But where would she go?
And that was when she noticed her mother coming out of the card room and into the ballroom. She walked up to her. “I wish to go home,” Willa said.
Her mother blinked at the lack of preamble or greeting. “Where is your husband?”
“I don’t know,” Willa lied. “However, I have taken ill.” That was a truth. She didn’t know what would happen if she stayed at this event much longer.
And then she caught sight of Camberly coming around the corner. She wrapped her arm around her mother’s and steered her toward the ballroom. “Please, Mother, take me home.”
With concerned eyes, her mother placed her hand over Willa’s. Willa wanted to scream at her togo. Instead, her mother asked quietly, “What is it?”
“I married a man like Father.” Did she understand? Out of consideration for her mother’s feelings, Willa had never openly expressed herself.
Camberly came up behind them. “Willa—”
“My daughter is not feeling well, Your Grace,” her mother said with surprising strength. “I’m certain you understand.” She didn’t wait for his response but took Willa’s arm and guided her into the ballroom and toward the front hallway and the door. Willa kept her head down, not wanting to seehim, or anyone.
Camberly trailed after them. “I shall see her home.”
Her mother stopped, turned to him. “Please, Your Grace.”
For a second, he appeared helpless. “I need to explain.”
“Tomorrow,” her mother said.
Willa sensed his struggle with her mother’s edict, and then in a hollow voice, he said, “Shall I see that your coach is brought around?”
“That would be kind. Thank you.”
When there was no further comment, Willa asked, afraid to look around, “Is he gone?”
“He has left,” her mother said.
Willa straightened. “I take it Father is not here.”
“I have not seen him.” Her mother sounded very tired.
As they made their way to the door, their hostess, Lady Evanston, caught up with them. “I’m so sorry to hear Her Grace is not feeling well.”
“It is unfortunate, my lady,” her mother said. “However, we’ve enjoyed this evening. Your decorations are truly amazing. Everyone will be talking about this ball for years to come.”
“Yes, I’m rather proud of myself. Is your husband here, Mrs. Reverly? Does he know you are leaving?”
“He is here... somewhere,” Willa’s mother answered. “I have not had the opportunity to tell him of my plans. Will you do so when you see him? I will send the coach back for him.”
“Of course,” Her Ladyship said. “Please, Your Grace, let us know how you are faring on the morrow. Can you believe Camberly? He is beside himself with worry.”
“Such a gentleman,” her mother agreed. In a low voice to Willa, she said, “Just a few more steps and we can be free.”
Willa trusted her mother to guide her.
In the main hall, the duke waited for them by the door. “Your coach is here.” He walked out the door with them. “May I see you at home?” he asked Willa.
Her response was to turn her face even more into her mother’s shoulder.
“How generous of you, Your Grace. However, I believe it best we quarantine my daughter. You do understand?”
There was a long pause. Willa struggled with a strong desire to speak for herself. To hurl words at him.
