Chapter Fifteen

H enry was a mess. He hadn’t slept at all, choosing instead to spend the night walking home from Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, and then, once he had reached his rooms, pacing the floor. He felt restless and agitated, so on edge he couldn’t even sit down.

Again and again he replayed the events of the evening in his mind. He saw Miss Shepherd’s worried face as she had plucked up the courage to tell him what she thought of his future plans. He heard each and every one of her words over and over. He could remember them entirely, as if they were seared into his brain. She had been bold, pulling apart his every decision of the last few years. Then he had pulled her onto the dance floor and they had danced that intense waltz, spinning and twirling until all he could think about was how much he wanted her but how he could never have her.

When she had run he had found it difficult to follow, until he had realised she’d slipped into the darkness of the gardens. Then concern for her safety had become paramount.

He had winced every time he remembered their kiss, ashamed at the passion-filled but insistent way he had kissed her. She was right, he had been angry with her, and he shouldn’t have taken her in his arms whilst he was angry.

It was an impossible situation. Miss Shepherd was exactly the sort of woman he had vowed never to get entangled with again. Though if he dared to think about a future between them, he was not worried about her betraying him. Despite his poor experience with Anne, he knew Miss Shepherd was a good and sweet young woman without a malicious bone in her body. What he worried about was having a life set apart from the rest of society, without having anywhere to fit in, and the toll it would take on both of them.

He shook his head, disbelievingly. He shouldn’t even be thinking about the pros and cons of a life with Miss Shepherd. He’d only known the woman a few days.

Henry stopped pacing for a moment and looked out the window. It was going to be another glorious day. Already the sky was bright and cloudless, the sun bouncing off the windows of the houses across the street. He wished it was enough to distract him, but thoughts of Miss Shepherd were still there.

He knew he needed to think on the things Miss Shepherd had said. These past two years he’d tried to become more reflective, taking his time to come to decisions and weigh up the evidence and facts. She was right in that she did not have any motive to lie to him. If everything went to plan, she would be out of his life in a few days, never to return. Her comment that he deserved a life filled with love had come from a place of kindness—friendship, perhaps. He did not think she was scheming to get him to propose to her. Despite his indiscretions with Miss Shepherd, he did not think she was angling for marriage.

Groaning, he remembered how they had parted the night before. Miss Shepherd had looked green with regret and anxiety as she had settled herself onto the carriage seat. He should have accompanied her back to her rooms, it would have been the right thing to do. Instead he had sent her off alone, albeit having paid the carriage driver to deliver her to her door.

‘Enough,’ he murmured. He stopped his pacing in front of the window. Today he would do as he had promised, he would take Miss Shepherd to visit the man they believed to be her father. Hopefully the old man would know where Miss Shepherd’s errant sister was, and before the day was done the two sisters would be reunited.

He felt a trickle of panic that, after today, there would be no further reason to see Miss Shepherd again. He would have no excuse to postpone searching for a suitable wife any longer, and Miss Shepherd would be making her way to Kent to take up her position as a music teacher.

It was still early when he took to the streets, walking briskly so that no one would think about stopping him. As he walked he allowed himself to consider further Miss Shepherd’s words the night before. When she’d said them, all he could think of was the feeling of pain and disbelief, but now, with a little distance, some of her points started to resound within him.

These last two years he had worked so hard to recover from the tragedy of not only Anne’s death, but also the unhappiness in the marriage. Before their marriage he had trusted his instincts, valued his own judgement, and then to find out neither was reliable was a heavy blow. Now he analysed everything carefully, weighing it up from every direction, and yet he still didn’t trust his feelings. Only cold, hard facts were allowed.

He wondered if she was right, if in a few years’ time he would regret putting his own wants and needs aside, choosing a bride who would satisfy his father. Marriages were made for worse reasons amongst the ton , and even those that started loveless could develop into a union with mutual respect and affection. Love was not the only positive thing in a marriage.

He supposed it was possible that in a few years he would meet someone and wonder what his life would have been like with them, someone who turned his world upside down, but that was true of everyone. Henry was a loyal person, he would never allow anything to happen to betray his wife, even if he didn’t love her.

You’ve already met her , the little voice in his head told him.

In frustration, he shook his head, trying to rid himself of the thought. He did not love Miss Shepherd, he could not. They had only known one another for a few days, and he was not foolish enough to think you could fall in love in that time, not any more.

