Chapter 13

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Starling wandered the halls of the house all morning searching for Helen. She had not appeared at breakfast, nor was she taking tea with the other ladies.

Perhaps she had chosen to remain in her rooms after the exertions of the morning?

There was yet so much unsaid between them, and with Holsen's threat lingering in the air like an unsavoury smell, Starling found himself somewhat on edge.

There was something wrong.

Starling caught sight of Holsen across the drawing room, the man seemed far too at ease considering their discussion earlier.

Starling frowned, watching the man carefully.

What had he done?

He needed to find Helen, immediately, and he decided to return to her chamber and see if she was indeed inside.

Just as he made his way to the grand staircase in the foyer, he caught sight of a veritable army of footmen carrying an assortment of trunks and valises outside to an awaiting carriage.

Starling wandered to a window, flicking aside the curtain to see who was quitting the party so soon.

On the front steps was Lady Caroline in deep discussion with Amelia Bennet, the renowned songbird. His eyes flicked to the carriage, and his heart stopped when he saw a familiar jawline and dark, luscious tresses.

No. Helen was leaving?

She was leaving without a goodbye, even after the perfection of their night together.

Steps sounded behind him, and Starling turned his head, catching sight of Lord Holsen at his back.

Of course.

The tedious man craned his neck, glancing at the scene before them. "I see Mrs Montrose has taken my words to heart and decided to decamp rather than spend another minute in your company.

Starling felt his heart kick in his chest, a rare surge of anger flashing through him.

He turned, grabbing the man by the shirt and shaking him, hard. "What have you done?"

Holsen sniffed, reaching up to shove Starling's grip from his starched white shirt, smoothing a hand down his chest with affront. "I merely told her the truth."

A dark bark of laughter fell from Starling's lips. "I highly doubt that. No, you have said something to save your own hide, you weasel."

Holsen stepped back, out of reach, then smiled maliciously. "I told her you were investigating her, that she is suspected of cheating at cards. It is the truth, is it not?"

God damn it. Why hadn't he found her earlier?

If Starling had merely confessed his reason for being at the blasted house party in the first place, instead of playing games, the woman wouldn't think him the most dishonest blighter in all of England right now.

He straightened his shoulders, flashing Holsen a furious look as he gritted his teeth against the desire to plant a fist in that smug expression.

"You will regret this," said Starling, his voice dangerously soft as he walked away.