“It very much looks like it,” Malcolm answered. “I’ll need to report to Parliament. I’ll leave for London first thing tomorrow.”
“But, our ball ...”
Malcolm’s jaw clenched in irritation. “Will have to wait, darling. I’m so sorry.”
Alongside her disappointment, a thought needled in the back of Eliza’s consciousness. The south wing. “Will I be left alone, then, to manage the house?”
“Turner and Duncan will remain here with you, but yes. For a time. I have every confidence I can rely on you to maintain the household. I’ve no doubt it will flourish under your care.”
Eliza sucked in a breath to fight the smile twitching at the corners of her mouth. “Though it may be a challenge, husband, I will endeavor to do my best.”
CHAPTER 28
Eliza’s breath puffed in a cloud as she and Malcolm stood on the railway platform in Winchester, awaiting the first train. The temperatures had taken a precipitous dive, and she’d had to don her wool cape for the first time that season. Winter would come early this year.
Malcolm had been troubled all night, pacing and talking to himself as he and Turner packed trunks and made arrangements for managing the estate in his absence. Eliza had played the dutiful wife, helping Shirley fold clothes and handkerchiefs, all the while plotting an internal list of investigations to engage in during Malcolm’s absence.
The rumbling locomotive pulled into the station, blasting a loud hiss of steam. Malcolm stooped to kiss her brow. “Try not to worry about things, love. I’m hoping to be home by Christmas, at the very latest. It will likely be a brief conflict.”
“Where will you lodge?”
“I’ll stay at the club for now, but if our session is extended much more than a month, I’ll look into letting a room. I’ll strive to make it home now and again in the meantime.”
Silence swelled between them, full of words Eliza was afraid to speak. A porter with a braided cap and handsome scarlet livery came to claim Malcolm’s valise. “First class, sir?”
“That’s right, mate,” Malcolm answered. He kissed her once more. “I need to be going now, darling. Take care of yourself until we’re reunited.”
Eliza stood watching until Malcolm’s train was only visible by the plume of smoke threading from its stack. She pulled her cloak tight against the buffeting wind and turned to go back to the station. There, leering like a goon, was Lord Eastleigh, dressed impeccably in a caped Astrakhan greatcoat and wool hat. Eliza’s stomach dropped.
“Ah, Lady Havenwood. I’ve missed the seven o’clock, haven’t I?”
“I’m afraid so,” Eliza said, making no attempt to mask the chill in her voice. “On your way to London?”
“Indeed. Bloody business with these rebel colonists. I’m assuming you’ve just seen your husband off?”
“Yes. I’m only sorry I couldn’t accompany him. I’m needed at Havenwood.”
He nodded. “Lady Eastleigh will be remaining at Clairborne Hall as well.”
“Oh? She isn’t going with you?”
“It’s her ladyship’s condition that makes her unfit for travel at the moment.”
“Is she unwell?”
“Yes. I suspect she’s in the family way,” Eastleigh said with a grin. “You should call on her. I’m sure she’d be glad for your company.”
She gave a sharp little laugh. “I’m not so sure about that, my lord. But congratulations, all the same.”
Eastleigh took two steps toward her, close enough that the breath steaming from his mouth collided with her own. He took her gloved hand. “I was hoping we could mend our rift, Eliza. That we could endeavor, at least, to be friends.”
She narrowed her eyes. “I’m quite sure that’s impossible. After what you asked of Malcolm, I cannot fathom the thought of our ever being civil, much less friends.”
“Do you really knoweverythingabout your husband, Eliza? It’s an easy thing, to paint me as the monster. But have you asked him the troublesome questions? Or is your mind still clouded by the tragically romantic idea you have of him?”
Eliza’s heart hammered as he studied her—searching her face for the doubt she knew was there. The ground beneath them began to shake. A mournful wail pierced the silence between them as the train bound for Dorset arrived. Eliza jerked her hand from his. “I’d better be going, Lord Eastleigh.”
“Very well.” He lifted the brim of his hat. “Good day, Lady Havenwood. I’ll be sure to keep an eye on your husband. He acts a different person entirely when he’s in London.”
