“I know,” Leonie said. “Although I am relieved I did not miss the ‘passion flower’ poet.”
Willa laughed, a laugh she stifled with the back of her hand to her lips. Cassandra shook her head with good nature. “May we see each other soon.” Cassandra gave Leonie the kiss of a dear friend. Willa followed suit and, too soon, they were out the door and Leonie was alone with her husband, the footman minding the door having gone out to open the coach doors for Willa and Cassandra.
Roman spoke first. “Your maid said you told her not to pack.”
“I did. But now I need to tell hertopack.” She drew a deep breath and faced him. “When do you wish to leave?”
“I had thought in the hour.”
“I will be ready. Now, if you will excuse me?” She didn’t wait for an answer but moved toward the stairs, her current supply of courage spent.
“Leonie?” His voice stopped her. She hesitated, her foot on the next stair. He came around the staircase so they could see each other over the bannister. “What made you change your mind and decide to come to Bonhomie with me?”
Her husband was no fool.
He also treated her with more honesty than her parents ever had. Furthermore, other than Willa and Cassandra, she truly had no ties to London. For some reason, being alone had lost its appeal.
“You have sisters.” On that cryptic answer, she hurried up the stairs to pack.
Chapter 11
Leaving her parents’ home was surprisingly simple.
On the way to her room, Leonie decided to tell her mother she was leaving. She knocked on her mother’s door but her maid, Anna, answered. “Madam is indisposed.” She spoke in whispers through a cracked door.
Leonie understood what was truly being said. Her mother had probably imbibed too much wine and whatever else at the wedding party... just as she’d had too much brandy. “Does she know I am leaving?”
“Lord Rochdale informed her that the two of you would be departing.”
“Ah, well, then, tell her I will write.”
“Yes, my lady.” The door closed.
Leonie stared a moment at the hardwood. She then turned and looked down the hall to her father’s room. He had still not returned. She debated informing his valet of her departure but dismissed the idea.
“I spoke to him earlier,” Roman’s voice said behind her. “He knows we are leaving.”
Slowly, she turned to him. “I fear where you had to go to find him. Years ago, I left without a backward glance. I didn’t think they would care. I didn’t believe anyone cared.”
“I’m certain they were worried when you eloped.”
“My father’s only worry was protecting his investment. I pray you received my dowry?”
He hesitated as if he didn’t trust her mood, and why should he? She’d not behaved well the past two weeks. “I have.”
“Very good. I shall pack.”
She went to her room. Action felt good. Leaving London would not be a bad thing, she realized. Like Willa and Cassandra, the gossips would speculate about her reasons for missing her own wedding party. Some would be titillated, others scandalized. And herself? She didn’t care. All those doubts had vanished once she’d made her decision to not fight her husband on the issue of traveling with him.
Minnie had already started the packing. Leonie watched the maid sort through her clothing for a moment before saying, “Will you come with me, Minnie?”
The servant’s eyes widened and then softened. “I wish I could, my lady.”
“But you don’t wish to leave your Charles?” Charles was the butcher’s apprentice. He and Minnie had been sweethearts since they were children.
“We will marry soon.”
“Send me a note when you do,” Leonie said. “I will want to know.”
