“And there has been some concern that a stranger – or in fact, a guest, mayhap – has been wandering around the manor house late in the evening,” Patrick continued, having no qualms about telling his friend such a thing. “I do not know who it is, but I am determined to discover them.”
Blinking in surprise, it took Lord Hogarth a few moments to respond.
“Someone has been wandering around your house?”
“In the upstairs, in the nursery and schoolroom,” Patrick confirmed. “I am concerned for Henry’s safety and thus have made certain that the footmen now include a short search of that area in the morning, afternoon, and evening.”
“Good gracious.” Lord Hogarth reached for his coffee cup but did not take a sip. “That is most unsettling.”
“It is.” Patrick shook his head to himself, his frustration mounting that he had no idea as to who such a person might be. “Which is why, my dear friend, you find me so fatigued.”
“I quite understand.” Lord Hogarth leaned a little closer to him so that he might speak a tad more quietly, even though they were alone. “You say you have no idea who such a person might be?”
“I cannot even imagine why they are in the nursery and schoolroom!” Patrick exclaimed. “It is most strange.”
Lord Hogarth tipped his head, then rubbed one finger across his lips before he spoke.
“Might it be something to do with your governess?”
Patrick hesitated. The idea had never come to him before now and yet, there was a measure of wisdom in the idea.
“I had not thought of that before.”
“You do not know anything about her?”
A curling of his fingers told Patrick that he wanted desperately to defend the lady, even though he had no requirement to do so.
“I am sure that Miss Trean would not have come to me in such urgency had she had any idea as to who it might have been.”
“Unless she is doing so to make certain you donotthink that she is in any way involved.”
Patrick opened his mouth to state that such a notion was ridiculous, only to then close it again. He trusted Miss Trean, but Lord Hogarth was quite right to state that he did not know her very well as yet. The only reason he had hired her was on the word of his own old governess and yet, that appeared to have worked out very well thus far.
“Perhaps she does not even know that this person seeks her out and has come to you quite honestly – but it will soon become apparent to her that this man’s intention is only towards her, whatever such intentions might be.”
Patrick shook his head.
“She was injured the first time. Someone knocked into her.”
Lord Hogarth shrugged.
“That might easily be explained. It could have been a maid or a footman who did so and now does not wish to admit to it for fear of losing their position.Or,” he continued, seeming to relish such a discussion, “it may be that she and this… fellow became a little too amorous and she fell backward and had to, thereafter, give yousomeexplanation given her dazedness.”
There was no eagerness in Patrick’s heart to accept such a suggestion, but no matter how hard he tried to ignore it, a little of the idea wormed its way into his mind. He could not forget it completely.
“I will consider it, but I do not think it a reasonable explanation,” Patrick replied, a trifle coolly. “Now, given that this is nearing the end of our house party and that the Ball is to be tomorrow evening, let us think on much more delightful matters.” He tried to smile and push all thoughts of Miss Trean away. “Who do you intend to dance with?”
Lord Hogarth grinned and immediately began to wax lyrical about who he would dance with and what he intended to do thereafter – a conversation that Patrick did not particularly enjoy. However, given that it was better than discussing the situation with Miss Trean and the strange intruder, Patrick permitted Lord Hogarth to talk for as long as he wished without interruption.
“And I presume that you have invited the various local gentry, so if my plans fail in any way, then I shall find some other young lady who might be more willing to accept my company.”
“You willnot.” Patrick shook his head firmly as Lord Hogarth’s bright smile faded. “You are correct that I have invited the local gentry, but the young ladies are all quite innocent and unused to such ways as yours. Thus, you will take great care not to behave inappropriately with any of them for it will not only damage their reputation but quite ruin my standing in their eyes also.”
Lord Hogarth sighed heavily and rolled his eyes.
“You are always so concerned with your own situation, are you not? However, of course I shall oblige you. I must just hope that Lady Mary is as I wish her to be.” His eyes danced as his smile returned. “And have you asked Miss Trean to join the evening?”
The shock of the suggestion drove straight into Patrick’s heart.