He was thankful when he arrived outside her lodging house off Fleet Street, wondering if it was too early to knock, but approaching the front door all the same. She had waited long enough to find her sister—today she would get some answers.

Sarah watched Lord Routledge approach from her window. She was only a little surprised to see him. Despite all that had happened between them the evening before, Lord Routledge was a man of his word. He’d promised to take her to see this Sir William, to ascertain if he really was her father, and if he’d had any contact with Selina in the past few weeks. She felt strangely optimistic about it—not about meeting her father, but hopeful that she might pick up her sister’s trail once again.

She hurried downstairs, hoping to get to the door before her landlady. She threw open the door before Lord Routledge could knock. It left him standing on the top step, hand raised, staring at her in surprise.

‘Good morning, Miss Shepherd,’ he said. He looked terrible, or at least terrible for him. His face was pale and his hair ruffled, and she wondered if he had slept at all.

‘Good morning, my lord.’

‘Are you ready?’

‘Yes,’ she said, searching his face, wondering if he was going to say anything about the previous evening. But he remained silent and impassive. She took her time putting on her bonnet, wishing her fingers were not shaking so much as she tied the ribbon under her chin.

She pulled it low so that she shielded the top half of her face, hoping he would not be able to see her expression from his vantage point.

They walked in silence, covering a mile through the London streets without talking. Sarah felt nervous—she did not really want to meet the man who had probably abandoned her mother all those years ago. If it was her choice, she would happily go through life without knowing anything about him. She did not wish to have any sort of relationship with such a man, especially not one under these circumstances.

‘When we arrive I will tell his footman or butler my name. It should ensure we at least get a meeting with Sir William. I understand he is not the most amiable character, and if we forewarn him of your identity he may just refuse to see you whatsoever.’

‘I will keep quiet until he is in the room,’ Sarah said. It was a sensible ploy. As Sir William hadn’t made any effort to find her or Selina these past twenty-three years, he wasn’t likely to be happy at seeing her now. Especially if she just turned up at his house unannounced. She didn’t really care if he was angry, so long as he answered her questions about Selina.

They continued in silence for a while longer, as the houses they walked past grew larger and grander. Lord Routledge came to a stop opposite a huge townhouse, immaculately kept, set on a pretty square with private gardens in the middle.

‘This is it?’ Sarah asked, feeling a little intimidated.

‘Sir William is a very wealthy man. He owns a lot of land around the country, he’s always looking for the next area to invest in.’

Sarah swallowed and felt Lord Routledge move closer. ‘Remember he is only a man.’

‘A wealthy and influential man.’

‘Very true, but a man all the same. He cannot harm you, he holds nothing you need except, potentially, information about your sister.’

‘Do you think his servants will let us in, with us turning up without an invitation?’

‘I expect so. Sir William is a canny man, but he has one weakness I know about. He is a relentless social climber. Until a few years ago he was plain old Mr William Kingsley, but the Prince Regent granted him a knighthood for some service he rendered to the crown. He is known to covet a title and access to the aristocracy, but despite his huge wealth he is excluded from that very inner circle. My name should intrigue him enough to want to meet with me. All we have to do is get him in the room.’

Sarah nodded, knowing she just needed to move, to approach the house, but feeling as though her feet were stuck to the ground.

‘Thank you for coming with me,’ she said, turning to Lord Routledge. ‘Even after...’

He nodded, not meeting her eye. It would seem he did not wish to talk about the way she had ripped apart his character and all his plans for the future.

‘Come, let us get this over with,’ he said instead, stepping out into the road.

Once they had knocked on the door it took only a few seconds for it to be opened by a smart footman. He looked Sarah and Lord Routledge up and down before opening the door a little wider.

‘Lord Routledge,’ he said, slipping the footman his card. ‘I have come to pay a call on Sir William. Please apologise for the early hour of the visit, but it is a matter I think he might be interested in.’

The footman hesitated. He’d probably been instructed not to accept any calls before noon, but would also be aware that he could incur Sir William’s wrath if he turned away someone important.

‘Please come in and wait in the drawing room whilst I see if Sir William is available,’ he said after a moment, clearly deciding it was better to break with protocol than to be on the receiving end of Sir William’s temper.

The drawing room was immaculate, with light green wallpaper and matching upholstery. The room faced the street, and there was a view out across the road to the private gardens beyond.

