The Seducers 4 - The Romantic by Madeline Hunter

Author:Madeline Hunter
Language: eng
Format: mobi
ISBN: 9780307490285
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Published: 2004-10-17T22:00:00+00:00

chapter 16

Are you going to tell me where we are going now, madame?”

Catherine made the demand as soon as they left Mrs. Kenworthy’s house two mornings later. Catherine had not been pleased by Pen’s sudden change in plans. She had not liked the notion of continuing the journey with little rest.

The carriage that had brought them from Hampstead made a turn at the crossroad where the big chestnut grew. The view of its branches reinforced Pen’s wobbling security that she was doing the right thing.

That could be me. One day it will be me.

“I am going to Liverpool, Catherine. After that, I am going to America.”

“America! That is certainly a change in direction. No one told me I was expected to go to America.”

“You may come as far as you like, or you can depart at the first coaching inn. Mr. Hampton will see to your wages in the latter case. If you embark with me, I can promise nothing except freedom and adventure and economic uncertainty until I contact my brother.”

“Madame, really … America? If you had a disagreement with Mr. Hampton, could we not just visit Bath? Your displeasure will be expressed. I daresay he will be very contrite.”

“America it must be. Be assured this is no impulse. Nor is this the result of some quarrel. I have been thinking about it for some time now. Months.”

“If he gave you no clear cause for your decision, that is worse. Mr. Hampton will be heartbroken.”

“I expect he will quickly recover, Catherine. You have misunderstood this journey from its start, and now you are misunderstanding its conclusion.”

Pen was not sure of much about this decision, but she was quite secure that Julian would not be heartbroken. She had learned long ago that passion and love were not the same thing, especially for men. His affection for her was precious, but her departure would not leave him feeling betrayed.

Maybe he would even be relieved. Her disappearance would spare him from facing the dragon he could not vanquish, and from getting embroiled in an affair that would destroy his security.

She was the one who would remember this brief tryst forever. She was the one whose heart had been touched to new depths. It still ached from the intensity of last night, and hurt so badly she wanted to weep.

“The offer to accompany you is generous, and tempting,” Catherine said. “However, I do not think I could be so permanently parted from my child. I will accompany you to Liverpool, madame. Then, since we will be so close to Carlisle, I will travel on and find a way to see my Beth.”

Pen had guessed this would be Catherine’s answer. She had known she would be sailing to America completely alone.

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