Chapter Thirteen
The next morning Grace rose early and packed her trunk, instructing the maid to have it taken downstairs ready to be loaded into Sir Loftus’s carriage. Then she sat in her room, determined to remain there until it was time to leave. She had kept her book and her tambour frame with her to while away the time, but both remained untouched as she stared out of the window.
You were never mistress material.
The words had haunted her throughout the night and she had soaked her pillow with hot, bitter tears. How dare he even suggest such a thing! But with the dawn had come resignation and it settled over her heart like ice. She could not change him. Wolf was a rake and a vagabond. He could not settle down with one woman, he had told her so himself. And he was right, she was not cut out to be a mistress.
There was a knock at the door and Phyllida appeared.
‘Grace, my dear, Sir Loftus has arrived and asks that you join him in the morning room.’
‘The morning room? Oh, no—I would prefer to wait for him here, or in the library, perhaps.’
‘He needs to interview you and Wolfgang.’ Phyllida put out her hand. ‘Come.’
Bowing to the inevitable, Grace accompanied her down the stairs.
The daybed had been removed from the morning room and Wolf was dressed and sitting in a chair. Sir Loftus was standing in the centre of the room and when Grace went in he took her hand and kissed it. He was looking very serious.
‘Is all well?’ she asked him quickly. ‘Sir Charles is safely locked up?’
‘Yes, and on his way to Southwark for trial. With my testimony and that of the constables who also heard him confess to everything, there is no possibility of his escaping justice.’ He took a turn about the room. ‘I have been talking to Arrandale about the circumstances of his escape,’ he said at last. ‘We are agreed that no purpose would be served by mentioning your part in it.’ He fixed his serious gaze upon her. ‘We shall admit you visited the prisoner in Horsemonger Lane, but as far as the world is concerned you travelled to Arrandale with your aunt. As for what happened in the chapel, you brought a message for the family and became caught up in events. I think we might even avoid having you called as a witness.’
‘Thank you,’ she whispered, her eyes lowered. ‘I am much obliged to you, Loftus.’
‘Aye, well, it would serve no purpose to drag you further into this sordid business.’
‘Quite.’ Wolf eased himself out of his chair. ‘Is that everything?’
‘You will need to give evidence at the trial, Arrandale, but with Lady Hune to stand surety for you I do not see any need to lock you up again.’
‘Much obliged to you,’ drawled Wolf. ‘Now if you will excuse me, I shall leave you.’ He turned to Grace. ‘We shall not need to meet again, Miss Duncombe, so let me thank you now for all you have done for me.’
A brief, polite nod and he was gone. The cold indifference of his parting cut Grace to the quick. She stared at the door, too numb even for tears. Behind her she heard the soft pad as Loftus paced back and forth across the carpet. He cleared his throat.
‘Since we are alone, Grace, perhaps...there is something we must discuss.’
She was still looking at the closed door. She wanted to weep, but there was no time for that now. She turned, forcing her lips to smile. ‘Yes, Loftus?’
He was frowning at the carpet. ‘Sit down, my dear.’
Grace sat on a chair, wondering how much more she could bear. Loftus had been more understanding than she had any right to expect. Was he going to demand some penance from her?
He coughed again. ‘I have been thinking, Grace. About us. The other night I promised I would stand by our engagement and give you the protection of my name.’ He took another turn about the room and at last came to stand before her. ‘I cannot do it, Grace.’
She hung her head. A confusion of emotions flooded her: shame and dismay that she had grieved this good man; relief that she would not be tied to a marriage she did not want. And regret. If she had not thought herself promised to Loftus, she would have given herself to Wolf last night.
And the eventual parting would have been even more painful.
She sighed. ‘It was a very noble gesture, Loftus, but I quite understand.’
Impatiently he interrupted her. ‘No, no, it is not that. I...my feelings have changed. I love another.’
So it was not her behaviour that had caused his change of heart, thought Grace. That was some small consolation.
‘Claire Oswald,’ he said. ‘My mother’s companion. She has always been such a comfort to Mama, but it was only these past weeks, when you were in town buying your bride clothes, that I realised she had become necessary to my comfort, too.’ He coughed. ‘If it was only my own inclinations then I would have fought against it, but I have reason to believe, tohope, that she returns my affections.’
‘Of course she does, Loftus, how could she not?’ She rose and gave him her hands. ‘I am very happy for you.’
