“Pack your things. I want you out of Brushbriar immediately.”
Petra shook her head and walked toward the door, pausing for only a moment. She felt terrible having done such a thing to him, but he and Mother had left her with little choice. Turning back she said, “Did you ever have any affection toward me, my lord? As one would a wife?”
“No,” he said without hesitation. “My offer for you was based solely on the size of your dowry and your obedient, docile manner. You were attractive enough to preside over my table but not too beautiful to draw unwanted attention. In truth, I found you rather unintelligent and boring.”
She’d known that, of course, but had hoped for at least some indication he’d borne her some affection, no matter how small. “I bid you goodbye, Lord Pendleton. Thank you for your hospitality.”
As she closed the door with a shaking hand, Petra told herself to breathe, the worst was over. How could Brendan have left her to face such a thing after last night? She knew he cared for her, possibly not enough to discard a lifetime’s worth of fear of love, but if nothing else, she’d thought he would help her navigate through the situation at Brushbriar. He’d left without a word to her.
Pull yourself together, Petra.
She straightened her shoulders and pushed back from the door, meaning to go upstairs and tell Mother they’d been asked…no,commanded, to leave.
“If I had my way, you would never be received again, anywhere.”
Petra turned to face a hostile Lady Pendleton a few feet away. They stared at each other for several moments before Petra said, “I would expect nothing else from a woman of yourmurderousintent.”
A snarl echoed in the hallway. “You whore.” Lady Pendleton’s fingers curled at her sides as if she would fly at Petra. She stepped toward her. “I don’t care what he—”
“Mother.” Katherine appeared from the shadows of the hallway to take Lady Pendleton’s arm. “I think you are in need of some tea and perhaps a bit of toast. Remember, we have guests.”
Lady Pendleton shook her daughter off and with a huff, strode in the direction of the breakfast room.
Petra took a deep breath and started up the stairs. If Katherine meant to spar with her as well, she’d not give her the chance.
“I was wrong.”
The words stopped Petra but she didn’t turn.
“You will appreciate fossils much more than I, I’m certain of it.”
Petra gripped the bannister, the Blue John ice cold beneath her fingertips. “I’m not sure what you mean, Lady Whitfield,” she replied, but only silence met her. When she looked down, she saw Katherine was gone.
Petra approached her room, considering Katherine’s odd comment. The door was ajar and the sound of Mother arguing with someone filtered into the hallway.
“I insist you give that to me or I will have you dismissed.”
Petra entered her rooms and shut the door, relived to see Tessie had her trunks packed. She wasnotrelieved to see Mother charging at the poor maid, arm outstretched toward Tessie who was stubbornly shaking her head.
“No, my lady. I’m so sorry, but I cannot.” Tessie lifted her chin, lower lip quivering in fear. “Whether you sack me or not, I gave my word. I am to hand this over to Lady Petra andonlyLady Petra.” Tessie turned in her direction, nearly weeping with relief at Petra’s appearance. The maid had a small square of paper clutched in her hand.
“I have every right to review my daughter’s correspondence. I am her mother.” A scowl hovered on Mother’s lips. “Your maid is disobedient.”
“As is your daughter,” Petra returned. “I won’t have you bullying Tessie.”
Mother’s chin wobbled and her eyes held the sheen of tears. “I shallneverlive this down. We will be shunned by everyone in society for your reckless behavior. I’m sure even begging Simon for forgiveness did you no good. Lady Pendleton will write to every acquaintance she has in London. You will never be received again. First your brother, and now you.” Mother flounced down on the bed dramatically.
“I didn’t beg Simon for anything, Mother. I asked to be released from the betrothal contract he’s signed with Father, and for my dowry to be returned. Simon has agreed.”
Her mother’s face blanched. “What else was he to do? Marry a strumpet?” She placed a hand to her head as if preparing to faint. “I had hopes he would be willing to overlook your transgression, but I suppose that was foolish on my part.”
Petra winced. “I’m not a strumpet, Mother.”
“Lady Pendleton has cut me to the quick. She sent a note to my room informing me we must leave immediately, without saying goodbye. As if we haven’t been her guests.” Mother’s voice raised an octave. “And Lady Cupps-Foster has already left in utter shame over the dishonor of her son and your loose morals. He even had his horrid valet try to convince me I was imagining your presence in his room. Morwick has ruined you beyond repair and left you to face the wolves alone.”
Petra had been considering the exact same thing, how Brendan could abandon her to such a mess. But, she’d known the risks. “Simon has assured me that not a bit of my transgression,” she looked her mother in the eye, “will reach London. Not from his mother or Lady Whitfield.” While Simon had promised not a hint of scandal, Petra wasn’t sure about her own mother.
“I would demand Lord Morwick do the honorable thing except I willnothave another Dunbar relation in my family. Thank goodness Lord Dunning is still available. I’m certain he’ll be willing to overlook this incident. I’ll write to him the moment we arrive home. He’s not Simon, but he’ll make you an adequate husband.”
