Chapter Twenty-Six
Henrietta searched for Christian’s card on the silver tray in the hall. She found it among those from the afternoon callers and held it to her nose, searching for his musky scent. Then she rushed to tell her aunt. After luncheon, she changed into a flattering apricot muslin morning gown trimmed with green ribbons, which she thought brought out the green in her eyes.
She’d spent most of the morning with Aunt Gabrielle. After learning of the men’s rescue, her aunt had forgiven Henrietta the worry she’d caused, and showered her with hugs and kisses. Such a display of excessive Gallic emotion made Henrietta exhausted.
Philippe had taken to his bed again, with Mademoiselle Josette never far from his thoughts. He fretted about his servants and his chateau. Henrietta thought he would make a poor émigré. His roots were firmly in French soil, and his keen sense of patriotism would bring him back when aristocrats were no longer hunted like prey.
Her father intended to return to the country the next day. Estate matters had been neglected and would need his attention. She wondered if he would see Verity before he left. Her thoughts turned to Christian. How might she convince him to let her perform on the stage after they were married? One season would be enough, she was not unreasonable.
Sally fussed and fiddled around Henrietta as she sat before the glass. Henrietta tried to be patient with the new maid. She missed Molly who was an excellent lady’s maid, but truth to tell Henrietta had grown accustomed to looking after herself. It wasn’t just that which had begun to irk her. It was the customs and rules London society imposed on one. She found the endless advice on her carriage and deportment and demeanor suffocating. She missed the sense of freedom. She couldn’t step out the door without announcing where she was going and have a maid accompany her.
Henrietta had discovered a dislike of footmen at the table waiting to jump to her every need. She was perfectly able to open a door herself, for heaven’s sake. It had become tedious. Must she always wear gloves? They were beastly and hot especially in summer in the crowded ballrooms. When riding in the park, one never galloped. Most preferred to gossip.
She had to endure her aunt’s lecture on propriety, and how she must never mention her experiences in France at social gatherings. She’d done nothing wrong; in fact, her aunt constantly said how proud she was of her. It pricked at her sense of fairness. Must she tiptoe through life with downcast eyes? She simply couldn’t adopt the missish behavior she’d encountered among the young women of theton. At least when she married, she would become her own person.
Would Christian be an indulgent husband? With one last-minute glance at her gown in the glass she went downstairs. A pair of steely gray-blue eyes swam into her vision and warmth spread through her. She had witnessed the steely side of Christian’s nature. He could handle himself well when faced with danger. And though he was gentle and loving toward her, he may not be so easily persuaded to support her on the stage.
As soon as Christian entered the drawing room, she sensed something was amiss. With polite reserve, he bowed before her aunt, then greeted Henrietta formally, raising her hand to his lips. It was as if their romantic adventure had never happened. His manner heightened her sense of dislocation. He was dressed as the elegant gentleman he was in fine clothes, but something had changed. She tried to catch his eye, searching for that twinkle she loved, but his eyes looked grave and there was no sign in his smile of the closeness they’d shared.
“Please sit down, Mr. Hartley.” “I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude,” her aunt said. “I shall never forget what you did for us. Words cannot say enough.”
“I was glad to be of service, Lady Belden.” He sat in the damask wing chair. “It was Lord Beaumont who cared for your brother.”
“Verity and I helped too,” Henrietta said.
“Hush, Henrietta,” her aunt said. “Of course, I am grateful to you. You were very brave and resourceful. I have told everyone you have been in the country. I hate to think what society would make of your involvement, should gossip spread.”
Henrietta stared first at her aunt and then at Christian. “So, it must all be swept under the carpet?”
Aunt Gabrielle frowned and pulled her shawl around her. “Your reputation must remain unimpeachable.”
“But after I’m married what difference can it make?” Henrietta stared at Christian. “Christian? Don’t you agree?”
If she expected him to come to her aid, she was sorely disappointed. “I believe Lady Belden is correct in this.”
“You sound so pompous, Christian!” Henrietta said, outraged. “And I know you are not like that.”
“Lower your voice, please, Henrietta.” Aunt Gabrielle hastily gathered up her shawl and lorgnette. “I shall give you two a moment alone. Cook wishes to discuss the menus. You must excuse me.” She hurried from the room.
“Why didn’t you take my side?” Henrietta asked when the door closed.
He gave a slight smile. “You should listen to your aunt, Henrietta. She has the wisdom of her years.”
“Pooh!” She grinned. “Toad eater!” This at least brought a short laugh from him.
She studied him, admiring the set of his shoulders in the blue coat. The color made his eyes look bluer.
He made no move to join her on the sofa. Henrietta stood and walked over to him. He leaped to his feet, conscious that a gentleman never sits in a lady’s presence. She shook her head at that, placed her hands on his chest, rose on her toes and lifted her face for his kiss.
He dutifully pecked her cheek.
She frowned and stepped back to better study his face. He looked unhappy. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing is wrong.” Christian backed away from her with an eye on the door.
Henrietta followed. She took his hand, intertwining his long fingers with hers. “Yes, there is.”
He gently withdrew his hand from her grasp. “Did you sleep well?”
