One thing she did know. Should Guy need her help again, she would give it, whether he liked it or not. Even if she saved him for Fanny or some other lady, she thought, as a lump formed in her throat.
Simon led The General away with a raise of his eyebrows, but he didn’t question her. The house was quiet when she entered. Hetty hurried up to her bedchamber. She washed and changed into a house gown, praying she hadn’t been missed.
Her father was at his desk in the library. He gave her a sharp look. “Ah, my dear. I had a visitor, Mr. Gantry. We’ve been visiting the farm. I sent word for you to join us for tea, but the maids couldn’t find you. Where have you been?”
“I went out for some fresh air.”
He frowned. “On foot?”
“No, I rode, Father.”
“Alone?”
“Yes.”
He rose from his chair and came around the desk to take her hands. “I am surprised and shocked, Horatia. Without my knowledge and with highwaymen about? You are far too reckless.”
Accused of recklessness twice in one day cut deep. Her chest squeezed at the disappointment in his eyes. “I’m sorry, Papa. I am…stifled here sometimes.”
He studied her. “Stifled, eh?”
She had reached a stage where she couldn’t dissemble, not even to spare him. “Yes.”
“That’s not good, Horatia. Not good at all.”
Relieved that he didn’t ask her which horse she’d ridden, she placed a hand on his arm. “I should not have gone out alone, Papa. I am sorry. I won’t do it again.”
He straightened his back, appearing more like the figure of authority he’d once been commanding his troops. “Raising a daughter is not easy for a man to do alone. But I’ve done my best. I’m hurt that you’ve kept your concerns from me.”
“I’m sorry I’ve disappointed you,” she whispered, as her eyes filled with tears.
He chucked her under the chin. “There now, don’t cry.” He smiled. “We all make mistakes, my dear. We shall speak no more about it.” He returned to his desk. “Oh, by the way, Mr. Oakley called. He left some vegetables with Cook.”
“How good of him. I’m sure they’re splendid.”
“I had planned to play faro at Mr. Broadbent’s this evening, but I’ve half a mind not to go. I should stay and keep you company. The skies threaten rain.”
“I am perfectly content to spend the evening with a book.”
“Are you? Then I suppose I’d best not let Mr. Broadbent down. Are you sure you won’t be bored here on your own?”
“No of course not, Papa.” A deep sense of shame lowered her spirits. She was neither a dutiful daughter, nor was she honest.
Her father left after dinner in the curricle. When he’d turned down the lane, Hetty lit a lantern and slipped out to the stables. A light rain was falling. Familiar stable smells, warm hay, manure, and the sounds of horses snuffling in their boxes greeted her as she slipped inside. She pulled her cloak close, her nerves on edge. It had been a frightful day and she’d never hurt a living soul before. Her anguish faded to be replaced by a heady sense of expectation. The memory of Guy lying in the hay smiling up at her in that rakish way he had, his mouth on hers, made her want to throw all caution to the winds. Hooves rang on the gravel drive. With a deep breath, she hurried to the doorway.
Guy appeared through the misty rain and dismounted. He led his horse inside, his shoulders slumped with weariness.
She was immediately contrite. “Papa has gone out. Come into the house and sit by the fire.”
“What about the servants? I don’t wish to compromise you.”
“Don’t be so stuffy. Come to the front door. I want to hear what happened.”
He glared at her, his eyes bloodshot, but didn’t resist.
An unmarried lady receiving a gentleman alone at night showed a sad lack of propriety to heap on top of her recent misdemeanors. She was glad of her loyal servants, but she couldn’t make herself care about etiquette. Not when it was a matter of life and death.
The maid answered the door and showed him into the library where Hetty waited. It was cozy with the walls lined with bookshelves and the fire lit. A reassuring smell of pipe smoke mingled with that of old tomes. Guy poured their drinks and settled with her on the leather chesterfield.