Sarah felt so nervous she did not know what to do with herself. She felt immense gratitude when Lord Routledge took her hand and led her to a chair. He pressed her into it, sitting down next to her.

‘A few minutes and this will all be over,’ he murmured.

She tried taking deep breaths, but they caught in her throat, and she returned to her rapid, shallow breathing.

The door opened and Sarah thought she might pass out her heart was beating so fast, but it was a woman who entered, not Sir William.

Sarah and Lord Routledge stood, waiting for this woman to introduce herself.

‘Good morning, my lord. I am Lady Kingsley.’

‘A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Kingsley. I apologise for the early hour of our call.’

She smiled indulgently. ‘Thank you, although I am sure my dear husband will be happy to make an exception for you.’

‘Sir William is at home?’

‘Yes, he is just concluding some business in his study. He is aware that you are here and will be down as soon as possible.’ He eyes flicked to Sarah, as if realising she had not been introduced. ‘I am sorry, I do not think we have met before.’ Her eyes narrowed as she took in Sarah’s plain dress and sensible shoes.

Sarah hesitated, then drew herself a little taller. ‘I am Miss Sarah Shepherd.’

As Sarah uttered her name she thought Lady Kingsley’s eyes narrowed just a fraction further, and she felt a flicker of hope. She certainly had never crossed paths with Lady Kingsley before, so there was a good chance she recognised the name from Selina visiting.

‘Perhaps I can hurry my husband along. What did you say your business with him was pertaining to?’

‘I didn’t,’ Lord Routledge said, softening his words with a smile. ‘But it regards an opportunity I wish to talk to him about.’

Lady Kingsley held his eye for a moment, then returned his smile with one of her own. Sarah felt as though she was trapped in a game where she did not understand the rules.

After a tense few seconds Lady Kingsley excused herself and left the room.

‘Did you see that?’ Lord Routledge murmured.

‘She recognised my name.’

‘Either Lord Routledge has been very honest with his wife about his previous indiscretions, or she has met your sister recently.’

Sarah tried not to allow her hopes to rise too much, but finally it felt as though she was a step closer to finding her sister.

There were heavy footsteps on the stairs and the door to the drawing room burst open. Standing on the other side was a man in his mid-fifties, scowling as he looked into the room.

‘What is the meaning of this?’ he demanded, forgoing any pretence at niceties.

Next to her she felt Lord Routledge take a tiny step forward, so his body was in between her and Sir William’s.

‘Good morning, Sir William,’ Lord Routledge said, his voice totally calm.

‘What is the meaning of this?’ Sir William demanded again, as Lady Kingsley appeared behind him in the doorway.

‘Might I suggest we take a seat and discuss things calmly and rationally.’

Sir William’s face turned an even deeper shade of red. ‘You’re lucky I respect your father so much. Coming into my home and telling me what to do.’

Sarah felt some of the nervous anticipation drain out of her. Standing in front of her was a preposterous middle-aged man. She did not wish for anything from him, so he had no way to hurt her, nothing he could hold over, her except perhaps some knowledge about where Selina was or when he had seen her.

‘Hello, Father,’ she said calmly. It was meant to inflame the situation and Sarah had judged right. Sir William roared and took a few steps into the room. Lady Kingsley let out a dramatic moan.

Sir William came within touching distance before Lord Routledge put his hands on the older man’s chest to restrain him, keeping him out of reach of Sarah.

‘There will be no violence,’ he said firmly. ‘I suggest you calm yourself and we sit and discuss this like rational adults.’

Sir William looked as though he was considered violence as the only way forward, but after a moment some of his anger dissipated and he stepped back. He motioned for them to take a seat.

‘I do not appreciate being ambushed like this. In my own home no less.’

‘You would rather we did this in public?’ Sarah asked, her confidence returning as she remembered she cared nothing for this man or what he thought of her.

‘Do not be insolent, young lady.’

She bit back a retort, realising she did not wish to argue. She wanted only to know if he had seen Selina.

‘I am here because I think you are my father,’ Sarah said, ignoring the second dramatic moan that came from Lady Kingsley’s direction. ‘After my mother passed away, my sister and I found some letters you had sent to her.’

‘Unsigned,’ Sir William muttered, but motioned for her to go on.

