Lord Foyle took his son firmly by the shoulder. “That is settled, then. No harm done. Now apologize to Miss Lockhart. Even if you remember nothing,shedoes, and the insult must be undone.”
“But she’s lying!” Richard Foyle almost wailed.
“She is not,” Captain Larson interjected. “I was a witness to that also, and all the sorrier for it. In fact, I can name several others who were forced to endure your treatment of Miss Lockhart. You disgraced the uniform and your family name, sir.”
Lord Foyle squeezed his son’s arm more tightly, his voice pure iron. “Apologize. Now.”
The reckless foal hesitated. No doubt he was unused to being held to account. Then, all at once, he relented, his entire body taking on the shape of a chastised schoolboy.
“’M sorry,” he mumbled.
“Like a man,” his father demanded.
Richard Foyle took a breath and rolled his eyes. But he obeyed. “I am very sorry, Miss Lockhart, for offending you.”
Squeeze.
“It won’t happen again.”
Lord Foyle removed his hand from his son’s arm. “I too, apologize, Miss Lockhart. Our son should have known better. I assure you, this will be the last of such behavior.”
Miss Lockhart merely nodded. She was fully shaking now. William put his arm about her and led her back toward the Sinclairs.
“You were amazing!” he whispered down to her forehead. “I cannot thank you enough. Miss Lockhart,” he said as they walked. “Not only for your support, but that you did not believe me to be a thief.”
She nodded again but remained silent.
“Can I get you something warm to drink? You are shivering. I fear it’s all been too much for you.”
She did not answer, except for a whimper that escaped her throat.
“Where is her shawl?” asked William when they reached the Sinclairs. “I think she is in shock.”
“Here.” Mrs. Sinclair handed him a soft bundle. “Take her to the carriage. We will be there shortly. Everyone is packing to go. Too many families need to say farewell to loved ones for us to eat and play games together as if nothing were happening.”
William shook out the cashmere shawl and folded it around Miss Lockhart’s shivering frame. His arm once more protectively around her, they made their way to the Sinclair carriage. The footman opened the door and lowered the step, but she did not turn to enter. Instead, she gripped William’s lapel and said in a quavering voice, “I am afraid for you, Mr. Cole.”
“There now.” William spoke warmly, his hand enveloping hers. “All will be well. Lieutenant Foyle is more bark than bite. It will be a while before he risks displeasing his father again. He will not be bothering me. No more than usual, anyway.”
“No,” she replied, lifting tearful eyes to his. “I fear for your life. I am uneasy about this war. Many good men will not come home.”
William’s mouth quirked into a smile. “Am I a good man, then, Miss Lockhart?”
“The very best.”
“It gladdens my heart to hear it.”
Miss Lockhart’s other hand now crept to his chest. “How can your heart be glad at a time like this? I might never see you again!”
“Would that matter so much?” His voice grew husky, his skin warming under her touch.
Her tears now flowed freely, and she nodded wordlessly once more.
“What if I promised to return?” he whispered.
“You cannot make such a promise,” Miss Lockhart said almost inaudibly.
“No.” William sighed. “I suppose I can’t. But I should very much like to come back.” He tipped her chin up gently with the tip of one finger. “I should very much like to see you again.”
