twenty-one
Isabella couldn’t stop shivering as she walked to Gloucester House with Lawson.
Patrick was a gentleman. He would marry her even though they weren’t in love. They’d spent a lot of time together, and he was leaving for a long journey. Their sudden marriage wouldn’t surprise anyone. She might go with him to Europe and visit Paris as he’d said. The situation might turn into a great opportunity and a new beginning.
Lawson touched her arm. “You must be strong.”
“Everything is a bit too much.” Her voice sounded different as if it didn’t belong to her.
Lawson shook her head. “What were you—” She fell silent, exhaling. “There’s no point in scolding you now. It is what it is.”
“Trust me, I perfectly understand my situation.”
Lady Mary had impressed on her clearly what her future would be if she didn’t get married.
Lawson knocked on the door of Gloucester House, trembling as well.
“Gloucester House,” Rogers said, opening the door. “Lady Isabella. I didn’t know you were expected today.” He held the door open for her.
“This is an unplanned visit.” As many other unplanned things. “Is Lord Patrick at home? I need to talk to him.”
The butler frowned. “I’m afraid that’s not possible. Lord Patrick left for Southampton last night. He had to bring up his departure due to a problem with the railway. He’s likely already on board the ship bound for Cabo Verde. He should have sent you a message, I believe.”
The floor quaked under Isabella’s feet.
“I didn’t get any messages.”
“I’m sorry, my lady. Lord Patrick’s departure was quite abrupt. He might have forgotten.”
She shifted her weight from one foot to another. Her legs threatened to give out. “Thank you.”
“Rogers, I need to send for my secretary—” Anthony came out of a door and stopped upon seeing her.
Her first impulse was to flee the house. He would be disappointed if he knew what she’d done.
Lawson hid a gasp behind her closed fist.
He didn’t wear any mask, his hair didn’t cover his face, and the bright sunlight hit his scar. It was a huge scar. It had the shape of a lily with the petals stretching out under his left eye, towards his temple, and down his cheek, as if someone had tried to open his face by pulling the flesh apart.
She understood Lawson’s reaction but gave her a warning glance. “Your Grace.”
“Lady Isabella was looking for Lord Patrick, Your Grace,” Rogers said. “I told her he left earlier than planned.”
Anthony ignored Lawson and smiled at Isabella. “Please stay for a cup of tea or coffee, Isabella.”
She needed a cup, and his company would do her good. She took a seat at a round table in the sunroom, glad to sit down. Lawson sat on a chair in a corner, tense and pale.
“I believe Patrick sent you a message,” Anthony said as the butler served the drinks.
“I must have missed it.”
“Or he forgot. I wouldn’t be surprised. Anything urgent?”
“Nothing of importance.”
They stirred their drinks in silence. The sound of the teaspoons against the porcelain thundered.
“We haven’t spent some time together in a while.” Anthony smiled but stopped immediately as if regretting having tried. The ruined skin on his left side twitched, making the scar more evident. “I’ve been awfully busy catching up with my work.”