‘I want to be clear, Sir William. I want nothing from you. I do not wish to get to know you, I do not ask for any money or advantage.’

Lady Kingsley snorted and Sir William turned to her, irritation in his eyes. ‘Be quiet,’ he snapped, evidently not caring about the upset and embarrassment on his wife’s face.

He turned back to Sarah. ‘If you want nothing, then I would have to question why you are here.’

‘I have a sister. Selina. She came to London to find you a few weeks ago. At first she wrote to me every week, detailing her progress, or lack thereof. Then she stopped writing. She has disappeared.’

Sir William looked at her curiously. ‘You wish to have nothing to do with me,’ he echoed, ignoring her comments about Selina’s disappearance.

‘Nothing at all.’

‘You do not want to know what happened all those years ago?’

She hesitated and then shook her head. ‘I do not need to. It doesn’t make a difference. It does not change the fact that our mother was a wonderful and brave woman who raised us alone, on the outskirts of reputable society, despite having very little money and no support. It doesn’t change that you, for whatever reason, abandoned her. I don’t care if your motivation was money or love or power. It will not make a difference to my life one little bit.’

‘You just wish to reassure yourself that your sister is well?’

Sarah’s eyes widened. ‘You know where she is?’

Sir William considered for a moment. ‘A few weeks ago, a young lady approached me on the street. At first I dismissed her claims of who she was, but she was persistent. She was starting to make a scene, so I brought her back here.’

Lady Kingsley’s expression hardened, but she did not say anything. It would seem she did not approve of her husband’s decision.

‘You brought Selina back here?’

‘Yes. I questioned her closely, trying to work out her motivations. I am exceedingly wealthy, and it is not the first time someone has tried to claim a connection to gain an advantage. Perhaps money or a position in the household or something else entirely.’

‘What happened to Selina, after you satisfied yourself she was who she said she was?’

He grimaced. ‘It is a delicate matter. A man is not expected to be chaste, to live without some comfort before he is married, but discretion is important. I did not know what to do with my bastard daughter so I told her she must stay here.’

Sarah felt relief flood through her.

‘She’s here?’

‘Yes. She has been here ever since.’

‘I need to see her.’

Sir William regarded her for a moment, and then motioned for his wife to go and fetch Selina.

All the worry and fear from the last few weeks, the terrible thoughts she’d had, thinking Selina had been attacked in the street and her body thrown into the Thames, all those distressing thoughts rose together and she felt them lifting away. Selina was alive and well, staying with their father.

She heard a patter of familiar footsteps, then the door was thrown open and Selina rushed into the room, throwing herself into Sarah’s arms. The tears started to flow freely down Sarah’s cheeks as she felt her sister’s familiar form in her arms.

‘I thought I had lost you,’ she whispered.

‘Lost me?’ Selina asked, pulling away slightly. ‘Did you not receive my letters?’

‘Up until a few weeks ago, and then they stopped. I have been so worried.’

‘Shouldn’t you be in Kent, teaching those little children to play the piano?’

‘I thought you were dead, Selina! I couldn’t start a new job not knowing what had happened to you.’

‘You didn’t receive the letters telling you I had found our father?’

‘No.’ Sarah had a sinking feeling, and slowly she turned to face Sir William and Lady Kingsley.

‘It was a condition of Selina’s stay that she not tell anyone about her circumstances or whereabouts,’ Lady Kingsley said smoothly. ‘Naturally we checked her letters to ensure she was not inadvertently breaking her promise.’

‘You read my letters?’ Selina’s eyes widened.

‘And they destroyed them,’ Sarah said, seething.

‘You never knew where I was? That I was safe and well?’ Selina asked, turning back to Sarah.

‘How could I? The last letter you sent you made no mention of Sir William at all. I have been searching for some clue as to where you disappeared to for weeks.’ She couldn’t even properly summon the anger she knew she should be feeling towards Lady Kingsley for interfering with Selina’s letters, she was just so pleased to have finally found her.

‘You must have been so worried. And now you have lost your position in Kent. I’m sorry Sarah, I never meant for things to turn out this way.’

‘I am just pleased nothing terrible has happened to you.’

Selina took her hand and looked into her eyes. ‘I am fine, Sarah.’

‘Perhaps you would like a few minutes together, just the two of you,’ Sir William said, motioning to doors at the side of the room, which led out onto a terrace overlooking the garden.

