“I ceased trying to stop her and helped her instead.” Merton picked up his cup. “Ultimately, I found her work most rewarding. Of course I also had to admit I was wrong and beg her to forgive me for being an idiot.” He took a few sips of tea. “That was the hardest part. It was quite lowering to discover I was not always right.”

“I don’t understand why Worthington would allow her to involve herself in something dangerous.”

“My dear man. Has no one told you that she is followed by an armed footman, or that she and her sisters have been trained with pistols, swords, and knives?”

John shook his head. Now he really did feel like an idiot. “Will she speak with me?” John wasn’t sure he’d speak with himself under the circumstances.

“I think she will.” Merton lifted a brow. “There is only one way to find out.”

“I’ll go now.” His guest looked pointedly at the carafe of brandy. “I didn’t drink any of it.”

Merton nodded. “Be prepared to grovel.”

“I understand.” John left the room. He decided walking would give him time to plan what he’d say to her to convince her to marry him. Unfortunately, he had no idea what to do if she refused to see him or rejected his apology. After Kenilworth told John how the family had stood with Charlotte after he’d inadvertently compromised her, he didn’t think telling Worthington Eleanor might be with child would help matters. He straightened his shoulders. One of the things he’d have to do was promise never to act the tyrant with her again. He just hoped she’d believe him.

He arrived at Worthington House and handed the butler his hat. For a second, he thought the man was going to hand it back. “I am here to see Lady Eleanor.”

The butler looked at a spot over John’s left shoulder. “I shall inquire as to whether she is in.” Thorton pointed to a footman. “Please show his lordship into the blue parlor.”

John followed the footman down the corridor to a room that had only one piece of furniture that was blue. At least he wasn’t being put in the front parlor. That would have meant they did not expect him to stay long. A few minutes later, tea and some tarts were brought to him, but his stomach roiled and he couldn’t make himself eat or drink anything. Instead, he stared out the window.

Sometime later—there was no clock in the room, and he’d forgotten to look at his pocket watch—the door opened. He touched the ring he’d brought with him and turned, hoping to see Eleanor, but it was Worthington.

John’s heart dropped to his stomach. It was as if a part of him was withering away. “She has refused to see me.”