“There is little that you can do until probate has been granted,” Carlyon replied.
“You mean to keep me at Highnoons until then?”
“Surely that was agreed between us?”
“Was it?” she said doubtfully.
“Certainly. You are to sell Highnoons, and we must hope that my cousin’s debts will not swallow all the purchase price.”
She turned, but could only dimly discern his face in the darkness. “My lord, that is no matter to me! I could not reconcile it with my conscience to benefit by that dreadful marriage! Please to understand that I mean that!”
“As you wish,” he said indifferently.
She was surprised, for she had expected him to argue the matter and had braced herself to resist his persuasions. After another slight pause she said, “I do beg you will agree to let me leave Highnoons at once, sir. You are aware of my situation. I must look about me for an eligible engagement, and it will not do for me to be lingering on in this way.”
“Mrs. Macclesfield,” he murmured. “I thought we should return to her.”
She laughed. “No, alas! I fear my credit with Mrs. Macclesfield cannot be high! But do be serious, sir! I dare say it may be many months before a purchaser is found for Highnoons, and then what shall I do, with so much time wasted?”