Sarah was momentarily taken aback by the show of kindness from Sir William—their father—but quickly composed herself. She gripped her sister’s hand, pulling her outside, wanting to hear everything.

They sat on a little bench surrounded by flowers in a beautifully designed garden. It felt peaceful out here in the shade and Sarah was glad of a few minutes to gather her thoughts.

‘Who is that extremely attractive man you arrived with?’ Selina asked, glancing over her shoulder. Sarah suddenly felt a pang of protectiveness. She and Selina had been born twelve minutes apart, with her the elder, but Selina had more than made up for being younger in many other ways. She was everyone’s favourite, her personality naturally happy and vibrant, so people were drawn towards her. She was prettier too. Sarah had never begrudged her sister her attributes, but she felt a surge of jealousy now. Lord Routledge could not have failed to notice that Selina was the more personable and more beautiful of the Shepherd sisters.

‘Lord Routledge. He has assisted me in my quest to find you.’ She waved a dismissive hand, not wanting Selina to focus on Henry for too long. ‘How has it been, living here? I cannot believe they stopped your letters from getting to me.’

‘Father says we must be discreet for all our sakes, but most especially for Catherine. She is his daughter with Lady Kingsley.’

‘We have a half-sister?’

Selina pulled a face. ‘I would not get too excited. She is absolutely rotten. She hates me and she does not mind letting her feelings be known.’

‘What about Sir William? Has he been kind to you?’

Selina considered, and Sarah was disappointed to see it wasn’t an instant affirmative.

‘To a degree. He agreed I could stay here and get to know him a little, if I was very careful about keeping secret who I am. I got the sense he would rather I wasn’t here, but he’s worried I will go and shout my identity to the world if he does not allow me to stay.’

‘Surely that would not be catastrophic for him?’

She shrugged. ‘I don’t know the details, but there has been a lot of talk about a peerage. I think he does not want anything to jeopardise his chances.’

‘I’m sorry they have not been more welcoming.’

‘I confess that I had hoped he would have denied knowing that we existed, and been happy for my appearance in his life, but I did not really expect that. He knew our mother was pregnant when he cast her aside, and he knew we were living, scraping by on a small income, in Sussex. I have no illusion that he is keen to be our father, but I think I have a chance here, Sarah.’

‘A chance for what?’

‘To get to know him, perhaps build a relationship with him.’

‘Is that what you want?’

‘Yes. Very much.’

‘Even when they treat you like this.’

‘It is not so bad. Lady Kingsley should not have destroyed my letters to you, but I am treated as a house guest at the moment. It has been dull at times, as I am not invited to go out and socialise, but I do understand why that has to be the case.’

Sarah just felt so relieved that her sister was safe and well she did not argue too much. In her heart she did not think this was going to end well, but she knew her sister, and she knew Selina would not listen to her warning. She had to find out for herself. If someone told her not to do something she would stick at it twice as long, just to make her point.

‘Do not let them mistreat you.’

‘I will not.’ Selina paused. ‘Will you stay with me?’

Sarah didn’t answer straight away, even though she was clear on her response. She did not want it to seem like she didn’t want to spend time with Selina.

‘No.’ She reached out and gripped Selina’s hand. ‘This is what you want, not what I want. Now I am satisfied you are not in any danger, I will leave London and continue with my plans.’

It was a painful decision on so many levels. Now that she had found Selina she did not want to leave her again, but it had to be. Spending time getting to know the man who had so cruelly abandoned their mother was not something she wished to do. It would be better for her to take up her post in Kent and get on with her life.

Of course that meant leaving Lord Routledge too. Quickly she dismissed the thought. He had made it clear there could never be anything between them, and she would not go begging for him to reconsider.

Selina nodded, as if it was the answer she had expected.

‘I will miss you,’ she said softly.

‘And I you. But think of the adventures will we have. Then in a few months you can come and visit, and tell me everything that has happened.’

‘I would like that.’ Selina took Sarah’s hand and then rested her head on her sister’s shoulder. ‘Gosh, I’ve found it hard these last few weeks without you to talk to.’

‘They are not locking you in here are they? Please tell me you are allowed to leave.’

‘It is not a prison,’ Selina said with a smile. ‘I can go out for walks, and Father gives me a small allowance each week so I can go shopping. There is talk of Lady Kingsley taking me to the modiste one day for some more suitable dresses. Of course, they will have to make up some story of me being the daughter of an old friend or distant relative, but I am sure no one will take much notice.’

