“That is not very complimentary of you,” Rule said, half smiling.
“Well, but Rule, you are only g-going for a week, I daresay, and think how tiresome to pack for such a short stay! Of c-course I shall come with you after the Newmarket m-meet-ing, if we d-don’t go to Bath.”
“I would very much rather you come with me now, Horry.”
“Very w-well,” Horatia said, in the voice of a martyr. “If you say I m-must, I will.”
He got up. “Heaven forbid, my dear!”
“R-Rule, if you feel cross about it, please tell me! I d-don’t want to be a b-bad wife.”
“Do I look cross?” he inquired.
“N-no, but I never can tell what you think by l-looking at you,” said Horatia candidly.
He laughed. “Poor Horry, it must be very difficult for you. Stay in town, my dear. You are probably quite right. Arnold will make me attend to business at Meering.” He put a finger under her chin, and tilted it up. “Don’t game all my fortune away while I am gone, will you?” he said teasingly.
“No, of c-course not. I will be very g-good. And you need not be afraid that I shall encourage Lord Lethbridge, for Louisa told me all about him and I quite see that I m-mustn’t know him.”