Page 41 of Almost a Countess

Violet smiled and opened her mouththen closed it without speaking. Her face grew somber. “Yes, I’mafraid that is a possibility. You have known each other for meredays, during some trying experiences. When men and women meet undersuch extraordinary circumstances, sometimes passions flame only tobe snuffed out once the danger is past.”

“He said today that ouraffections might change with time, as they have these past twodays.” Tears gathered in Dora’s eyes. To be so close to having thepromise of love fulfilled and have it dashed away was unbearable.“If only we could stay together, surely our regard for one anotherwould continue to grow.”

“I suspect that is so, mydear. But it is impossible.” Violet patted her shoulder. “He mustmake haste to London to clear his name.”

If he must go, then at least thereshould be some way she could—

Dora sat straight up. “I’ll go withhim.”

“What?” Violet grasped herarm, perhaps afraid Dora would jump up and leave that instant. “Youcan do no such thing, Dora. Think, for goodness’ sake. You cannotride to London with a man to whom you are not married. You cannotride on horseback so far in any case. London is five days journeyfrom here. I know, for Tris and I just made that arduoustrip.”

“We can take Father’scarriage.” Dora smiled triumphantly. Just because the carriagehadn’t been retrieved from Leeds didn’t mean it couldn’t be. “Iwasn’t thinking properly when Tris brought up his carriage atdinner.” The mention of the soldiers had likely addled her brainwith fear. “My only thought was that the vehicle wasn’t here. I’llsend Alfred into Leeds first thing in the morning to fetch it.There would be a single day’s delay, no more. Then Finn and I cantravel respectably as husband and wife, which will help throw thesoldiers off our trail.”

“Dear Lord. You have runmad, Dora.” Violet shook her, none too gently. “If you pose as manand wife, travel together as such, and the lie is exposed, you willbe shunned by Polite Society for the rest of your life. Your familywill disown you, without possibility of reconciliation. AndTristan.” Violet’s face paled. “Dora, he will either lock you inyour room and literally throw out the key until Lord Aberfoyle hasdeparted. Or, if you manage to leave with him, Tris will track youboth down and call him out.” Wrapping her arms around herself,Violet shivered. “You know he will, Dora, you must knowit.”

A sense of walls closing in on herdrove Dora to rise and pace about the room, all the while snatchingat even the most farfetched plans. “Then you and Tris could act aschaperones to us. No one could say there was anything improperabout the four of us traveling to London together.”

Sadly, Violet shook her head. “Perhapsif I were not increasing, something might be arranged, althoughhaving just made the journey I’m not certain I’d be able to repeatit with so little time to recover. But in my condition, my dear,even if I thought I could undertake it, Tristan would forbid me.And he would be right to do so.”

Dora heaved a deep sigh but nodded.Violet could not accompany her. It had been utterly selfish tosuggest such a thing. And yes, Tris would indeed track them downand there would be bloody hell to pay when he did. But all shecould think was that she would be horribly miserable when Finnleft, wondering all the time if he would return. There had to besomething she’d missed. Some way for Finn to stay or for her to gowith him.

The drawing room door opened,revealing Hanson.

“I forgot to order tea,Hanson. Can you please ask Mrs. McComber to send some up? I requiresomething hot and strong at the moment.”

“Very good, Miss Harper,but I am here to announce another guest.”

Lieutenant Scarlet. It could only behim. Dora stumbled backward until she clutched the back of herchair, gripping it tightly so she could remain upright. She grittedher teeth and gave a slight nod.

“The Duchess ofOstroda.”

A small woman with a black walkingstick swept into the room, dressed in a magnificent purple and goldgown with a towering headdress of feathers in the samecolors.

“Aunt Mimi!” Dora gasped.“Whatever are you doing here?”

Chapter 17

Stunned, Dora stood stock still asAunt Mimi came forward to hug her. Why was her aunthere?

“Dora, you lookexceedingly well, my dear.” Her aunt bussed her cheeks then stoodback, eyeing her up and down. “The north country obviously agreeswith you.”

“Welcome, aunt.” Dorastood helpless, her thoughts spinning wildly. What were they goingto do now? How could she explain Finn’s presence to AuntMimi?

“I don’t know if youremember me, Duchess.” Violet appeared beside them, coming to herrescue, bless her.

“Miss Carlton, as Irecall.” Aunt Mimi looked at Violet curiously, but without censure.Considering that the last time her aunt had seen Dora’s friendshe’d just been attacked by Simon, it would be a miracle if she’dforgotten.

“I am now Lady Trevor,Duchess. My husband and I have only just retired to his estate notfar from here.”

Aunt Mimi nodded. “You look very well,my lady. Much better than the last time I saw you.”

Acting as though nothing were amiss,Violet chattered on, giving Dora time to settle. “Of course, wewanted to visit dear Dora as soon as possible.”

“Please have a seat, AuntMimi.” She indicated the sofa and took her aunt’s arm to lead herthere. Violet took Dora’s chair opposite. “I’m sorry that we havefinished with dinner, however Hanson is bringing tea. If you needsomething more than tea and cakes, I can have Cook send up a suppertray for you.”

“No need, my dear. Isupped at the last inn we stopped at, so I will be fine until themorning.” She sat straight on the sofa, her hands resting on hergleaming ebony stick. “Although tea is desirable at anyhour.”

“You must forgive me,aunt, if I am a little tongue-tied. I am simply astonished to findyou here in Yorkshire. Whatever has brought you here?” A suddenpremonition struck dread in Dora’s heart. “My parents are not ill,are they? I have not heard from Mamma in some time, although Ithink that is because Father forbids her to write.”