“It is almost eight,” he said. “I need to eat.”
Willa’s stomach rumbled her reply. He laughed and poured water into the basin. “I’m certain they are waiting supper for us,” he said. He picked up the dress Willa had been wearing and tossed it to her before washing.
She ran a hand over her curls. She was glad she’d cut her hair. Sleeping had been easier, and considering how much moving around she and Matt had done when they made love, well, that was easier as well. She nudged Matt out of the way of the washbasin so she could see her hair in the glass.
“I adore it,” she said. She looked at her husband. “What do you think?”
“I think I adore you.”
Willa grinned and began her toilette.
Within the half hour, they were on their way downstairs to the dining room.
Marshall met them at the foot of the stairs. “We are hungry,” Matt said to the butler.
“Cook has kept supper warm. I shall order it be served.”
“Please tell her to keep it simple,” Matt said. “We will eat in the sitting room.” That was where they usually sipped their port and sherry.
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“Also, has my grandmother eaten?” Matt looked to Willa. “She wanted us to accompany her to a dinner party this evening, but I knew we would be exhausted. I told her we couldn’t.”
“Thank you,” Willa said.
“Yes, well, she may not be pleased with us.”
“The dowager is not here, Your Grace. She did go to Sir Bernard’s affair.”
“Did she go by herself?”
“No, Your Grace. Mr. Addison went with her.”
Matt went still. He looked to Willa, who shared his worry. “When should she return?” Willa asked.
“She said it could be a late evening. She is fond of Sir Bernard and his wife. Also, Mr. Addison left this note for you.”
The paper was the same one that had been used at the ball.
The seal was unmarked. Matt broke it. He leaned toward Willa so that she could see the message as well:Meet me at Mayfield.
There was no signature, but then one wasn’t needed.
George knew Matt was onto his game.
“We must go to the magistrate,” Willa said.
The smile Matt gave her was cold. “If he does anything to her, I will break his neck.”
Willa understood. “I don’t believe that is his plan. His actions are desperate. He knows it is over.”
Matt frowned. “It is going to be over.”
She took charge. “Marshall, saddle two horses immediately.” She started for the door. “I shall be down in two shakes, Your Grace. I must change into my riding habit.”
“Willa, I want you to stay here—”
She turned on him, holding up a hand to stop his words. “Have you learned nothing this day? You need me.”
