Rothley stepped forward, regardless of Lord Chelmarsh’s presence, and crouched before her, taking her hands gently but firmly from her face.
‘Look at me. It is not your fault. The Border is the likeliest answer, and following them will not be hard. I will set off immediately but must be a good hour behind them by the time all is ready. I will catch them, and I will bring her back.’
‘But it will surely be too late, too late to disguise her error.’
‘That may be beyond any of us, my dear.’ Lord Chelmarsh shook his head, as Bembridge knocked at the door, and upon entering, apologised, but revealed that Sir Esmond Fawley was at the door.
‘He appears to have met Lady Harriet, my lord. Her ladyship is in some distress, I believe. I realise this is perhaps not the time, but—’
‘Get him in here.’ Lord Rothley looked up and interrupted without compunction. ‘Lord Chelmarsh, Fawley is the one man who may be able to salvage my errant sister’s honour. However, I must depart immediately. Sophy, dearest, this afternoon must be delayed, but I will be back.’ Lord Rothley kissed her hands, gave her a look which spoke volumes, and strode out of the room, almost colliding with Sir Esmond.
‘Ask Sophy for details, Fawley. Hope you catch me later.’
Sir Esmond raised his brows from their glowering frown, but Rothley was gone. He nodded at Lord Chelmarsh, but then looked at Sophy.
‘She has done it again, hasn’t she.’ It was a statement, and he sounded grim.
‘Yes, she has. We think this time she has run off with Lord Pinkney. Lord Rothley is setting off after them, but thinks it is you who can save Susan’s reputation.’
‘I would as soon race Rothley to be first to break Pinkney’s neck.’ Sir Esmond ground his teeth.
‘I am sure that was not what Rothley intended. He did not wait to reveal his plan, however.’ Lord Chelmarsh was slightly surprised to find two gentlemen keen to chase after his niece.
‘He said he would catch them, and bring Susan back, so it must be her future that lies in your hands, Sir Esmond. If Tyneham hears of this he will cast her off without a moment’s thought.’ Sophy’s brow was furrowed.
‘Then that,’ Sir Esmond brightened suddenly, ‘is what I must do immediately.’
‘You want to tell Tyneham?’ Lord Chelmarsh looked confused. ‘What possible use is that?’
‘I want to wring his neck almost as much as Pinkney’s, but, yes, I will content myself with that, and getting him to accompany me to Doctors’ Commons.’
‘Ah, I see your purpose,’ Lord Chelmarsh was enlightened, but Sophy was not, and said as much.
‘If Tyneham washes his hands of her, all to the good, but he is still her guardian. He will come with me and we will obtain a special licence, if he values his good name and his skin.’
‘You mean you want to marry my cousin Susan?’ Sophy could not keep the surprise from her voice.
‘Yes, mad as that may sound. And from what Rothley said, however cryptically, I think he means I am to follow him north and probably join with him after he has brought their flight to an end. My estate is not far from St Neots. I will take her there, if she will agree. Now I must leave you and hope Tyneham is a creature of habit.’
‘Wait. Sir Esmond, take me with you.’
‘Lady Sophy, I will be travelling fast and—’
‘If I am there it will lend a semblance of decency. There will be room for my maid also, surely. You will permit me to go with Sir Esmond, Papa?’
‘Yes, but do not tell your mother I said so.’
Sir Esmond thought swiftly.
‘Then be ready within the hour, ma’am, and bring such things as you may need overnight. Forgive my brusqueness, but I must find Tyneham.’
Sir Esmond left in as much of a rush as Lord Rothley. Father and daughter stared at one another for a moment.
‘I must pack, Papa, and reassure Harriet, and, oh my goodness, what a day this is.’
‘Yes. And by the by, my dear, I like Rothley.’
‘So do I, Papa, so do I.’