“Yes, I understand.”
“He’s thirty, and he has to wed this year.”
“Yes, he’s been very blunt about it.”
“I hate to be blunt as well, but he desperately needs the money in Penny’s dowry. When you’re in residence and distracting him, he forgets what matters.”
“I see.” She fiddled with her skirt, her fingers tracing over and over the fabric. “Did he ask you to talk to me about this?”
“No. I noticed what was bubbling up, and after I heard about your sojourn at Barrett, I had to intervene. By inviting you to our party, I’ve placed you in a horrendous situation. You’re both suffering from an incredible attraction, and it’s creating problems we simply can’t stir at the moment.”
“I understand,” she said again.
“I’m afraid too that it will wind up causing issues with the betrothal. What if Penny found out about your affair? What if she refused the engagement? It’s difficult for a bachelor to find an heiress. What would Luke do then? I think you care for him. Could you bear to put him in such an untenable position?”
She studied him for an eternity, and he received the distinct impression that she wanted to share a secret about Penny and Luke, but she swallowed it down, choosing instead, “What are you telling me? Are you asking me to leave?”
His shoulders slumped with regret. “I’m sorry, but yes, I am.”
“I’ll go immediately. I just need a few minutes to pack.”
She stood as if she’d race off that very instant, and he felt awful. “Please, Libby, sit down.”
“I’d rather not. I’ve never been more embarrassed in my life, and I heartily apologize. I appreciate your hospitality, and I’m mortified to the marrow of my bones that you had to mention any of this to me.”
“Sit, please!” he said more sternly, and he waved to her chair. She dithered, then sank down, and he warned himself to ignore the guilt that was swamping him. “Don’t be embarrassed. I was young once, and I discovered how hotly passion can burn, so I’m not judging you.”
“I must clarify that I’ve struggled valiantly to avoid a relationship with Lord Barrett. It’s why I was arguing with Fish and my cousin. I’m anxious to return to the city, then vanish before Luke can follow me. I’ve been trying to save him from himself.”
“I’m delighted to hear it, and it makes me like you even more.” He forced a smile. “It’s my goal to help him too. I comprehend how amour can overwhelm a person’s common sense. I’m certain, if the two of you part for a while, his ardor will wane.”
“I’m certain of it too.”
“So you don’t have to run upstairs and pack. It will be fine with me if you depart in the morning.”
“You’re being very kind,” she told him, “much kinder than I deserve.”
“You’re the type of girl who has men eager to assist you, but it doesn’t appear you have many people to give you sound advice.”
“No, I don’t. There was just my Uncle Harry, but he wasn’t good at anything, particularly dispensing advice.”
“I hope you can view me as a friend, Libby. If you ever need guidance, you can always write to me. I’d be happy to correspond. Promise you’ll contact me.”
“Again, you’re being very kind, and I can assure you that I won’t ever pester you in the future. You shouldn’t worry about that.”
“I wouldn’t consider it pestering. I would consider myself aiding a young lady who very much requires shrewd counsel.”
Tears flooded her eyes, and he cringed, hating that he’d pushed her to such an emotional ledge. It occurred to him that she was even prettier when she was distraught.
“Could I categorically state that I’m not loose?” she said. “I’m ashamed to have you believe I am. I’ve never been in love before. I’ve never even had a beau. I’m surrounded by men, but Lord Barrett is the only one who’s ever enticed me into misconduct.”
“I’ve known Luke since he was a baby, so you don’t have to explain to me how he’s beguiled you. Don’t forget that I picked him to be Penny’s husband. That’s an indication of the level of my regard for him.”
“I shouldn’t have misbehaved with him though, and I’m begging you not to think badly of me for it. I try to be honorable and decent. Up until I met him, I’d never disgraced myself.”
“When I was your age, I engaged in many scandalous activities, so I can’t condemn you for it.”
He was suffering from a strident urge to walk around the desk and hug her. She looked bewildered, lost, and alone, like a tiny child who’d fallen and skinned her knee.
“Thank you for being so sympathetic,” she said, “and I’ll go in the morning. I swear. I’ll get up early—so no one realizes what I intend—and I’ll stay in my room this evening too. I won’t join in the festivities.”
“You don’t have to hide yourself away from the other guests.”
“I probably should.”
He gazed at her, and unbidden, he was rocked by an old memory. Suddenly, it seemed as if he was staring at Amanda, his insane wife who’d caused him so much grief.
At the time of their doomed marriage, she’d been younger than Libby was by a few years, but she’d had dark brown hair, while Libby had blond, so he hadn’t noticed any similarities, hadn’t compared them. But he was definitely comparing them now. He felt as if he was gaping at a blond replica of his first wife.
He recalled seeing Libby in the garden with Penny and noting how much alike they’d been. He’d doubted ordinary missionaries could have produced such a magnificent creature. He’d wondered if she hadn’t been sired by a Pendleton relative. Then the crazed notion had surfaced that Libby might be Henrietta, but he’d shoved it away.
Yet what if his initial assessment had been correct? What if Libby was Henrietta?
If he could stumble on Henrietta—alive and fine—it would wash away decades of guilt. He blamed himself for what
