In the ladies’ retiring room, Maddie smiled at the attendant. She dampened her handkerchief and cooled her hot cheeks while she tried to calm herself. She must not let her imagination run away from her. Hart had done nothing to upset her.
She went behind the screen to adjust the tight bodice of her evening gown. Her breasts seemed to have grown since she had it made.
Outside, in the room, two ladies came in. “Mrs. Spencer is making her play for you know who,” one of them said. “She has him laughing and eating out of her hand.”
“Well, his reputation with the ladies is no secret. I doubt that will change, even though he has married a pretty girl.”
“They never change. Lord Montford never stays long with anyone.”
The other lady giggled. “Hush.”
“Come on. Best we go back and watch the drama unfold.”
When the door closed, Maddie felt very much alone. She nodded to the attendant on her way out, who glanced at her sympathetically, then chin held high, Maddie returned to her chair. Her friends danced a gavotte, and she sat alone.
Hart noticed and walked over to her. “Why aren’t you dancing?”
“I find it a little too hot.”
His gaze roamed over her. “You look flushed. I hope you’re not ill, my sweet.”
“No, I’ve grown tired of London. The pace is exhausting.”
“I thought you were enjoying it,” he said with a worried frown.
“I think I will go to the country, as you suggested.”
He sat beside her. “I am glad, Maddie. Although I’ll miss you, I will breathe easier when the magistrate has dealt with Buchanan.”
“I will be relieved when all that is behind us.”
Hart searched her eyes for a moment then nodded. “When will you leave?”
“Diane returns home tomorrow. I’ll leave the day after.”
“Good.”
“Can we go home soon?”
He raised his eyebrows. “If you wish. We’ll thank our host and hostess, and I’ll send for the carriage.”
She nodded. “There’s no reason for Diane to cut her evening short. Peter will bring her home.”
They spent the brief journey home talking about inanities.
Later, when they climbed the stairs to bed, Hart put his arm around her. “You’re very quiet.”
“I just need a good night’s sleep. I’ve been nervous since I saw the man watching us from beside the park railing.”
On the landing, Hart turned her to face him. In the candlelight from the wall sconces, he lifted her chin with his palm. “Why didn’t you mention this to me?”
“I didn’t want you to worry. After all, I am perfectly well. I’m looking forward to riding Pearl in the fresh air.”
He smiled as they entered her bedchamber. “I will join you at Pembury as soon as I can.”
She turned to him. “Would you mind if I sleep alone? My head throbs and I might disturb you.”
He frowned. “Disturb me? This is something new, Maddie. You say you’re not ill, but you are most unlike yourself.”