“Oh, they were excellent. My cousin said that Lady Middlebury was very distracted and didn’t even play as if she cared. She lost their match, and now, if my cousin wishes to play her, and she does, she will have to wait until tomorrow. To be honest, I was surprised at how badly Lady Middlebury lost her games. Her points were very low.”
“She has a houseful of guests. She may have been distracted.”
Mrs. Newsome made a face. “My cousin is in a mood. I asked a footman to take Magpie for a walk, and he hasn’t returned. Meanwhile, my lady is furious she cannot have her pet immediately this moment. She has sent me out to look for the servant, but I can’t remember which one took her. They all look alike in their wigs and livery.”
Beck frowned. He knew he would have to take the dog with them when they left. For a second, he debated leaving Lady Orpington, Magpie, and Mrs. Newsome behind. Were they truly in danger?
Possibly. Whoever had sent Winstead after him was of a murderous bent. If something happened to even Magpie, he would blame himself.
“Mrs. Newsome, I’m going to tell you something in the strictest confidence.” He looked up and down the hall. Muffled movement could be heard behind several of the doors, but they were alone save for the porter sitting at his station. And he appeared more interested in the carpet pattern than their conversation.
He took her arm and pulled her a few steps down the hall, leaning his head close. “We may need to leave this evening.”
“Leave?”
“For reasons I can’t disclose,” he said.
Her brows lifted. “Oh. Yes. I understand.” She looked away. “Do you wish me to see that my cousin is packed?”
“No, we will leave with what we have. The servants and clothing can be sent for.”
“Do you truly believe it has come to that?”
“I trust my instincts, and the answer is yes. Please, pass this message to your mistress.”
“She won’t go,” Mrs. Newsome said. “She is wound up in the shabby way Lady Middlebury has managed the whist tournament. She is thinking of taking it over herself on the morrow.”
“She may choose to stay. However, I have sensed that Lady Middlebury and perhaps others know my identity. And may have been aware of it before I came.”
“What makes you say that?”
He thought of Violet, but he didn’t answer Mrs. Newsome. “We leave tonight. You and Lady Orpington will come with us if you are wise.”
She nodded. “I shall tell her.”
“Be ready. No luggage.”
“That is a challenge.”
Beck didn’t respond. He expected his order to be obeyed. “I hope you find Magpie.”
“I pray that dog is lost forever.”
Her bluntness surprised him. Then again, he could never have survived if he’d been in her position. He watched her walk down the stairs before turning his attention to Gwendolyn. He thought about knocking at her door, but then reconsidered. He’d spent many hours in the saddle. He was certain he reeked of horses. He could spare a moment to make himself presentable.
Especially since, if he got nerve up, he was going to admit that she was right—he loved her.
And was it possible she might, possibly, hopefully return the feeling?
Beck had never known love but now, he found himself in awe of the depth of his feelings for Gwendolyn.
In his room, Beck hurriedly poured water into a basin, removed his clothes to the waist, and washed his face and hands and torso. He believed in the benefits of bathing and wished he’d had the opportunity of a bath. It had been a full day. He couldn’t wait to find Gwendolyn and hear her thoughts about the tidbits of information he’d gleaned about Ellisfield or how she and Lady Orpington had fared over cards. He couldn’t wait to tell her that he’d changed his mind: He wanted her to fall in love with him. He’d demand it, and he’d kiss her again and again until he won her over.
She was the only woman for him. He’d always believed he preferred being alone. He’d needed it,or so he’d told himself. People were a challenge. Few were dependable. No one was faithful, well, except Gwendolyn. He’d come to rely on her.
That idea was radical.
Beck stopped drying himself with the linen towel provided, stunned by how important Gwendolyn was to him.
