“A few times. I can’t remember how many.” He remembered perfectly. Three times at parties and balls, and twice in her sister’s home. Besides the day of the child’s birth, there had been a very small gathering two days ago when the duchess made her first appearance out of her chambers since her lying in.
“Did she speak of me?” he asked ever so casually, as if it did not matter. Which meant it still did.
“Briefly. She asked after you. Do not make much of it. She could hardly pretend I was not your brother.” Gabriel rose and got some brandy from a closed section of the study’s bookcases. He poured two glasses and handed Harry one. “It is a big mistake to think of any women as other than passing diversions that come and go. You must train your mind to accept that.”
“Someday you will have to marry. Is that what your duchess will be? A passing diversion?”
“Regrettably she will not go after she comes, but the diversion probably will pass too soon anyway.”
“You are very cynical.”
“I am the voice of experience that for some reason you choose to ignore. Now, enough about old flirtations. How is the book going?”
Harry set down his glass. He began describing his progress on his book in enthusiastic words and tone.
Gabriel glanced down at the letters.
Harry halted midsentence. “You are busy. Worse, I am boring you.”
“Nothing bores me as much as politics so whatever you have to say is a respite. Pray, continue.”
Amanda collected the letters she had penned. They had taken longer than normal. All day while she worked, she had also rehearsed her immediate future in her head. Even singing to herself, which normally aided her concentration, proved futile.
Her plan was simple. She would take her leave of this situation. She would move from her cellar. She would pack up that buckle and deliver it to Morris’s Grocery. Then she would wait on the street to see who came out with the package in his hands and follow him.
Once she knew where he lived, she would arrange to watch to see who visited. If no one did and he left again with the package, she would follow him again. If he left town, and she hoped he did, perhaps he would lead her to her mother. In the least, she hoped to discover who held her mother captive.
The first step would be taken today when she informed Lady Farnsworth that she could no longer serve as her secretary. She did not look forward to this part. The lady might ask questions that would force her to lie.
She carried the letters to Lady Farnsworth’s study. Today, Lady Farnsworth labored over her article for the next issue ofParnassus. She did not look up when Amanda entered, but gestured to a table. “Just leave them there. I will give them my attention in due course.”
Amanda placed the letters on the table. “If I might speak to you for a moment.”
“Tomorrow, please. The words are pouring forth, and I dare not interfere with their path.”
“I apologize, but this is very important.”
With a dramatic sigh, Lady Farnsworth turned to look at her. “Then what is it, Miss Waverly? I assume it is very important indeed.” Her tone implied nothing could be important enough.
Amanda swallowed hard. She so appreciated her situation here. She admired Lady Farnsworth. She liked the Amanda who had procured this employment and eventually helpedParnassusand was welcomed at that club.
“I need to inform you that I will be leaving my position here. I have been called out of town on family matters, and there is no telling how long I will need to be gone.”
That garnered Lady Farnsworth’s full attention. She set down her pen and turned in her chair. She pointed to a damask-covered bench against the nearby wall. “Please sit and explain yourself further. Your departure will be most inconvenient. What family matter is it that calls you away?”
“My mother needs me. She requires my attendance in her present condition. I can hardly refuse her.”
Lady Farnsworth’s expression softened. “You have rarely spoken of your family. I assumed they were all—that is to say I just thought . . .”
“My father is gone, but my mother is not.”
“I see. Yes, yes, if she needs you, what else can you do but go to her. But Miss Waverly, are you very sure you cannot return in good time? Is it so serious as that?”
“I do not know yet. However, I think it would be best if you sought a replacement for me. It would not be fair to you to leave with no idea of when I might return. I will explain the same thing to Mrs. Galbreath at the journal. I have her accounts reconciled for the last six months so anyone else will have a clean page.”
“Oh, tosh on the accounts. My concern is for you, not our accounts. Do you have what you need to travel to your mother? Can I help you in any way?”
The lady’s thoughtfulness moved Amanda. “I have what I need, thank you.”
