Old John was eyeing him, licking his lips.
When Dominic still didn’t speak, he said, “It’s a simple matter to send a small note to your sister detailing your sickness. I’m sure she’d be happy to get her hands on yer estate. Not to mention the girl.”
“You’ll have your money,” he said tersely. “Did you follow us here?”
“Nay, we apothecaries trade herbs. In fact, I was headed there now. I’ve heard yer new governess deals in medicine.”
He didn’t like the gleam in the old man’s eyes. “Leave now and you shall have your double this afternoon.”
“Ye’ve not much to bargain with, but I’ll give ye that for now.”
Dominic strode past him, heading to the shop to join the ladies. They were at the counter paying for their goods when he arrived.
“Allow me,” he said over Henrietta’s protests.
Then they left and no sooner were they riding home, Louise in front as usual, than Henrietta turned to him. “Out with it,” she said in a crisp tone.
“Out with what?” He patted his horse’s neck, avoiding her face.
“You have been sulky and taciturn since we left the village. What happened?”
“It’s not your concern.”
“Not my concern?” A sharp edge entered her tone. “You have seen me at my most vulnerable, and I have seen you at yours. I do believe it is my concern.”
“You’re my employee.”
“I am not just an employee, and well you know it.”
Dominic nudged his horse to move a bit faster. Telling her about the blackmail would only draw them closer, but it was unwise. He didn’t wish to grow closer to Henrietta. He had a disease to cure and a child to successfully raise. Besides, she might try to fix the problem and that could lead to Barbara discovering his epilepsy.
Which would mean doctors and doubts about his sanity and more problems than he wished to think about.
“That is all you are, Henrietta.”
“Balderdash.”
He raised his brow at her then. Her face was flushed and her eyes sparked.
“There is no need for you to be upset,” he said, trying to smooth her obviously rumpled feathers.
“No need? I hardly think you are one to speak to me of what I may or may not need. You hardly know me.”
“I know that you excel as a governess. I know that eventually you will join your uncle and exceed society’s expectations of a woman practicing medicine. I know that you needed to visit your old home to heal the wounds of your past.”
She sputtered, shaking her head. “I am not discussing anything further with you, Lord St. Raven. I shall ride with my charge.” She cantered past him. “Where I belong.”
Her back was ramrod-straight as she joined Louise. Dominic sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. He didn’t want to hurt or anger her. His intentions had been to help.
Her reaction was confirmation that he did not need to facilitate any more closeness between them. After this trip, he was done interacting with her in any way other than what was expected of their positions.
Chapter Thirteen
Admitting wrongdoing gnawed at Henrietta’s sense of pride, and yet the next day she found herself paused outside Dominic’s office, her fist poised to knock.
After their trip yesterday, she’d sequestered herself in her room. Though she had been repeatedly invited to dine with Dominic and Louise, such a thing was really not appropriate for a governess and she always declined. Last night no invitation was sent.
She had been relieved, as she had much to think about.
To soothe her mind, she had reorganized her medicine box and relabeled the herb jars.
And now, before going to visit Mrs. Smith to check on her arm, she knew she should speak to Dominic. Thank him for taking her to see Morningside. But oh, how it grated to know he’d been right.
She rapped on the door, the sting of contact smarting her knuckles.
“Come in.” He sounded preoccupied.
Straightening her shoulders, she pushed the door open and walked in. He sat at his desk, bent over papers, his hair a wild mass of blackness that looked more becoming to a pirate than an earl.
Such a fanciful thought for one not inured to fancy. She mentally shook away the image of a pirate, though it remained stubborn, especially when he looked up from his desk. The way his hair hung about his face, framing the sharp cheekbones and focused expression. Nonsensical fancy. That was all.
She strode in. “I’m here to thank you, my lord.”
“You are?” He leaned back in his chair, beckoning her to come closer with a lazy, long-fingered gesture. “By all means, have a seat.”
“It shall not take long.” She drew a long, fortifying breath. The arrogant look upon his face almost changed her mind. “You were right to insist I visit Morningside. I found it most informative.”
“Informative.”
“Helpful,” she hedged. What was he getting at? Staring at her so, as if expecting some other answer.
“Did you feel anything?”
“Of course I felt,” she said quickly, a hot tightness compressing her breastbone. Though he did not sound accusative, the burn of his words seared her. “What are you wanting me to say? I’ve come to thank you.”
He smiled then, a half-hearted thing that did not reach his eyes, which she suddenly saw were fatigued.
“You do not look well,” she said.
He tapped his plume against the desk, then pushed back his chair and stood. “I am tired. It was a long night. Is there anything else?”
“Oh, no. Simply my thanks.” She paused. “Did you have another attack?”
A long silence before he inclined his head. “Last night. They leave me exhausted.”
“Are you still planning to leave for your home in the north?”
“After I sift through these papers. The steward has ideas regarding farming techniques. They have merit, and I suppose I should also thank you, Miss Gordon. If not for your interference, the estate would still be languishing.”
“One must not ignore responsibilities.”
“Indeed.”
“I have a suggestion, my lord.”
“Why am I not surprised?”
“I promised to help you, but I believe our best opportunities lay in London.”
He stroked his chin,
