Secrets Behind Locked Doors by Laura Martin

Author:Laura Martin
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2014-05-26T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

Robert leant against the wall and watched Louisa bend forwards and exchange a few words with one of the orphans. She was a natural in this situation; her past experiences meant she could interact easily with people from all different social classes without even thinking about it. Before they’d left his town house Robert had warned Louisa again not to let anything slip about her past. They were mainly among friends here, but you never knew who was listening. One wrong word and Louisa’s past could be exposed and with it her future ruined.

‘Twice in two days, Fleetwood,’ Dunton’s familiar voice called as he came up beside Robert. ‘Didn’t expect to see you here after your rapid departure last night.’

So it had been noted. Dunton must have seen his face for he continued. ‘Don’t worry, I made sure you weren’t missed too much. I have to say it was your ward everyone was asking about, not you.’

Robert grunted.

‘As eloquent as ever, I see.’

‘What are you doing here?’ Robert asked.

The Southwark Orphanage for Girls was a worthy cause, but apart from Robert and one or two elderly gentlemen, the gathering was mainly female.

‘Mrs Knapwell asked me to come,’ Dunton said.

‘I didn’t know you two were acquainted.’

They certainly hadn’t been before the three of them had left for war. Although Robert and Knapwell had been good friends with Dunton it wasn’t the sort of friendship you took home to meet your parents. They’d spent their evenings drinking and debating as most students did.

‘I went to see her after we got home,’ Dunton said. ‘Thought she might like to know what had happened to her son.’ There was no reproach in his voice. ‘I went to see her a few times after that. She was grieving, but she appreciated the chance to talk about Knapwell.’

‘I should have gone,’ Robert said.

He had been to see her once. It had been terrible. Mrs Knapwell had hugged him and cried. She’d thanked him for being such a good friend to her son and all the time Robert had just stood there, unable to say anything, unable to offer any words of comfort, knowing he was the reason her son was dead.

‘You’re here now,’ Dunton said simply. ‘You don’t know how much that means to Mrs Knapwell.’

Robert nodded. The older woman had been positively beaming throughout the carriage ride south of the river and she’d proudly introduced him to each of her friends once they’d arrived at the orphanage.

‘I talked to Louisa about it last night,’ Robert said quietly.

‘About the war?’

‘And about Ana.’

He felt Dunton go completely still beside him. Robert never talked about Ana. Even when Dunton had tried to bring up the issue he dodged the subject.

‘What did she say?’

Robert shrugged. ‘She told me it wasn’t my fault and that I had to start forgiving myself.’

‘Sensible girl.’

They stood in silence for a few minutes, watching the upper-class guests interact with the shy orphan girls.

‘You should marry her,’ Dunton said suddenly.

Robert spun to face him, unsure whether he was joking.

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