Page 56 of A Tenuous Betrothal
“An express? Goodness. Thank you. Does the rider wait?”
“He does, miss.”
She tore open the seal. It was her uncle’s. But the writing was not her uncle’s.
Forgive the use of the family seal. I am certain your father would not mind.
The signature at the bottom was wavery but still legible. Mrs. Fenniwick, the housekeeper, had written this time.
I heard that Mrs. Powell has written to apprise you of the current risky situation in the mines, but despite all the warnings in the world, your uncle has persisted. I regret to send such distressing news, as I am unsure what more you could do to aid our situation. But there’s nothing for it. I know you would want to know. Part of the mine has exploded and collapsed. Some of the miners are trapped, most likely in an air space, but we’ve no easy way to retrieve them.
I’m sorry to be so blunt, but there is no time. We are desperate for assistance. Your uncle has said he will do nothing. He has said he fully expects another explosion to kill them all anyway. We are in the most dire straits. Mrs. Powell is inside, we know, and all her children. Please come. Bring whoever else you can to influence your uncle.
Yours,
Mrs. Fenniwick
Rhi couldn’t control her breathing. She rushed into the breakfast room, but Marc was nowhere to be found. Sophie sat with Bartholomew only.
She rose, a hand at her heart. “What is it? Are you well?”
“I am not. There has been an explosion. I must go immediately to Wales.”
Bartholomew leaped to his feet to stand at his wife’s side. “Let us be wise in our undertakings. Come, tell me all.”
She tossed the letter onto the table. “The rider awaits a response. I’ll use this last page.” She rushed into the study without asking, using the ink that was opened and the quill on the desk to scribble,I will come with as much aid as I can muster. No seal, only her signature. She handed the parchment to a servant and prepared to send him off.
“Wait.” Bartholomew rushed toward her and held out a coin. “The rider must be paid.”
“Oh yes, thank you.” She gave the servant the coin to pay the messenger and turned to Bartholomew, quivering. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what else to do.”
He held out his arms, and she fell into them, crying.
“What is this?” Prince Henri descended.
“An explosion in her family’s mine,” Sophie responded. “People are trapped, and her uncle must be urged to save them.”
Prince Henri nodded. “Send a rider to Marc, and someone wake Kristoff.”
“I must leave now. I can’t wait.” Rhi reached a hand out to the wall.
“If you could wait but a moment, you will have the assistance you need.” Prince Henri nodded, gesturing for a bench in the entry hall. “Please take a seat. I feel as if you might need some support while we make preparations. Perhaps some tea?”
“Yes, please.”
People bustled around her. She sipped tea absently for a moment, but as soon as the others were no longer hovering, she stood. “I cannot simply sit here.” She stood, and then the butler showed Lord Carmine in through the front door. She gasped.
He rushed toward her, a bundle of flowers thrust out in front of him. “Please accept my apologies.” He waited, the flowers shaking with his emotion.
“I don’t understand. I sent word that you were not to be received. I’ve denied your card. You must know that you have no chance with me here.”
“I must try. You are the only woman for me, the only person I’ve pursued at all. Please. We could be happy. I will do all in my power to make it so.”
She pushed the flowers away. “I have no need of these or your insincerity. What is the wager total now that news must have spread that I am uninterested?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. That is over...”
She frowned and crossed her arms.
