Chapter Twelve
Heknew!Milly wasn’t sure why she believed this now, but the idea had taken root inside her head and she could not dislodge it. Thinking back over the time she had spent in his company, suddenly everything made painful sense.
Had he been toying with her? The incident with pigs, the kiss; it had all been intended to unsettle and humiliate her.
“He has been deliberately taunting me,” Milly whispered as she hurried out a set of doors and onto the deck.
She couldn’t think clearly. Thoughts tumbled around inside her head like leaves down a road. Dear Lord, she had to leave at once, before he told others he knew she was Lady Millicent, as surely he would as his final act of vengeance. She walked and collected herself, letting the cold air clear her head. Only when she had a plan formulated did she reenter the ballroom.
Locating Lady Wimplestow, she began to put that plan in motion.
“Milly, are you well?”
She looked concerned, and Milly realized the shock must still be written all over her face.
“I must admit to receiving word from my cousin earlier today. It seems my dear aunt is gravely ill. I-I had believed I could wait to see her, wait to go to her, but I fear she does not have long, and I wish—”
“Oh, my dear, then you must go to her at once.”
The guilt was so thick she had to swallow before speaking. She did not like deceiving this woman who had welcomed Milly into her home.
“I am so sorry to leave you at such a time—”
“Think nothing of it. Now, I will have the carriage take you home, so you can pack your things and get a good night’s sleep. Where is it you must go to, dear?”
“Sh-Sheffield.”
Lady Wimplestow patted her hand and made soothing noises, which sank Milly deeper into a pool of guilt.
“The stage leaves early in the morning. We will ensure you are on it.”
“I am so grateful to you and your family, my lady. You have been so kind to me... I am unsure if I will return.”
“Then if you do not, we shall miss you dearly, Milly. But know this, my dear, it is we who are grateful to you. You have taught us all so much. And even though it seems a match between my daughter and Mr. Howard is imminent, you have given her the confidence to be the wife she wishes to be.”
Milly swallowed back the tears. She was lying again, lying and running. She was so tired of running away; it seemed to be all she had done since leaving London and Joseph.
“Th-thank you.” She kissed one of Lady Wimplestow’s cheeks
It was really rather easy after that. Lady Wimplestow bustled her outside, and she was then bundled into their carriage and soon heading home.
After she had drunk the cup of warmed milk and brandy Lady Wimplestow had insisted would help her to settle, she lay in the darkness, thinking about what she was once again leaving behind.
“Milly?” Apple-blossom’s head appeared around her door.
“Come in, Apple-blossom.”
She closed the door, and walked in the darkness to sit on the bed beside Milly.
“Mother told me you are leaving, as your aunt is sick.”
“Yes.”
“Is that really the reason?”
“No.” Milly said the word softly, and grabbed the hand that clasped around hers.
“I cannot stop you from going, Milly, and know you have secrets. But will you promise me one thing?”
