“I am certain I am missed at home.” Perhaps. But likely not. Her sisters were both caught up in their own happy lives. “I can be of use there.”

He looked at her almost in wonder. “That’s important to you.”

“What is?”

“Being useful.”

She shrugged and then nodded. “Is that so extraordinary?”

He released a rough little laugh. “Yes. It is. You are an extraordinary female, Miss Langley.”

She exhaled, trying not to reveal how very flattered she felt. She ought not to feel that way. On the surface, extraordinary seemed an impressive jump from being characterized as a no one, but she suspected it still was not what proper young girls aspired to be.

Extraordinary could be translated as odd, eccentric. All things she had been called, and each time they had not been intended as compliments.

“I apologize for not helping the duchess. I was arrogant in thinking I—”

“No.” He shook his head. “You did all you could—”

“No. I promised you I could help her. I failed.” She would not allow him to brush aside her duty—the duty she herself had chosen. She had insisted on it, in fact. “If you want to renege on our arrangement, I understand.”

“Arrangement?” He looked befuddled.

“I proved myself ineffectual.” She clenched her jaw. It was difficult to admit that. Especially when she still considered herself better and more skilled than the doctor administering to the duchess right now, using his antiquated methods to treat her. “It is only right that you reveal my deception to all and sundry.”

He exhaled and dragged a hand through his dark hair. “I was wrong to threaten you with that.”

“No. You were doing what you thought right. Protecting people.”

Protecting people from me.

Before he could open his mouth and say something kind that was probably untrue and motivated only by pity, she added, “I think you’re quite right. I am very tired. I think I shall go rest a spell. Good day to you, Mr. Sinclair.”

That said, she spun and departed, mindful not to look back.

Chapter 17

As Nora suspected, Bea was quite disappointed to learn they would be departing for home.

“We have not been here nearly long enough,” she protested, getting in Nora’s way and being generally unhelpful as Nora went ahead and started packing since Bea seemed disinclined.

A pair of servants had returned all her things from the duchess’s chamber. A clear sign that felt like a slap. She was clearly expected to leave the lady alone.

“I have been here too long, I think.”

“What of the duchess?” Bea’s eyes snapped with accusation. “I thought you were going to help her?”

Nora felt her failure keenly. She’d been overly confidant. “I tried. I tried and failed.”

“Nonsense. You only tried for a day. You cannot have exhausted every option.”