Page 79 of Memories Made At Midnight

Beatrice liked her.

She wasn’t the least pretentious or snooty.

“You should concentrate on recovering, my dear.” Again, it wasn’t so much as a suggestion as a dictate from her grace. “Everything else can wait.”

Not when you had a mad-as-the-devil uncle.

If all the Westbrook men were away, just who, precisely, guarded the house?

Surely, Cassius elucidated how persistent and determined Uncle Cedric was.

Wouldn’t this be a perfect opportunity for her uncle’s men to return and potentially cause more harm? Perhaps even snatch her?

“Your Grace? Did Cassius explain about my uncle?” Beatrice plucked at the sheets with her fingertips. “I don’t want to put anyone at Hefferwickshire House in danger.”

Her very presence did precisely that.

The dowager poked her head around her daughter-in-law. “If that blackguard tries anything nefarious, we are prepared. Never fear. Highbury’s always been a coward though. That’s why he has others do his dirty work.”

“We have things well in hand, Beatrice.” The Duchess of Latham slipped her mother-in-law’s hand into the crook of her elbow. “My husband saw to our security before he left. I assure you, we are well protected.”

Beatrice ought to be relieved, but she couldn’t relax until she had her inheritance in hand.

“I’ll see what is keeping your luncheon.” Leaving the bedchamber door open, the duchess escorted her mother down the corridor.

After they’d gone, Beatrice relaxed against the fluffy pillows and let her mind wander to yesterday, after being shot. In the moments before oblivion had completely claimed her, she swore she’d heard Cassius say he loved her.

If he cared for her, why had he left without saying goodbye or, at the very least, leaving a note?

Because the truth was, it changed nothing.

He meant to foist her off on his parents, and what better way to do it than to leave straightaway, even if the circumstances were dire?

Her heart shattering at the undeniable truth, Beatrice closed her eyes as a lone tear leaked from the corner of one eye and trailed down her cheek. She would insist on writing to Hargreaves & Drummond and request a meeting at Hefferwickshire House with all haste.

“If I don’t hear from Cassius, then as soon as I can walk, I shall leave.”

Teddy whined and laid his head on his paws while Nala planted her large muzzle on the bed and gazed at Beatrice with woeful eyes.

“Not a bit of it. You shan’t make me feel guilty. I’m not the one who hied away faster than a beggar with a stolen loaf of bread.” She shook her head. “He didn’t even leave a note.”

Which could only mean one thing.

He didn’t care.

She must have imagined his declaration of love.