Henrietta leaned over her plate shoveling bread into her mouth.
“Your page has a good appetite,” he said with a hard stare.
Verity nodded. “Pierre has recovered from his sea-sickness.”
Ramsbotham pursed his full lips, running his gaze over Henrietta’s slim body in her page boy’s garb. “I appreciate a good appetite.”
Verity moved uneasily on her chair. “How long before we reach Le Havre?” she asked to deflect him.
He sipped his brandy. “You are eager to leave us?”
“Eager to complete my journey,oui.”
“You go to directly to Rouen? My coach is at your disposal.”
“Merci,my lord. That is not necessary.”
“No trouble. Rouen is but a small detour.”
Verity bit her lip. Henrietta flashed a warning glance at her. “I am to be met at Le Havre,” Verity said.
He raised his brows. “Oh? You failed to mention that when we were together last night.”
Henrietta’s mouth tightened.
“You must not concern yourself with my travel arrangements, my lord,” Verity said.
“Oh, but I do. Your plans concern me… intimately.”
“I am grateful for your consideration, but have no need of assistance.”
Ramsbotham picked up his knife and fork with a satisfied look. “We shall see.” He attacked the devilled kidneys the butler placed before him. The man was tougher than boot leather.
Verity pushed put down her napkin and rose. “Please excuse me. We must pack.”
He reached across and grabbed her wrist. “Send your page. I should like company while I eat. Surely, you cannot deny me that.”
Verity signaled for Henrietta to leave. “Pack, Pierre.”
After enduring a clumsy kiss, Verity returned to the cabin, scrubbing her mouth with a handkerchief.
“Here you are.” Henrietta eyed her, thumped the trunk lid closed and went to the porthole. She squinted into the glare. “I can make out buildings and trees along the shore. We’ll land in a few hours. What do we do then?”
“First, we must inquire after your father.”
“How are we to avoid the marquess? He seems intent on taking us with him.”
Verity shook her head. “Leave him to me.”
“We can hire a vehicle for our trunk. Then drive to the village.”
Verity rubbed a hand over her forehead. “I’ve never driven a carriage and I doubt you have either.”
Henrietta brightened. “No, but I expect I’ll manage it.”
Verity eyed her with a troubled frown. “I wish I was more confident of that.”
The hours passed. To Verity’s relief, she and Henrietta were left alone. She wondered if the marquess was suffering the after-effects of the laudanum.
