Page 472 of Wicked Highland Heroes

Her expression sobered. “In truth, my lord, the only reason I pried today was because of a sense of unease that I haven’t been able to shed.”

Nicholas was beginning to know how she felt.

“I fear I was correct, she said. “The letterbox is empty.”

“Empty? I did see her wearing the pearls.”

Annabel nodded. “Two days ago. If only the pearls were missing from the letterbox, I would not wonder. But for the mementos to be gone, as well, is strange.”

“Why?”

“She may carry the box with her, but she would not empty the contents and leave the box behind.”

Nicholas had to admit, it struck him oddly as well. He might think she had decided to dispose of the letters and brooch in a fit of anger at him, but she would never part with the necklace her father had given her, nor the handkerchief her sister had sewn.

“She never goes anywhere for any length of time without those items,” Annabel said.

“What are you saying?”

“I believe she is planning to run away.”

“Run away?”

Lady Allaway’s eyes cut to him and he realized he’d spoken the word louder than intended. Nicholas lightly grasped Annabel’s elbow and escorted her from the parlor into the hallway where he took several steps from the doorway before stopping.

“Where could she possibly go?” he asked.

“She could disappear in London or even Paris and live modestly. Our parents have given her trinkets over the years that could sustain her for some time.”

“Disappear? She may have her misgivings about our marriage, but surely not so much so that she would disappear from our lives?” Especially not after last night, he mentally added. “Not to mention, I can’t believe she would sell that necklace. It means too much to her.”

“It certainly wouldn’t be the first to go,” Annabel replied. “But Josephine is a practical woman and, you will forgive me for saying so, my lord, but she does seem determined not to marry you.”

“Aye,” he agreed with an increasing sense of disquiet. “Have you any idea why?” He had spent little time with Annabel and it hadn’t occurred to him she might have some insight into her sister’s behavior.

Annabel shook her head. “I am sorry to say, I do not. I know she loves you.”

“What?”

She gave him a gentle smile. “Even a child could see it.”

How could he doubt she loved after last night? And how could Jo possibly consider running away after last night? She couldn’t.

“Annabel, Jo is not a fool. I can’t believe she would be so imprudent as to leave. And,” he hesitated, “I believe she and I have come to an understanding.”

Her gaze sharpened and unexpected heat rose in his face. Surely, the girl couldn’t discern his meaning? But the girl, he realized, was a young woman of eighteeen, and no fool.

She placed a hand on his arm. “Sir, I do not know why Josephine is so unhappy, but I do know that she is.”

The forthright assessment—and its accuracy—sent a wave of alarm through him.

She withdrew her hand. “If you will tell me that whatever passed between you and my sister has healed her, I will take your word.”

She said no more, but Nicholas knew she was too genteel too say But what if you are wrong?