Page 20 of Redemption

“I don’t—”

“Patience will no doubt be grateful for the colonel’s efforts to keep you safe. She will also be delighted to see you in spite of your mishap.”

The autocratic interruption made Rhea glare at him, but the moment their gazes locked, the air in her lungs disappeared. Something in his expression made her realize things had changed between them. The sudden memory of his reference to visiting her aunt made her grow cold. Had Aunt Beatrice told him about her efforts to rescue the children?

Dear God, had he met Vincent and Jack? Ginny? Worse, had he seen Lucy? Would he think her niece was her child? That she even asked the question made her stomach lurch. Percy Rockwood had become a dominating figure in her affairs in less than forty-eight hours. Even more troubling was her desire that he not think ill of her because of her past. The sudden need for his approval horrified her. Fear closed her throat until she was struggling to breathe. When she remained silent, Percy leaned forward to pin his gaze on her. The look caused her heart to pound violently in her chest.

“As I’ve already promised, I will keep Patience’s sisterly interrogations in check,” he drawled with amusement, which belied the hard light of determination in his eyes.

Suddenly, Rhea realized it was a two-prong attack to get rid of the colonel. The mention of his sister suggested to Colonel Dewhurst that her relationship with Percy was far more serious than she’d initially indicated. It was a clean warning shot across the colonel’s bow to ensure the man understood Rhea was otherwise engaged. Perhaps most disconcerting of all was the silent confirmation that Percy had no intention of letting her escape him or his questions. With one simple statement, Percy had eliminated the colonel as competition, while silently confirming he wouldn’t let her escape him or his questions.

“You must forgive Percy, Colonel Dewhurst. His penchant for arrogance is only outweighed by his sometimes reckless behavior.”

“Indeed,” the colonel said with a smug smile as he looked at Percy. “Doesn’t the Set refer to your family as the reckless Rockwoods?”

“They do. But there are few who dare to say it to me publicly.” Percy said softly. Once again Percy took the wind out of Dewhurst’s sails as the man blanched then cleared his throat.

“Forgive me, Rockwood. It wasn’t my intent to insult you or your family.” The man’s apology sounded sincere but Rhea heard something else she couldn’t decipher running beneath the colonel’s words. Percy studied Dewhurst for a long moment before breaking the tense silence with a sharp nod. The moment he put the colonel out of his misery, Percy turned to Arianna.

“The colonel’s reference to my family reminds me that my sister-in-law, the Countess of Melton, sends her greetings.” Percy’s charming smile coaxed Arianna into returning his.

“That’s most gracious of her ladyship.”

“She also encouraged me to invite you, Blake, and Rhea to supper Friday night before the Earl of Hardwick’s ball.”

“That’s very thoughtful of her—” Arianna was unable to complete her sentence as Percy interrupted her, his expression becoming even more persuasive.

“Then I’ll be happy to tell her you’re coming? Helen will be delighted,” Percy said with quiet confidence. “She was quite taken with Rhea and your aunt at Melton Park the other night. She’s eager to meet you as well.”

Clearly surprised by the unexpected invitation, Arianna glanced in Rhea’s direction. With a shake of her head, Rhea immediately rejected the idea. Ashford intended to bring the children to her aunt’s small Mayfair townhouse Friday night. Their plans had been in place for more than a week. She refused to be attending a dinner when the children would need her reassuring presence.

“That’s very kind of the countess,” Rhea said. “But I’ll be returning to the country Saturday morning and shall retire early.”

Percy’s mouth tightened, but he didn’t argue with her. His gaze shifted to Arianna and he arched his eyebrow in an imperious manner. It was a look that dared her sister to refuse the invitation. The man hadn’t even flinched when she’d refused his invitation on the behalf of this brother and sister-in-law. He was up to something.

“Blake and I would be delighted to join the Earl and Countess for dinner on Friday,” her sister said with a small smile.

“Excellent,” Percy said with immense satisfaction. “We dine at six.”

“Six,” Rhea exclaimed softly. At her surprise a shadow darkened Percy’s face. It was an expression of deep sorrow, and she experienced the urge to reach out and comfort him. As his gaze met hers, Percy’s expression became unreadable.

“Since losing my brother and brother-in-law more than a year ago, the family makes every effort to dine with the children whenever we can. Percy replied without emotion. “We realize how fleeting life is, and we no longer take things for granted. It’s actually the reason why I was unable to attend your wedding, Lady Sherrington. The family was in Scotland for my nephew’s birthday celebration.”

“I understand completely, Mr. Rockwood. Family is everything.” Sympathy softened her sister’s features as she nodded in agreement and touched Rhea’s hand in a gentle gesture of affection. As if suddenly aware the colonel had been shut out of the conversation for far longer than was polite, Arianna looked at the man. “Would you not agree, Colonel Dewhurst?”

“I do indeed, Lady Sherrington. My sister means the world to me. She’s the only family I have.”

The colonel bobbed his head in agreement, and Percy’s gaze settled on the man as he studied him with narrowed eyes. His dislike of the colonel puzzled Rhea. With a sudden movement, Percy reached into his breast pocket and produced a pocket watch. He flipped open the lid to check the time then snapped the timepiece closed and looked at Rhea.

“It’s almost noon, shall we?” The nonchalant arrogance in his voice made Rhea frown, but she reluctantly nodded her head in acquiescence. At her silent agreement, Colonel Dewhurst rose to his feet.

“I believe I’ve out-stayed my welcome, Lady Sherrington, Miss Bennett. Thank you for an enjoyable morning’s conversation.”

“It was kind of you to call, Colonel Dewhurst,” Arianna said as she rose to her feet. Rhea stood up as the colonel kissed her sister’s hand.

“Let me walk you out,” Rhea said with a smile.

The instant she spoke, she saw Percy scowl. His frown darkened as the colonel directed a smug look in Percy’s direction. She didn’t know whether to be amused or dismayed at Percy’s obvious displeasure. With a smile at Dewhurst, she walked the man out of the morning room into the hallway. As Marston offered the colonel his hat, Rhea smiled.