Drake longed to know what Lady Ethel had said, and he was aware that there was mischief in the latter’s eyes, as he murmured his thanks to Lady Mildred for her welcome.
“You must not stay up too long, dear,” Gaunt said anxiously, and Lady Mildred flushed slightly at the concern in his voice.
During these last few days a feeling of embarrassment had sprung up between husband and wife, and there had been no intimate talk between them. Lady Mildred was conscious of a shyness in Gaunt’s presence that she could not understand while he was determined to take no risks, but to be patient until he was absolutely certain of the state of her feelings towards him.
“Have you given orders to get the yacht ready?” Lady Mildred asked suddenly.
“Not yet, for I find that I sha’n’t be able to leave England for a month or two,” he answered hurriedly.
“Of course, if your business is so pressing, I should not think of asking you to make any sacrifice,” she answered, but he could see that she was hurt by his reply.
But it was one of the disabilities of the fulfillment of his vow, that he could not leave England until many things had been done, and when he spoke his tone was apologetic.
“My hands are tied for a while. I have no choice, Mildred, or I would not hesitate to go at once. If you wish, the yacht shall be got ready and you can take your sister with you for company until I can join you.”
“You are very good, but I don’t think that I am very keen on going. After all it would have been rather dull—just you and I,” she answered coldly.
Lady Ethel took the baby back to the nurse and a few moments later Drake excused himself with the plea that he would finish his unpacking.