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She scowled at them all Daisy actually took a step back

"He should not be out and about," Honoria growled

"Lord Chatteris," Sarah said, with complete confidence

"Stay here," Honoria said to the others "I shall return shortly"

"Need we practice in your absence?" Iris inquired

Honoria rolled her eyes, refusing to dignify that with a response

"His lordship is already waiting in the drawing room," Poole informed her

Of course No butler would insult an earl by forcing hi card on the silver tray and depart

"I’ll be right back," Honoria said to her cousins

"You said that," Sarah said

"Don’t followquite synony the room She had not told Sarah much about her time at Fensmore, just that Marcus had taken ill, and she and her mother had aided in his convalescence But Sarah knew her better than anyone; she was going to be curious, especially now that Honoria had nearly lost her te card

Honoriawith every step What on earth was he thinking? Dr Winters could not have been more clear Marcus was to stay in bed for a week and then remain at home for another week after that, possibly two In nohere in London at that moment

"What on earth were you – " She thundered into the drawing roo by the fireplace, a veritable picture of health "Marcus?"

He san – melted "Honoria," he said "It’s lovely to see you, too"

"You look" She blinked, still not quite believing her eyes His color was good, his eyes had lost that sunken look, and he appeared to have regained whatever weight he’d lost "well," she finally finished, unable to keep the surprise from her voice

"Dr Winters declared me fit to travel," he explained "He said he had never seen anyone recuperate from a fever with such speed"

"It rears you to town?" she asked She wanted to add, "Since you’ve been recently released froation to ensure that I don’t marry an idiot"

She was, perhaps, just a little bit bitter

But not angry There was no point, and indeed no reason, to be angry with hi what Daniel had asked of him And it wasn’t as if he had thwarted any real romances Honoria had not been terribly enamored of any of her suitors, and the truth was, had any of them proposed, she probably would not have accepted