When supper was finally cleared, several people went into the drawing room to play cards, and Henry disappeared. Della took the moment to approach Audrey.
“Ms. Wakefield.”
“Ms. Keene,” she returned.
Della studied her a moment before speaking. “I know we’ve not spoken and I’m afraid my mother has given you the wrong impression.”
Audrey kept her face blank. “Has she?”
“She seems intent on trying to be rude to you.”
“I can stand up for myself,” Audrey said.
“I’m sure you can.” Della took a deep breath. “I wanted to let you know that I’ve always loved Henry. And he’s always loved me. I made a mistake and I regret it, but I’ll wait as long as it takes for him to return to me.”
“And if he never does?”
Della shrugged. “You’re beautiful. And intelligent. I’ve heard of you. But you don’t have the one thing that I do, which is why he will return to me.”
Audrey raised an eyebrow. “What is the one thing?”
“History. A past. We understand each other. Do you know he purchased this house for me? Well, the land anyway. He had this home built for me. That kind of attachment doesn’t disappear overnight,” Della said smoothly.
“Thank you for clarifying things for me. Henry has been good to me. He helped me obtain the position at the workhouse. I’m grateful to him for that. Beyond that, there is nothing between us.” Even as Audrey said the words, she could see so clearly Henry’s mouth touching hers that night in this same house.
“Is that so? Then why does he look at you the way he does?” Della stared at her pointedly.
Audrey swallowed lightly. How did Henry look at her? Instead, she said, “If that’s true, then why do you want a man who looks at other women?”
Della shrugged. “I made a mistake. He’s rebelling. In the end, I’ll be mistress of this beautiful house, and you’ll still be in the schoolroom. You shouldn’t waste your time. You’re out of your depth. Go back to the schoolroom where you belong.”
Chapter Sixteen
Henry found Audrey a short time later sitting before the fireplace, gazing into its red and orange colors. “It’s getting late. Most of the guests are gone,” he said. “Let me see you home.”
Audrey’s first instinct had been to refuse, but after the conversation with Della that made her feel like dirt under her boot, she accepted his offer. “Thank you. Yes.”
“Why did you change your mind?” he asked suddenly.
“I’ve already said no to you once tonight. I suppose I thought it would be a change to say yes.”
His eyes held hers. “I’m glad. I’ll call for the carriage.”
As the carriage bounced along to the workhouse, Henry sat across from her, studying her face. “I saw you speaking with Della. Did she upset you?”
“No.” She shook her head.
“Are you sure?” He didn’t sound convinced.
Audrey exhaled. “She and her mother just like to remind me of my place, which I know all too well. I know where I live. I know where I work. And beyond dealing with you as a board guardian, my place is not beside you.”
His expression didn’t change. “Is that what she said?”
“Yes.” Their eyes met.
“I’m sorry. She had no right.”
Audrey waved away his apology. “She’s jealous. She sees me speaking to you and doesn’t like it so she lashes out. She’s like the children in the workhouse. She has a toy, and she wants it all to herself.”