Caroline's eyes widened, but then she winced and touched her fingers to her temple again. "Don't defend her actions, Grace. The woman is downright evil. Indeed, I was in such a rush to get out of there, I tripped over the rug and banged my head on the corner of the side table. I could have died."
"But thankfully you didn't. It's all done with now. Lord Sudley was furious with her and packed her off to the country almost immediately."
Grace swallowed deeply and gave a weak smile as she recalled the look of sheer terror on Lady Sudley's face. It was a look she'd seen in the mirror many times, and it had been painful to watch. Elliot had sensed her sorrow and put his hand to the small of her back. His touch caused all negative feelings to subside, and she'd wanted nothing more than to go home with him and lie in his arms until morning.
"Good," Caroline said, breaking her reverie. "I hope she rots for what she has done to me. I still can't believe you let her get away with it."
Oh, the pain of disappointment, of regret, of feeling unworthy, was far more damning than any physical means of punishment.
"What are your plans now?" Grace asked ignoring her sister's irate glare.
"Mark is not interested in the child, though I do so want to keep it, Grace." She gave a weary sigh. "I do love him, you know, despite his callous ways. Although I would never have chosen this life had it not been forced upon me. But I am tired, poor and have no one to offer support here."
For a moment, Grace contemplated offering to stay in London. She could find work as a governess or a paid companion. As a widow, she would not suffer the same fate she feared had befallen Caroline. And she would be free to see Elliot. If he so wished.
"I've decided to return to Cobham," Caroline continued. "I need my family around me." She reached out and took Grace's hand. "I need you with me, Grace. You're so organised and fastidious in your efforts to care for me. If it hadn't been for you, I would still be locked in the attic dosed up on laudanum."
Grace forced a smile, but inside her stomach churned.
"But what of your condition? People may be unkind," Grace said, feeling an urgent need to persuade her sister to change her mind. "How will you cope with it?"
Caroline tutted. "I've been parading about as a courtesan these last six months or more. People have been more than unkind. Besides, I'll have you to fight my battles. My champion warrior. The only person upon whom I can depend."
Guilt and responsibility weighed heavily in her heart. "I shall be sad to leave."
Caroline sat up, a look of fear flashing in her eyes. "You've made some good friends by all accounts. But it is not the same as family. You're to be an aunt, and you've always been so good with children. Don't abandon me, Grace. Not in my greatest hour of need."
What could she say to that?
"When do you wish to return?"
"As soon as possible. I have a few items to collect from Arlington Street. I'm taking all of the jewels and the clothes, whether Henshaw likes it or not."
Grace nodded. "We could return to Arlington Street tomorrow. Mrs. Whitman will call in on her way back to Cobham. She still believes you're a paid companion. We'll tell her your mistress has gone abroad and won't need your services for a month."
Even though the words were pouring out of her mouth, her mind was only engaged with thoughts of Elliot Markham. She would grieve for the loss; she would grieve until she took her last breath.
"Unless you wish to leave sooner." Grace wanted to punch herself on the arm for making the suggestion.
"Sooner?"
"We could ask Elliot — I mean we could ask Lord Markham for the use of his carriage."
Caroline narrowed her gaze. "Whatever he's said to you, it is all lies. It is all a game to win you over. Markham is a man ruled by his voracious appetites. He is crude and vulgar and excels in the art of manipulation. You cannot trust him, Grace." She sighed. "Thank goodness you found me when you did. Perhaps now it's my turn to save you. No. We will return to Arlington Street in the morning and travel with Mrs. Whitman."
Grace had a burning desire to come to Elliot's defence. Caroline was wrong about him. But she knew her sister well enough to know she would never be convinced.
"Very well," Grace said. "I shall go and inform Lady Hale of our intentions. You rest now. You'll need your strength for the journey. Is there anything you need in the meantime?"
Caroline pondered the question. "Perhaps a bath, some perfume, lip rouge and a hot meal. Oh, and a sweet pastry or the like."
Grace forced a smile, although inside her heart was breaking. "I'll see what I can do?" she said before heading downstairs to talk to Evelyn.
Evelyn appeared a little shocked at the sudden decision to depart. "We are happy to delay our return to Stony Cross if you would rather stay in London a while longer. I am sure Elliot would welcome the opportunity to spend more time with you."
"That's extremely kind of you, but trust me, after a full day spent in Caroline's company you'll be shooing us out the door."
Evelyn gave a sad pout. "Does Elliot know of your plans?"