Annabel folded her arms. “I know,” she said.
Nate stopped walking and turned to face her. His expression hardened. “I trusted Stella when she told me you weren’t a foolish girl who would get us killed.”
“I’m not—I wouldn’t put you or Stella in danger. Henry—Lord Hudsyn—is trustworthy. He told me everything. He knows Lord Craventhorp, but the two despise each other. They always have.”
“What?” Nate’s dark eyes flashed angrily. “HeknowsCraventhorp?”
“I told you, he—”
“Does he know who you are?”
Annabel shook her head. “No,” she said firmly. “I didn’t tell him. I haven’t told anyone.”
“But you will, won’t you? You trust him.” He narrowed his eyes. “Are you in love with him?”
“He’s a good person. I told you, he despises Craventhorp.”
“Don’t be foolish. These types always stick together in the end. Preserving their precious titles and wealth is all they care about. Do you truly believe Lord Hudsyn cares about you? He either thinks of you as a servant girl, or he knows you’re a rich man’s daughter who has ruined her reputation for life. Either way, he is in an excellent position to take advantage of you.”
“You’re wrong,” Annabel said, stepping back.
“I’m not wrong. You know nothing of this world and all its cruelties.”
Nate reached into his saddle and pulled out a newspaper. “Have you seen this?”
Annabel pressed her lips together and nodded.
“This is how far his lot will go to safeguard their reputations. Your foolishness has put my life, and possibly Stella’s, in danger.”
“What do you mean? I haven’t—I wouldn’t.”
“I mean, your growing friendship with one of Craventhorp’s lot doesn’t sit well with me. I believed Stella when she told me you were trustworthy.”
“What do you want me to do? He’ll be more suspicious if I suddenly stop talking to him.”
“You must disappear from this place, maybe even from England, before it’s too late.”
“I can’t keep running away. I’m happy here. No one knows the truth. I won’t tell anyone; you have my word.”
“What if I arranged for you to go to Stella,” he said.
“In Italy?”
“Perhaps.”
“Have you heard from her?” Hope filled Annabel’s chest.
“Maybe, but I can’t trust you with such delicate information when you’ve shown me your loyalties lie elsewhere.” He mounted his horse.
“Nate, please! Wait.” She put her hand on the reins. “You mustn’t think I don’t appreciate all you’ve done for me.”
He bent toward her. “If that’s true, you’ll do what’s necessary to keep all of us safe.”
“Let’s continue our discussion and walk to the stables. Your horse needs water. Don’t leave like this.”
“There is nothing more to discuss. I told you what needs to happen. If you decide you care more for Stella than Lord Hudsyn, you know where to find me.” He jerked the reins, forcing her to release her grip. “Don’t worry about my horse. The river will do him fine.” He spurred the horse into a gallop.
Annabel dropped her head in her hands. Then she took a few deep breaths, attempting to compose herself before turning toward the house.
