Rex’s dangerously handsome face rose before her mind’s eye. She knew it was him who’d taken matters into his own hands and called out Rathemore. He’d left Jacob suddenly, his hands had been all scraped. And, most importantly, he was the only one who knew other than her brother.
Her fists clenched at her sides. He’d been careless and reckless, but she pushed her anger back down. He’d warned her he was a rake. Daffodil was the one who’d confided in him. She was also the one who’d allowed Rathemore to touch her.
“Petal,” he called from behind her.
She straightened her shoulders, her insides turning to jelly. “Jacob is waiting for you. You should head out to the barn.”
“We need to talk.” He was so close, she could feel his breath on the back of her neck.
“Later,” she whispered. “We’ll talk tonight.”
His hand brushed the curve of her neck, his fingers slipping down the simple plait in her hair. “Tonight.”
He backed up then and she heard his footsteps cross the kitchen. The door creaked open and then closed again. The moment it shut, she turned and slumped against the table, tears flowing down her cheeks.
Laying her head on her forearm, she allowed the tears to fall unhindered until there were no more left. She didn’t blame Rex. This was her doing. She’d made the choice to kiss Rathemore and now she’d suffer the consequences.
She pulled herself up, then turned to put another log on the fire, and headed to her room to pack.
By the time Rex and Jacob finished with the hay, the lamb was done and her bags were safely tucked in the larder. She’d leave after everyone had gone to bed.
They came into the kitchen just as she pulled the meat out of the oven as though their noses had told them when to come in. Daffodil was careful to keep her eyes averted. She couldn’t look at Rex now. He’d see how upset she really was and she needed him to remain unaware in order to implement her plan. If he knew she was running away, she was certain he’d jump in to stop her. Hadn’t he proven that today?
“Oh Petal,” Jacob smacked the table. Excitement flickered in his eyes. “You’ve done it!”
She gave a halfhearted grin for her brother’s sake. “I did.” She set the pan down on the table and began scooping the vegetables she’d cooked about the sides of the meat. She’d have one skill to take to the nunnery. “Why don’t you two get cleaned up and then we’ll eat?”
She barely looked at Jacob as she began carving. She’d written a note for him that she’d leave on the table that night. She didn’t tell him where she was going, of course. She’d wait until she was settled and then send word when it was too late to change anything.
This was for the best, though she’d miss Jacob terribly. At least that is what she’d been repeating all day. Jacob could worry about saving himself. Her new brother-in-law would only have to worry about rescuing one Chase sibling. Rex could sail back to Barbados without another thought to her.
Not that he would be thinking of her as he sailed away anyhow. He was a rake and she was sure the moment he left he’d be on to a new interest. Wasn’t that what rakes did?
Setting out plates, and silver, she prepared a tray for Mrs. Fields. By the time she returned, Rex and Jacob were in the kitchen waiting for her. Rex began filling their plates.
Daffodil couldn’t quite bring herself to make conversation and she ate what she could. Fortunately, Jacob was full of enthusiasm and talked enough for all three of them.
“Rex bought coal mines today. It’s the path of the future, Petal. Coal. I’ll give him ten percent of my profits for the loan.” Jacob waved his fork, lamb still on it. “But I finally have an asset other than this house.”
“Theo will help you purchase a great deal more. He’s a good man.” Rex said putting his own fork down. “Between the two of us, we’ll get your earldom shipshape in no time at all.”
Daffodil didn’t participate in the conversation, too afraid her jumble of emotions would come tumbling out if she did. She hoped that Theo and Rex really could help Jacob. But a little niggle of doubt crept in. Rex’s words made it sound as though he planned to stay and help but that couldn’t be true. He’d said he planned to return to Barbados, hadn’t he?
“Dinner is delicious, Petal. Well done.” Rex turned to her, his eyes searching her face.
She cast her gaze down. “Thank you.” She didn’t know what he was looking for but she was sure it would be better if he didn’t find it.
Finishing the meal, Rex carried the dishes to the sink and Daffodil rolled up her sleeves to wash them. “Do you want to retire to the library?” Jacob called behind her.
“Not tonight,” she replied. Part of her wanted to spend as much time with her brother, and Rex for that matter, as possible. She also couldn’t hold in her sadness any longer. “I’ve a headache and I think I’ll retire.”
“Is that why you’ve been so quiet?” Jacob asked.
Daffodil gave an inward wince. Apparently she hadn’t been very stealthy after all. “Exactly.”
Rex said nothing as he leaned on the counter next to her. He didn’t try to speak with her or touch her, which was slightly odd but very likely easier.
Finishing the wash, she dried her hands. “Good night.” She wanted to hug her brother but she didn’t dare. He’d know something was amiss then.