Page 37

As the final notes faded, Honoria found herself blinking back tears.

“That was beautiful, Elise,” she said softly.

Elise beamed with pride. “Thank you. I’ve been practicing for hours. I can’t wait to perform at musicals next year. Although, I have to admit to my stomach clenching at the very thought.”

“That’s natural. But as soon as you start playing, I am certain all the nervousness will go away.”

“Or I will faint.” Elise let out a chuckle. “Perhaps you should carry smelling salts before every performance, just in case.”

Honoria stifled a grimace. She would not be there at all. She turned to face Elise fully, her mouth suddenly dry. She licked her lips nervously and began, “I have to…” She cleared her throat, the words sticking like burrs. “I will be leaving the household soon.”

Elise’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Leaving? Where? For how long?”

Honoria swallowed against the growing lump in her throat. “For good. I have to leave for good.”

Elise let out a nervous chuckle. “For good? I don’t think I understand.”

Honoria cleared her throat and tried again. “Elise, in a week, I will have to leave England.”

“What?” Elise’s expression clouded, her hands clutching at her skirt. “Why?”

Honoria couldn’t lie to her or make up things about an imaginary grandmother. So she told the truth, as much as she could. “It’s a personal matter…”

“Personal?” Elise scoffed, her voice hardening. “As in none of my business?”

“It’s not like that,” Honoria pleaded.

Elise stood sharply, the piano bench scraping against the floor. “Then how is it? You sit me down and tell me you are abandoning me and my siblings, and you don’t have the decency to tell me the reason?”

“I would if I could, I swear.” Honoria reached for her, but Elise stepped back, and her hand fell uselessly to her side. “You are ready for your debut, Elise. You have Mrs. Winters to guide you further. Rosie has Mrs. Sharp. Robbie will be going to Eton in a year or two. None of you have a need for me anymore. I think it’s the perfect time for me to—”

“To what? Leave us behind?” Elise’s voice cracked with emotion. She paced away to the window, watching the scene outside with a glassy look. Then she turned sharply, her eyes burning with outrage. “How can you say that I don’t need you when I have bared my soul, my fears to you? You know more than anyone how important it was for me to have you by my side.”

“Elise—”

“I thought that you cared,” Elise spat. “What a fool I’ve been.”

“I do care,” Honoria whispered.

“Have you told Robbie and Rosie?” Elise asked, arms wrapping protectively around her waist.

“No, I am going to right now.”

“And Uncle Caldwell?” The name came with a sharp edge that made Honoria glance up.

“Yes, I’ve told him already.”

Elise frowned, her eyes narrowing. “Is it because of him?”

“Pardon?” Honoria’s heart faltered.

“Did he say something or do something to make you leave?”

“No, of course not. Why would you say that?”

Elise looked away, her voice barely audible. “I thought you cared for him.” Then louder, “But I guess we were just a job.”

The words hit her like a slap. “I care about all of you. More than you know,” Honoria said, her voice thick with suppressed emotion.