Like a sleepwalker, with the stares of every other man and woman upon her, Eden moved forward. The room hushed. With a visible effort, Eden met Hartley’s gaze and offered her hand.
“It has been a long time, Cousin,” she said with remarkable poise. “I trust that your journey was a prosperous one?”
Hartley lifted her hand to his lips. “With such beauty at its conclusion, the journey seems inconsequential.”
Lady Saville pressed her hands together in glee. “How extraordinary this is. How pleased you must be, dear Lady Eden! And you, Mr. Fleming, pray take your ease and consider yourself most welcome in my home. Everyone will wish to meet you, and I am sure you have many a fascinating tale to tell of the exotic East!”
Eden attempted to retreat, but Hartley held fast to her hand. His skin burned where they touched, though two layers of kid glove separated them.
Eden flushed, and he knew that she felt what he did. She could not free herself without making a scene. After a silent struggle, she smiled and tucked her free hand through the crook of his elbow.
“Lady Saville,” she said, “would you mind if I took a few moments to speak to my cousin privately? I confess that this has all been something of a surprise to me, and I am quite overwhelmed—”
“Of course, my dear. Of course.” Lady Saville cast Hartley a solicitous glance. “I will see that refreshments are brought to you in the library.”
Hartley bowed again, grateful that Lady Saville catered so conveniently to his needs. He was keeping himself on his feet with only the most supreme effort.
And Eden would have no protection once they were alone. “Thank you, Lady Saville,” Eden said. “If you will come this way, Cousin—”
Lord Rushborough stepped into their path. His gaze darted from Eden to Hartley.
“Ah, Rushborough,” Lady Saville said, taking his arm. “We have a new guest… May I present Mr. Cornelius Fleming, just come all the way from—”
“Fleming,” Rushborough said, cutting her off. It was not a greeting. His eyes narrowed to slits, as if he recognized Hartley. But he would not be expecting a laborer in his home, least of all one dressed in expensive finery. Nevertheless, the way he looked at Eden suggested that he was disturbed beyond any passing jealousy.
Did he know the name Cornelius Fleming and what it meant to Eden?
Eden’s expression did not change, but Hartley couldn’t mistake the pleading in her voice. “Lord Rushborough, if you will excuse me for just a few moments…”
“Of course, Lady Eden,” he said tightly. “But I insist upon being allowed your company for a little conversation when you are free.”
She smiled, but her whole body stiffened. He was going to demand explanations, and she obviously feared that ordeal.
Hartley bristled. “I am honored to make your acquaintance, Lord Rushborough,” he said. “I am very sorry to impose upon you, but I have been long away, and I am eager to be reunited with my dear cousin.” He laid his hand over Eden’s. “You understand, I am sure.”
Rushborough merely stared, his jaw clenched. The scent of challenge overwhelmed the perfumes and pomades of the guests.
“Pray excuse us, Lord Rushborough, Lady Saville,” Eden said, and tugged at Hartley’s elbow. He allowed himself to be led away, but not before he heard Lady Saville’s whispered hiss of reproval to her brother. “Really, Rushborough, how could you be so… so gauche? I cannot understand—”
Her voice was swallowed up in the chatter of the guests. Hartley and Eden entered a hallway, and then passed through a door into a shelf-lined room filled with dark, polished wood.
Eden shut the door behind them and leaned against it. She remained there, hands braced against the door, while Hartley found the support of the great oak desk and rested his weight upon it.
There was metal in the desk, to be sure, and the wood was long dead, but it gave him a moment’s relief from the constant pain and weakness. He closed his eyes and focused on regaining his strength.
“So,” he said softly, “you have returned to your old world. It suits you admirably.”