“Oh, I-I shall not be in attendance,” Milly said, overhearing him. She kept her head lowered, and addressed Lady Wimplestow.
“I had not thought of you attending,” Lady Wimplestow said. “But of course, Lord Ellsworth is right, you should do, to help Apple-blossom.”
If Joseph had been closer to Milly, he was sure he would have heard her teeth grind.
“Of course, if that is your wish.”
She stepped to the carriage after these words, and entered, taking the seat furthest from where they stood.
They exchanged a few more pleasantries, and then he and his bothers took their leave. Collecting their horses, they made their way back to Greyton.
“What is between you and Miss Higglesworth, Joseph?” Rory’s words nearly unseated him.
“I beg your pardon?” His eyes went from Rory to Charles, who he noted was also studying him intently.
“You kept your eyes on her the entire time we conversed with the Wimplestows,” Rory added. “And I’m sure she was in the Cock and Bull as well.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. She is a governess, why would I be interested in her?”
“As to that, I’m unsure, but I have to own there was something about her that I could not put my finger on,” Charles said. “Something familiar.”
Joseph kept his face calm as his brothers studied him. He did not usually keep secrets from his siblings, but as he was unsure what action to take with Milly, he did so now.
There was so much at stake if he exposed her, and yet if he didn’t, what would happen to her? Could he leave her to live her life as a governess... a Marquess’s daughter?
He must find out once and for all why she had left London, because of one thing he was certain: it had not been for a better life.
