Page 90 of The Outcast's Redemption
‘Yes. Yes, of course,’ said Wolf. ‘Send Kennet to me, then.’ He glanced again at Raoul. ‘I feel weak as a cat, but you say I should be able to get up tomorrow?’
‘If you rest today, yes.’
‘We’ll leave you now,’ said Richard. ‘And it is not only little Florence who will visit you tomorrow. Sir Loftus wants to see you. We managed to put him off today, but he represents the law here, Brother, and will not be gainsaid.’
‘No,’ muttered Wolf, his eyes on Grace. ‘Sir Loftus carries all before him.’
* * *
Grace went out with the others to the dining room, where a light meal had been laid out, but she had no appetite. Loftus had reluctantly allowed her to stay and nurse Wolf overnight, but only after she promised to leave as soon as he was out of danger. She had prayed so hard and vowed never to sin again if Wolf was spared and now she must keep those vows. She had behaved outrageously in London, but Loftus was willing to stand by her, to give her the protection of his name. His affection for her was deeper than she had realised and although she could not love him she must be a good and faithful wife. He deserved at least that.
Grace had already received an early morning visit from Papa and Aunt Eliza. She had been expecting it, because Loftus had promised he would call at the vicarage and assure them that she was safe. Whathadsurprised her was their reluctance to remove her from the Hall. Papa said she could be of more use there than at the vicarage and as Wolf had not by that time regained consciousness, Grace had returned to his bedside. But now she wished Papa had taken her away. Then she would not have seen the warmth in Wolf’s eyes when he awoke. It made leaving him so much harder, but it must be done. She was not free. She had pledged herself to Loftus and she could not withdraw. A line from an old poem went through her mind.
I could not love thee, dear, so much, Lov’d I not Honour more.
A knot of unhappiness settled in Grace’s stomach and she picked at her food, something that Cassandra, sitting opposite, was quick to notice.
‘Oh, dear, are you too fatigued to eat nuncheon? Perhaps you would prefer to sleep first and we will order a tray to be sent up for you.’
‘No, no—you are very kind and Iamtired, but I was thinking that perhaps I should go home.’
Her suggestion brought a storm of protests, from Phyllida’s insistence that she had had a shock and was not yet recovered, to a plea from the newly arrived Diana, Lady Davenport, that she stay to meet the children.
‘I shall bring them downstairs later,’ she said, smiling. ‘And I am sure you would like to meet Wolfgang’s daughter.’
Grace knew that would be a bittersweet moment, but in the face of everyone’s kindness, she finally gave in.
‘Very well, but only until Sir Loftus calls tomorrow.’ She coloured faintly. ‘I shall write a note, asking him to bring his carriage so that he can convey me to the vicarage. I am sure my fiancé will want to take me away with him, once he has spoken with...once he has finished his business here.’
Having won their agreement, Grace gave up any pretence of eating and went off to rest. She fell asleep almost immediately, waking only when a maid came in to inform her it was nearly dinnertime. Aunt Eliza had brought over her trunk, filled with the gowns she had purchased in town. Grace would have preferred something older and more demure, but in the end she settled for an evening gown of deep-rose silk with a snowy lace fichu filling the low neckline. She blinked when she found her aunt had also put in her jewel box. Heavens, what was she thinking? This was not some elegant house party. However, the company did include a dowager marchioness and a countess, so she decided it would be reasonable to wear her pearl ear drops.
Not that it matters, she thought as she made her way down to the drawing room.I am not trying to impress anyone.
And Wolf would not be there to see her.
When Grace walked in, the buzz of conversation halted abruptly. She hesitated, wondering if she was perhaps overdressed for the occasion, but a quick look around the room showed her that everyone had changed for dinner. Lady Phyllida came forward to draw her into the company, her manner so warm and welcoming that Grace was reassured. She saw two little girls, the Davenports’ wards, and recognised Florence immediately. With her dark hair and serious grey eyes she reminded Grace so strongly of Wolfgang that her heart contracted painfully. She forced herself to smile and talk with the children, all the time telling herself that this unhappiness would pass. As soon as she was away from this house she would be able to forget Wolfgang Arrandale.
Lady Hune’s French chef had risen nobly to the challenge of working in an outdated kitchen, and after her refreshing sleep Grace was able to enjoy the lobster and asparagus and even a flavoured rice pudding. Richard Arrandale, sitting beside Grace, kept her glass filled with wine and conversed so pleasantly that the meal was not the ordeal she had been expecting. He excused himself from the table when the dessert course was served and went off to see his brother, but he returned quickly, looking exasperated.
‘Wolf has not yet dined,’ he declared, going back to his seat.
‘I gave instructions that he was not to be disturbed, if he was sleeping,’ put in Raoul.
‘Well, he is awake now and in the devil of a temper because Kennet has gone off to press his coat for the morning.’ He swung round to look at Grace. ‘I know it is presumptuous of me, but wouldyouaccompany Croft when he takes in my brother’s dinner tray and remain while he eats it?’
‘Me?’ Grace recoiled. ‘No, that cannot be necessary.’
Richard shook his head at her. ‘It is very important that he eats well, to aid his recovery. Ain’t that so, Doulevant?’
‘Very important,’ Raoul agreed solemnly.
Lady Cassandra leaned forward. ‘We would take it as a very great favour if you would do this, Miss Duncombe. Wolf is far less likely to throw the dishes at you than at any of us.’
Something close to panic fluttered inside Grace. She had refused the syllabub, so she had no reason to stay. She glanced around the table, but everyone was either intent upon their dessert or looking at her hopefully. There was no escape.
* * *
The morning room was washed with the soft glow of candlelight. Wolf was on the daybed, propped up on a bank of pillows and with a white nightshirt covering his upper body. Grace thought how achingly handsome he looked, his lean cheeks freshly shaved and his dark, curling hair falling over his brow. He watched her, unsmiling, as she came in, but the look in his dark eyes was unreadable. Grace straightened her shoulders. She reminded herself that they would be bound to meet occasionally if he decided to stay at Arrandale, so she would have to get used to this. She summoned up her most cheerful manner.