‘That does sound exciting.’

‘I am hopeful that perhaps, once they can see I am trustworthy, they might let me attend some of the balls and parties they are invited to. I do so wish to go to a London ball.’

Sarah thought back to the Shrewsbury ball, to the moment she had met Lord Routledge—as he had pressed her against the wall, convinced she was a thief sneaking into steal valuables. She had not made it to the ballroom, but it had still been a magical night.

‘Protect yourself against disappointment though, Selina. Perhaps it may happen that they allow you to join them on social outings, perhaps it may not. Do not pin all your hopes on it.’

‘I will be realistic,’ she said, but Sarah could see already she was weaving dreams from this situation. She didn’t like to see her sister disappointed, but Selina had clearly made up her mind. There wasn’t any real risk to her, only the possibility of hurt feelings, so Sarah did not push the subject.

They talked for half an hour, discussing Selina’s time in London so far and Sarah’s search for her. Sarah kept trying to steer the conversation away from Lord Routledge, but Selina was clearly intrigued by the Viscount who had helped her so much these past few days.

‘Come back inside now,’ Lady Kingsley said, her face set and hard. Sarah could not imagine choosing to live in a house with this woman, who clearly resented Selina’s presence, disrupting her life and potentially damaging the family’s reputation.

Arm in arm the sisters returned to the drawing room where Sir William stood in front of the fireplace. Lord Routledge was sitting in a chair, his expression wary. Lady Kingsley closed the doors behind them, then took her place beside her husband.

‘Have you decided what you are going to do, Miss Shepherd?’ Lady Kingsley asked.

‘I would like to stay.’

‘You are sure you will not return to the south coast with your sister?’

Selina straightened her posture and met Lady Kingsley’s eye. ‘No. Sarah has decided she will take up her position as a music teacher as planned. I would like to stay here.’

‘There are a few conditions,’ Sir William said, turning his attention to Sarah. ‘I am happy to accommodate Selina, but as part of our agreement I must have your word that you will not breathe a word of this arrangement, or our connection, to anyone.’

‘You have my word,’ Sarah said quickly. She had no desire to confess her illegitimacy, and certainly not to claim a father who had treated their mother so despicably. Who seemed more interested in protecting his reputation than the wellbeing of his daughters.

Lady Kingsley’s eyes narrowed. ‘That means no gossiping to your little friends, no boasting of your connection in the servant’s hall of your new home.’

‘I am fully aware of what it means,’ Sarah snapped, wondering if she was making a mistake not trying to persuade her sister to come with her. ‘As far as the world is aware I am an orphan, with my father dying before I was born, and my mother more recently. I at least appear respectable, even if the truth is different. I would not jeopardise that respectability to be associated with Sir William.’

‘I think she speaks the truth,’ Sir William said after studying her for a moment. ‘How about you, Lord Routledge? You have been privy to a lot of private, family business here today. Can I rely on your discretion?’

‘I will do as Miss Shepherd wishes,’ he said simply. ‘If she wants me to keep quiet about her parentage than I will, but if you do anything to upset her, remember I know everything that has passed between you, as well as the sordid details of your past. With my contacts the ton could be discussing all the dirty little details within a couple of hours.’

‘You dare to threaten me? Your father will be hearing about this.’

Lord Routledge held Sir William’s eye. ‘I mean it,’ he said. ‘Treat Miss Selina Shepherd well and leave Miss Sarah Shepherd alone. Then I will have no cause to tell anyone what I know.’

Sir William grumbled something incomprehensible, but eventually nodded.

‘I think it is time for you to take your leave, Miss Shepherd,’ Lady Kingsley said firmly.

‘You will allow Selina’s letters to reach me,’ Sarah demanded.

Lady Kingsley hesitated, glancing at her husband.

‘Do you promise to write nothing of our relationship?’ Sir William asked.

‘I promise.’

‘Then your letters can be sent to your sister.’

‘Thank you.’

Sarah leaned in, embracing Selina long and hard, hating that she did not know when she would see her again.

‘I love you,’ she murmured.

‘I love you too.’

It was hard to walk away, and she felt a sense of doom as the door closed behind them, leaving just her and Lord Routledge out on the street.