“Actually, no. Lord Redvers wrote that, before eloping, Georgiana had a chat with him and told him what Lady Redvers had done. It seems that Lord Redvers was reluctant about withdrawing his support, even despite the scandal because he’d given his word and because he wasn’t happy about what his wife had done to me, but Lord Havisham convinced him not to help me.” He exhaled and leant back on the pillow. Another kick in the teeth. “So I lost Lord Redvers, and Havisham is still causing trouble. Great.”
“I’m so sorry.” Angeline caressed his cheek. “That man is awful.”
“And the worst thing is that I don’t know why he is doing this.” He rubbed the bridge of his nose. “When I was his footman, he’d always treated me well. When I became a baron, he supported me. We never argued about anything. Our disagreements started recently when he asked me to break into your house.”
“He also lied about my mother and made up the lie about that list. And let’s not forget Police Constable Davis. Lord Havisham must have held a grudge against you for a while.”
“But why? I don’t understand.” He pulled her closer to hug her, needing her comfort.
She rested her head on his chest.
The tender moment was cut off by Enright’s booming voice coming from the corridor.
“Madam, I must protest,” Enright said.
“Please do protest as much as you like.” Mrs. Haywood’s voice rang out. “I’m sure it’ll be very entertaining.The butler doth protest too much, methinks.” She laughed.
Footsteps pounded.
“Mama.” Angeline straightened.
Royston sat upright. “What now?”
Mrs. Haywood shoved the door open and hurried into the room, followed by a red-faced Enright.
“Darling, Lord Wharton.” Mrs. Haywood curtsied.
“My lord, I’m sorry.” Breathless, Enright put a hand on his side. “Mrs. Haywood rushed up the stairs before I could stop her.”
“Less sherry and Yorkshire pudding is my advice,” Mrs. Haywood said. “It wouldn’t harm it if you stopped smoking as well.”
“Mama!” Angeline said as Royston said, “Thank you, Enright.”
“I’m so happy to see you, sweetheart.” Mrs. Haywood tried to kiss Angeline’s cheek, but Angeline didn’t let her.
“Mama, please. What are you doing here?”
Mrs. Haywood was hurt if the sudden tightening of her lips was any sign. “First, I wanted to apologise in person to the baron.”
Royston glanced at Angeline. He didn’t want to cause more disagreement between Angeline and her mother. Despite the fact he was still upset about what Mrs. Haywood had done to him, he gave her a nod.Now, please leave.
“I want to make amends,” Mrs. Haywood said.
“Please, no.” Angeline exhaled.
Mrs. Haywood ignored her, making herself comfortable on the edge of the bed. “I’m aware that Lord Redvers withdrew his support of Lord Wharton on the Parliament seat because of Havisham’s intrusion.”
How did she know that? Royston had just received the letter.
“Yes, and?” Angeline asked.
“Well.” Mrs. Haywood jutted out her chin. “Here’s what I’d do if I were you. Invite Havisham here for an honest chat. If he refuses to stop blocking Lord Wharton, I’ll spill what I know about him to his ducal wife.”
“Blackmailing? Again?” Angeline’s fierce expression made her look like a warrior. “Haven’t you caused enough trouble?”
Mrs. Haywood held up a hand. “I won’t say anything. My mere presence here will scare Havisham. He’s a coward, trust me. He’ll panic and do whatever you ask. I won’t need to talk at all.”
Not the best of plans, but it was worth a try.
Royston scratched his chin. “I like the idea of having an honest conversation with Havisham. No tricks or lies. Just honesty.”
Mrs. Haywood’s smile sent a chill down his back. “Excellent. Let me arrange the meeting.”
