“Of course I know you, but your sudden appearance likethathas resulted in too many questions clamoring in my mind, and if I address them, I won’t get to say first that I’ve missed you, Vanessa.”
Vanessa was caught off guard and even more startled when Kathleen came around the desk and hugged her. Last night she’d happily hugged her sisters. There was nothing happy about this embrace from her mother. She even felt like crying!
“Give me a moment to digest that you’ve really returned to us,” Kathleen added, not letting go of her.
Vanessa didn’t mind, she closed her eyes to absorb the warmth of the moment, but she didn’t hug her mother back. This wasn’t the reception she’d expected. Her mother had disarmed her anger, the only defense she had against these feelings.
She stepped away to regain control of her emotions. Addressing the thought she’d had earlier that morning would help. “Why did you write to Father?”
“He wrote to me first to let me know you were with him. Even though he was furious, he didn’t want me to worry. He just didn’t say where you both were. Where did he take you?”
“Somewhere very remote.”
“He cautioned you not to say?”
“No, he didn’t have to. He knows I wouldn’t betray him to you.”
“Vanessa!”
“Don’t look offended, Mother. It’s far too late for that. Is it safe for him to come home?”
“It’s—No, not yet.”
So much for hoping the threat had ended. But her hostility was rising and she wasn’t sure how to curb it. A little would be helpful in defending herself, but too much would ruin her plans.
Kathleen was looking her up and down. “Why are you dressed like that?”
Finally something Vanessa could shield herself with, her own preferences, and proof that Kathleen hadn’t gotten to turn her into the perfect debutante. Vanessa spread her arms wide. “It’s how I dress.”
“Don’t be absurd.”
“Truly, it’s how I prefer to dress.”
Kathleen frowned. “Did anyone we know see you like this? Have you been using your name across England dressed likethat?”
“You don’t like the way I tie my cravat?”
“You think this is a joking matter?”
“Not a’tall, but is this really all you have to say to me, Mother? No, and no, to answer your questions, and before you think to ask about my traveling companions, Lord Montague Hook didn’t know, but now he does, and soon his ward, Charley, will know. However, he assured me he can keep secrets because he has a few of his own, so you needn’t worry on their account.”
“But you traveled with them without a chaperone—dressed like that! Your behavior—”
Vanessa cut in. “I had chaperones, two very big, very mean-looking guards Father sent with me who threatened anyone who even looked at me too long. I was protected. I was anonymous. I even used a male name. But I guess we have nothing else to say if you only want to discuss apparel, so I won’t take up any more of your time.”
“Sit down!”
Vanessa had only turned toward the door. She had no intention of leaving, because her own questions hadn’t been answered yet. But she didn’t move to a chair. She struck a male pose instead, leaning back against the door, crossing her arms, even lifting one knee and pressing the sole of her boot against the door. There would be no concessions she hadn’t already decided to make. No buckling to this parent’s rules. But the defiant pose didn’t appear to increase Kathleen’s anger.
“How is he?”
Caught off guard again, Vanessa was surprised that question didn’t spark more flames. But her mother’s concerned expression appeared sincere.
Without rancor she said, “He’s fine. Healthy, robust, and probably missing me too much.”
“Does he—?”
“Still hate you?” Vanessa cut in sharply, but regretted it immediately when Kathleen began to pace and wring her hands.
