Bound By A Scandalous Secret. Diane Gaston

ill. Sick enough for him to cancel his house party. The last thing Lady Tinmore needs are callers.’

      ‘She did not seem to mind,’ Ross insisted.

      The footman brought their coats and assisted in putting them on. ‘Your horses are being brought from the stable.’

      They waited in uncomfortable silence until the horses were outside the door.

      * * *

      They were on the main road from the estate before Ross spoke. ‘What is amiss, Dell?’

      ‘Amiss?’ he shot back. ‘I told you. We were intruding. I should not have allowed you to talk me into this visit.’

      Ross spoke in a milder tone. ‘I did not see any indication that we were not welcome. Lady Tinmore seemed very gracious. I think she appreciated our concern for her husband.’

      ‘She was gracious,’ Dell admitted, sounding calmer. ‘She was—’ He cleared his throat. ‘Perhaps we might call again. In a week or so, when we are certain of Tinmore’s recovery.’

      * * *

      Genna and Lorene waited at the window until they saw Rossdale and Penford ride away.

      Lorene then turned to tidy up the wineglasses and plate of biscuits, putting them back on the tray, something for which her husband would chastise her if he knew of it.

      Acting like a servant, he would say.

      Genna liked those old habits of Lorene’s—her tendency to take care of things and save others the trouble.