"Nothing of the kind," he said. These people were her own relations, and if he could not leave her with them it was a strange thing! He did not want her in London, and she could join him again at Claridge's on Thursday. It would give him time to run down to Bessington to see that all was ready for her reception. He was so well now he looked forward to a summer of pleasure and peace.
"A second honeymoon, my love!" he chuckled, as he kissed her, and would hear no more.
And having planted this comforting thought for her consolation he had quitted the room.
Left alone Theodora sank down on the sofa. Her trembling limbs refused to support her; she felt cold and sick and faint.
A second honeymoon. Oh, God!
XXVI
At luncheon, when Theodora descended from her room, the whole party were assembled and already seated at the several little tables. The only vacant place left was just opposite Hector.
And there they faced each other during the meal, and all the time her eyes reminded him of the wounded fawn again, only they were sadder, if possible, and her face was pinched and pale, not the exquisite natural white of its usual fresh, soft velvet.