What he needed to do was go after her and find out what was wrong. Maybe if he could convince her to tell him, then he would understand.
Yes, she wanted independence and freedom, but the way she had looked at him had nothing to do with either of those. He needed to know why she had been filled with sadness. He wanted to make it right.
He wanted to make her happy again.
He wanted to…
Bloody hell!
Panic rose as he scratched a note to Claybrook then set out for White’s. He hoped that Claybrook arrived quickly because if there was ever a time that he needed his help, it was now.
“What is so important this time?” Claybrook asked as he settled at the table with Henry.
“I think I am in love.” It was the first time Henry had said it out loud and the panic from when he first realized the state of his heart had not eased.
“Congratulations,” Claybrook chuckled.
“Why?”
“At least you will have the opportunity to marry for love instead of necessity of heirs.”
“That would be all well and good except she does not like me very much.”
“Are you certain?”
“Yes. She has told me so. What the hell am I supposed to do?”
“You do realize that this is not a problem the Alliance can help you with.”
Henry blinked at him. “Yes, of course.”
“Then why did you use your seal to send for me?”
“I did?” Henry frowned. “I am certain…I am sorry. In my panic I must have used the wrong signet when I only meant to send for a friend.”
Claybrook chuckled. “I can understand that such a realization might have befuddled you when you had been blind to your emotions before.”
“What do I do?”
“Confess all to her, wait for a reaction and then make your next decision.”
“She…well, I do not want to even attempt to imagine her reaction, though I am certain it will start with laughter.” At least she would no longer be sad.
“Are you so certain?”
“I think it is worth consideration. I rather like you Lady Penelope, even if you do not like me very much.”
“Yes, I have claimed that.”
Claimed! As in the past. Was it possible she liked him now?
But, even if she did, it still was not love. Was it possible that she might care for him more than he realized, but was too afraid to acknowledge those emotions?
“No wonder you have not wed, Cousin Henry. Like Lady Penelope, you fear giving up enjoyments and freedom,” Damaris offered with a laugh.
“That is not what I fear,” he returned then focused on Lady Penelope. “I believe we share the same concern of making a poor match and becoming miserable but not realizing the mistake until it is too late.”
She stared back into his eyes, her green ones darkening.
