Hart took her elbow and escorted her down the stairs. “It would have been too obvious if anything happened as soon as you took up residence with him. You have had a dreadful shock, Maddie. We don’t have to talk about this now.”
She shook her head. “No, we must. The time will come when we can put it all behind us. But not yet.”
Hart nodded. “It appears Wakeham intended to make it look like an accident. But he needed time. There was the cut strap, which failed because of your skill on a horse. He had to be careful because of this business he’s mixed up in. He wouldn’t want to bring the law to his door.”
“I wish we knew what that was. It must be something illegal. We could have him arrested,” she said.
“I will find out. Perhaps the Bow Street Runner has discovered something.” Hart gazed into her eyes. “Are you all right, sweetheart? Even though we suspected something badly amiss, it is horrible to hear the truth.”
She nodded, fire in her eyes, more like the Maddie he knew. “His cruel betrayal has shocked me, certainly. I disliked him from the first. I found it difficult to believe anything he told me. But this?” She put a hand on her chest. “His hatred of me and his cunning makes my blood run cold.”
Hart slipped his arm around her. “We shall be free of all of this soon.”
“I hope so.” She looked up at him. “What happens now, Hart?”
“I’ll return to Pembury tomorrow. To speak to the Bow Street Runner. He’s putting up at an inn near Tunbridge Wells.”
“You won’t search my uncle’s property? Not alone,” Maddie cautioned.
“No. I doubt that would be helpful.”
“I wish I could come with you.”
Hart laughed. “To keep an eye on me?”
“Yes,” she said firmly. She reached up to touch his face with a smile.
“A pity, but with Diane coming to stay, I’m afraid I must go without you.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “You are far too eager to leave me behind.”
He laughed. “I am having the house painted. Some rooms were completely refurbished. The house still reeks of turpentine and paint.”
“Must I face thetonalone with only Diane to introduce me?”
“I’ll be back in a week. In plenty of time for our first appearance, which I wouldn’t miss for the world.” He grinned. “It will be the Duke of and Duchess of Lindsey’s spring ball. Tate and Ianthe are good friends of mine. If your ballgown is ready by then.”
“I hope so. There will be one more fitting.”
“I wish you could come with me to Pembury. I will miss you.” He cupped her chin and gazed into her eyes. “Very much.”
“Well, Lord Montford, how nice to find you back in London,” came a woman’s voice behind them.
He turned, already aware of who it was. “Mrs. Spencer, allow me to introduce you to my wife, Lady Montford.”
Maddie smiled and held out her hand. “How do you do, Mrs. Spencer?”
For a moment, Vivian looked shocked. Recovering herself, she took Maddie’s hand. “Well! This is a surprise! The news of your marriage has not yet reached our ears. My felicitations, Lady Montford.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Spencer.”
Vivian turned to Hart. “Congratulations, Lord Montford! What a dark horse you are.” Her smile was strained. “You have married under the noses of the society matrons, hoping you would choose their daughter. Where was the wedding held?”
“A country ceremony,” Hart said pleasantly.
Vivian shifted her gaze to Maddie. “I look forward to learning all about it when next we meet, Lady Montford. Shall we see more of you this Season?”
“We have accepted a few invitations, haven’t we, darling?” Maddie said, taking his arm. “But not yet. We have only just returned from a short honeymoon.”