AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Your Graces,” said the man, adjusting his spectacles on the bridge of his nose. “I am very sorry to intrude on your breakfast.” He looked at Jackson. “There is an urgent matter, your Grace. Would I be able to see you in your study about it as soon as you are done?”
Jackson was already standing up, throwing his napkin on the table. “I am already done, Godwin, and ready to accompany you.” He stared down at Patricia, his gaze softening. “Please give my regards to Lord and Lady Reynolds, my dear. I hope you have a pleasant visit and eagerly look forward to your return.”
Patricia forced another dazzling smile onto her face. “I will do so. And thank you.”
Their eyes locked again for another long moment. Patricia felt the tension in the air thickening between them, almost like a pea soup fog rolling in from the Thames.
Mr. Godwin coughed discreetly into his hand breaking the moment. Jackson smiled at her again before following the man out of the room. Patricia was alone.
She slumped against the table for a moment. That had been even more difficult than she had anticipated. She almost felt as if she were an actress upon the stage now. An actress whose curtain was just about to fall.
Hastily, she stood up. She had not eaten a bite, but she had no appetite anyway. She must order the carriage and get to Eleanor’s house as quickly as possible. She was heartily sick of the whole business. The need was burning within her now. She just wanted to get some advice and get this over and done with as soon as possible.
As soon as the carriage was at the front door, she put on her gloves and bonnet, and stepped out onto the front steps of the townhouse. Within minutes, the footman helped her inside and she was settling herself on the plush velvet seat. The driver cracked the whip and they were away, rolling through the streets of London.
Patricia gazed blankly out the window, not seeing anything at all. It all slipped past her in a blur of color and movement.
She pressed her hands together on her lap, appalled to find that they were trembling, before offering up a prayer. Fervently she hoped that Eleanor would be able to give her good advice. She simply had no one else to turn to.
