“Of course.” He stood and set Cecilia in his place. With a formal bow that had Cecilia giggling, he said, “Ladies, with your permission, I leave you in Peg’s care.”
Irene’s lips twitched, and the band manacling his chest loosened. “You may, my lord,” she said. He dropped a kiss upon each of their heads and stepped into the hall.
“Now. How can I be of service, my dear?”
“Corinne wishes to visit Miss Hollerfield’s grave. Liza is helping her dress.”
“Today? Do you think she is up to such a task?” Thorne frowned. “Of course, I shall accompany you.” He put out a hand to stay her argument. “We still don’t know who attacked Rowena. You will not leave here without Andrews and me. Quince shall remain at the house while we are gone.”
She inclined her head. “If you insist. In any event, I believe this is a step in the right direction.”
Lorelei studied her husband. His fierce gaze was fastened on the passing landscape through the window, his brows drawn, analyzing some inward puzzle. That inward puzzle was most likely his pondering the identity of the villain who’d killed Miss Hollerfield and attacked Miss Elvins. It was certainly the mystery most occupying her mind.
His broad hand rested on his knee, a hand that knew exactly how to touch her. He turned to her just then and grinned. Her cheeks flamed, as if he’d read her lascivious thoughts.
His gaze shifted to their companion. “How are you holding up, Miss Hollerfield?”
“Well, my lord.” Corinne’s quiet words, barely above a whisper, had Lorelei doubting the claim. She covered Corinne’s hand with hers.
Ten minutes later, the carriage perched on the lane before the small church. Arched windows pointing toward heaven never failed to soothe Lorelei. Never had she relished the feeling more than in this moment.
Talmadge, the vicar, was a tall, hunched, scraggly man. He rushed out to greet them. Thorne descended the carriage, and Lorelei started forward. Corinne stayed her with a hand. “Lady Kimpton.”
Lorelei sat back against the seat. “Yes?”
“This means so much to me, I-I can scarcely find the words. Would it be so horrific to request to visit Rowena a-alone?”
Lorelei studied her. She appeared on the verge of collapse, but her gathering the courage to ask for something so personal touched Lorelei. She leaned out the window. “Give us just a moment, gentlemen.” The door was pushed closed.
Tears shimmered in Corinne’s eyes. Lorelei could not deny her. “Would you consider letting the vicar stand nearby? I fear for your health. You haven’t allowed time to build your strength.”
“Yes. Yes, thank you, Lady Kimpton. It’s most appropriate for the vicar to assist me. I’m sorry if I seem ungrateful, and after all you’ve done.”
“Not at all, dear. This is a horrendous time for you. I’m just glad we are able to assist you in some way.”
“I suppose Rowena mentioned that Lord Harlowe is my baby’s father?”
“She didn’t tell me,” Lorelei said. “But Lord Kimpton was under that impression.”
Corinne’s gaze fell to her lap. “I see.” She raised her head. “I suppose that’s why you are being so nice to me.”
“I’ll admit I am thrilled to have such a beautiful and perfect nephew. But I would like to believe I would have helped regardless your situation, Miss Hollerfield.”
A tinge of pink flooded Corinne’s face. The sight was not unbecoming. “Thank you, Lady Kimpton. I shall do my best to avoid embarrassing you or… or Brandon.”
Lorelei smiled. “That is the least of my concerns.” She squeezed the girl’s hands. “We shall speak more of Brandon at a later time. Now, I suggest we attempt to move past this current chapter.” Lorelei tapped on the carriage door.
Thorne assisted Corinne, then Lorelei, down the steps. “Vicar, Miss Hollerfield would be most appreciative of your showing her to her sister’s final resting place.”
Talmadge stepped forward and offered Corinne his arm. Thorne started after them, and Lorelei quickly grabbed hold of him. “She wishes privacy, my lord. Perhaps we might discuss your suspicions about who is responsible for Miss Hollerfield’s death.”
He scowled. “I have no suspects. I just wish I did.”
The ride back to Kimpton was somber. Thorne had not lied to Lorelei. He was stymied as to who would have wished Rowena harm.
“What is that you are holding, Miss Hollerfield?” Lorelei asked.
Thorne looked out over the rolling hills, now a rich green after all the rain, vaguely listening to the quiet conversation going on about him.
