But that would have been cowardly.

Instead, she’d sat at the table between Teddy and Mr. Finchley, talking to each of them in turn and smiling as much as she was able. After dinner she’d partnered Mrs. Bainbridge at cards, playing until nearly midnight.

In other circumstances it would have been a very pleasant evening. But Clara’s smiles had been brittle, and when she’d played her hand, her heart hadn’t been in it.

The tree stood in the hall, looking as grand as it had on Christmas, with all of its tinsel and glittering ornaments. Clara inhaled its fading pine fragrance as she passed it on her way to the library.

She didn’t know if Neville would be there. It was only a hunch. Lady Helena had mentioned that he’d returned from the stables, but he hadn’t come to join them in the drawing room.

The library door stood half open. She entered to find Neville leaning over the desk, applying a wax seal to a letter. Her heart gave an anguished thump.

But he wasn’t alone.

Mr. Archer was at one of the bookshelves, a leather-bound volume held open in his hand, showing something within its pages to Teddy. The two of them were talking softly.

Clara announced her presence with a delicate cough.

Neville turned his head to the door. When he saw her, he straightened to his full height. “Miss Hartwright.”

“Mr. Cross.” How civil they were to each other. How unfailingly polite. And all the while her palms were damp inside her gloves, and her stomach was tied into knots.

“You’re leaving us, are you?” Teddy asked.

“I fear I must. Mr. Thornhill says—”

“Yes, yes, the cliff road.” Teddy wheeled himself across the library. “I wonder that it’s passable at all. It looked rather treacherous the day we arrived.”

“It is rather treacherous.” Mr. Archer withdrew another book before coming to join them. “But I expect Danvers knows what he’s about.”

“All the same,” Teddy remarked, “take care you don’t get swept out to sea.”

Neville’s countenance was solemn. Almost stern. He didn’t appear at all amused by Teddy’s dark humor.

“I shall be quite all right,” Clara said. “I’ve only stopped in to speak to Mr. Cross about Bertie. And then I must go. Danvers is bringing round the carriage.”

“We’ll leave you to it, then.” Mr. Archer motioned to Teddy. “Shall we?”

“If we must.” Teddy flashed Clara a smile. “Safe journey.”

She smiled in return. “Goodbye. I shall see you again in Surrey.”

“Goodbye, Miss Hartwright,” Mr. Archer said. “Take care of yourself.”