they were not wanted.
Emma came to him and took his hand in hers. "As long as we're together, everything will be fine," she said earnestly.
"Hear, hear," their father said.
Ambrose wished he shared their optimism.
* * *
Marianne peered out the curtain as the carriage rolled past the gates and along the paved drive. Immaculate lawns lined both sides, beyond which spread woods reputed to be the finest hunting grounds in all of Berkshire. The main house came into view, a stately Georgian residence with sprawling wings and a spectacular dome above the entrance.
Across from her, Tilda let out a light snore. They'd travelled all through the night to arrive mid-morning. As the carriage came to a stop, she heard one of the footmen outside query Lugo about their business, and a minute later Lugo appeared at the door.
In a low, urgent voice, he said, "I beg you to reconsider, my lady. It is not too late. We can turn back."
"Nonsense. We are close to finding Rosie." Marianne adjusted her décolletage and smoothed her gloves. For the next step in her plan, it was critical that she look her very best. "We are certainly not going to turn back now."
Lugo glanced behind him before whispering, "If Pendleton is the villain as you suspect, then he is dangerous, and we are entering his territory unprepared. I cannot take on all his men alone. Please, my lady, let us go back and speak to Mr. Kent. He's a decent sort. Perhaps there's been a misunderstanding—"
Pain pierced her armor, sharper than any blade. It took everything in her to stuff her emotions back into their old box. To remain numb, focused on the only goal that mattered.
"There's no misunderstanding," she said flatly. "We've been over it. Sir Coyner as much as told me that Kent was working for him. Kent betrayed me, Lugo—I'll never trust him again."
I never should have trusted him in the first place. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice… shame on me.
