Lord Humphrey by Mary Kingswood

Author:Mary Kingswood [Kingswood, Mary]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781912167067
Amazon: 1912167069
Publisher: Sutors Publishing
Published: 2018-05-28T00:00:00+00:00

13: Confessions

Lord Humphrey was not a man to delay a necessary task. He returned Hortensia promptly to the pavilion, and a seat beside Rosemary. Then he skilfully detached Lord Kilbraith from the group and led him away.

Hortensia watched him go listlessly.

“Well?” Rosemary said.

“I have told him all, and he will explain it to Lord Kilbraith.”

“Oh. Oh, that is… a relief.” But she did not sound in the least relieved.

“It is better this way,” Hortensia said flatly. “We could not go on as we were. Now everyone will know the truth and there will be no more secrets.”

“And no more lying awake worrying about being found out,” Rosemary said. “This is much the best way.” But her face was as white as chalk.

All around them was merriment and excited chatter, but the two were glum-faced, both facing monumental changes. Rosemary stood to lose the man she loved, and Hortensia… Hortensia had already lost hers. All this time she had thought he cared for her, loved her, for herself alone, thinking her penniless, and it was not so. He had known for some time that she was the heiress, and had transferred his attentions from Rosemary to herself. He was no better than Mr Whittleton! She had so badly wanted to believe he truly loved her for herself, and now she was filled with grief. How stupid she was! Was it all a sham, and he felt nothing for her? Was he just pretending? She could not tell, for her own hopes and wishes prevented rational thought where Humphrey was concerned. Stupid, stupid, stupid!

She was so lost in her own sorrowful thoughts, that it was a shock when a gentle voice at her ear said, “Miss Blythe? Miss Quayle? Why such sad faces? Is all well with you?”

The two jumped to their feet and curtsied. “Lady Carrbridge, a thousand apologies,” Hortensia said. “We are— oh! Where is everyone?”

The pavilion was almost empty, only a few of the oldest aunts and uncles still in their seats, two playing cribbage, and the rest dozing in the sun.

“I have sent them all off to inspect the ruins while the servants lay the tables for our picnic,” she said. “Will you join us? Or shall I have someone fetch you a glass of lemonade? Where are Humphrey and Lord Kilbraith?” She scanned the lakeside and spotted them in animated discussion some distance away. “Oh no! They are not…? There is no… dispute?” She glanced anxiously at Rosemary’s wan face, clearly imagining the two men coming to blows over her.

That made Hortensia smile a little. “No, no! They are not about to break into a fight, if that is what you fear. But…” She hesitated, but it was as good a time as any. “My lady, there is something that you should know.”

Rosemary gave a convulsive sob, bowing her head. Lady Carrbridge looked from one to the other, then sat down. “I am listening, my dears.”

It was easier the second time. Perhaps that was merely because Hortensia

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