“It would not be an unreasonable assumption to make.”
Athena straightened her spine and clenched her jaw. “Stop it, Charles. Robert is your friend. Have some faith in him.”
“Hewasmy friend, and while I will admit it was I who wronged him, the blow he has dealt this family in return is so low, I shall never forgive him for it. How dare he do this to you? And how could I have allowed myself to believe he wouldn’t?”
Anger flared to life within Athena so swiftly it almost choked her. Balling her hands into fists she glared into her brother’s eyes. “If Robert has indeed plotted revenge in this manner, then it is nothing less than I deserve. But the Robert I know would not be so cruel, and frankly, it astounds me to discover that you imagine he would.”
“Athena, I—”
“No. I refuse to believe him capable of it until I hear him confess it himself. Until then, I must believe something else has kept him away. And right now, I have every intention of finding out what it might be.”
“You’re leaving?” he asked when she started back toward the carriage she’d arrived in.
“I have to find him, Charles.”
“But what about all the guests?”
“They will spread their vicious gossip no matter what we do. I, for one, have no intention of staying here to listen to it.”
“I should accompany you,” he said.
She glanced at him while considering his proposal. “Fine. As long as you swear not to harm him in any way once we find him.”
“Very well. You have my word. Just give me a minute to tell Bethany where I’ve gone.”
Athena continued toward the carriage while he raced back to the church. She’d just climbed in and arranged her skirts when he returned.
“Was Robert’s mother present?” Athena asked once they were headed to Mivart’s.
“She was.”
Athena nodded. “Then all the more reason not to imagine the worst of him. He’d never subject her to scandal.”
“He’s a lucky fellow,” Charles muttered. “I’m not sure many other women would have been equally ready to defend their fiancés in such a situation.”
Athena turned her gaze toward the window. She would find out what had happened before passing judgment, but if she did learn Robert had played her false, she would challenge him to a bloody duel. Not in defense of her own honor, but because her poor parents did not deserve to be put through another disgraceful ordeal.
But when she arrived at the hotel and inquired after him, the clerk at the front desk informed her that he’d not seen Lord Darlington since the previous day. “He had his dinner brought up to his room. Before the maid left, he told her he wanted an early night and asked not to be disturbed.”
“And you have not checked on him since?” Athena asked with growing concern.
“It’s not unusual for our guests to rise later in the day. Many of them are out until the early hours of the morning and—”
“I need a key,” Athena said. “To his suite of rooms.”
The clerk blanched. “I cannot provide you with that.”
“Then prepare to have every door kicked in until we find him,” Charles said.
“My lord.” The clerk’s eyes darted between them both. Realizing they were serious, he quickly collected a key and hastened toward the stairs. “I shall escort you.”
Athena picked up the hem of her gown and hurried after him with Charles immediately on her heels. When they reached the second floor, the clerk turned right and walked briskly toward the door at the end. Athena rather wished he would run.
“Lord Darlington?” the clerk called after giving the door a knock. “Are you there?”
“Does he not have a valet with him?’ Charles asked Athena. “Someone to send word if he was unwell?”
Athena raised her own fist and gave the door three loud raps. “Not everyone can afford such luxury, Charles. Robert has been trying to save the expense of unnecessary staff.”
