Page 31 of Her Sort of Scoundrel
Dash chuckled. “I shall have Morley begin immediately.”
His valet didn’t like surprises, but the man was as diligent and efficient as every other member of his staff.
“Perhaps I should send a note to Lady Fiona.” Worry carved two lines between Aurelia’s pinched brows. “I did wish to invite her to visit soon.”
“She’s away herself,” he told Aurelia, working to keep any emotion from his tone.
“Ah,” she said. “Then hopefully we’ll see her when we return. I can plan a luncheon and invite her. You did say I could practice hosting.”
“Of course,” he told her. “A luncheon sounds lovely.” It didn’t. Not truly.
What he truly wanted was to scour the whole bloody country, find Fiona, and speak to her privately. Honestly. For both of them to lay out all their cards upon the table—every worry, every fear, every tangle—so that they could unravel it all together.
So that they couldbetogether.Ifshe wanted that as he did.
Dash realized the whole of his hopes rested on thatif.
“Good,” she said with a beaming smile, all worry seemingly forgotten.
A moment later, she raced up the stairs and Dash followed.
As he expected, Morley was a bit put out but recovered quickly. Within an hour, Dash’s bags were packed, he’d donned traveling clothes, and the rest of the household had been informed of their plans. Dash estimated for Mrs. Hardy that they’d be gone a week, and she barely lifted a brow when he asked that she send word immediately if Lady Fiona returned to her residence before their return.
“Of course, my lord.” She nodded solemnly. “Wishing you and the young miss a good trip.”
Not half an hour later, they were deposited at King’s Cross Station and soon after boarded a train heading north. Aurelia napped for much of the journey, but Dash couldn’t find any ease, however he situated his body or leaned his head back against the cushion in their first-class carriage.
He wanted only one thing—to see Fiona, to speak to her, to hold her again.
At the Cambridge railway station, they found that Caroline had sent a carriage to collect them. The journey to her family’s country house included a colorful display as the sun set in a stunning show of warm hues against the fresh spring green of the countryside.
Dash noticed a bit of Aurelia’s usual enthusiasm had ebbed. When she turned her head away from the window, she swiped at a tear.
“What is it, Aurelia?”
“Nothing at all,” she said brightly.
Dash waited a beat, wondering if he should allow her to keep her thoughts to herself. Yet if anything troubled her and he could help, he wanted to.
“I can see that something has brought a tear to your eye.”
She smiled weakly. “I was just thinking of Longwood. The countryside reminds me of it a bit.” She pressed her lips together, seemed to ponder for a moment, and then lifted her gaze to his. “Have you sold it?”
“No, of course not.” Dash rushed to reassure you. “I would not. I could not. It is yours. I’ve asked the land agent to ensure that it’s well cared for, and I was…” The truth was that he’d wished to avoid this discussion, for fear it would upset her. “I could not decide on a good time to mention it to you.”
“We’re very careful with each other, but I’m not as fragile as you think.” She exhaled and nodded as if affirming it to herself. “Perhaps time spent with Lady Fiona has helped me feel as if I can take on anything that comes my way.”
Dash smiled. “I’m glad you two get on so well.”
“She’s wonderful,” Aurelia said with quiet certainty. “But I’m sure you know that as well as anyone.”
“I do.”
“Good. Don’t forget it.”
Before Dash could explore that rather cryptic comment, their carriage drew into the half circle drive at the front of his sister’s home.
She and her two rambunctious children stood waiting for them at the front door.
