His thoughts were abruptly paused by the oh so excellent butler, Michael.  "My dear sir, what about the Baroness? Lady Ellie, what do you prefer me to call her?"

Henry looked over at the old man and saw lines of worry that he was trying to cover with humor.  "You can call her whatever you'd like Michael. It doesn't matter to me anymore."

Michael froze and looked at Henry with almost a sad forlorn look.  Henry couldn't bear it so he went outside to look at the terrance until the man had finished his packing.  The elderly butler sighed as he looked at the man whom he had raised since childhood. It was quite a disappointment to see him make such a weak decision in spite of everything.  He finished both hard cases' packing and closed them before pulling the handles up.

There was a soft chime of the front doorbell as their transportation had arrived, but the Baron was obviously too busy admiring the scenery to notice.  He cleared his throat so Henry would know that transportation had arrived. Privately, he hoped that the whole house would be alerted and then would instantly spring into action.

But even as their Baron was leaving, none were really asking questions as they left.

=//=

It was dark outside when Ellie drove back onto the property.  She had thrown the keys to Daisy the mechanic without even turning the car off. Daisy had raised her fist shouting on the dangerous of carbon monoxide poisoning, but Ellie was already too far away to really notice.  As she got inside the house, Rightley appeared dressed smartly and looked a bit apprehensive that she had come home. Ellie's eyebrows raised as she took off her hood and got out of her jacket so she could hand it to him.  He held it under his hand while executing his usual bow. "I hope your day was productive, Lady Braye, as processes to restore the house are underway here. I have been minding my tasks as you have asked me previously."

Ellie nodded slowly her hands on her hips.  "Good. Good. That's great news, but where is my dear husband?  Is he off consulting with another construction crew?"

The manager tried to air out the sweat in his collar as it had obviously been there for quite some time.  Rightley finally after clearing his throat explained. "I'm afraid when the cleaning crew did it's usual afternoon sweep of rooms we found that his room had been vacated.  By the settling of the days dust we have come to the conclusion that he must have gone not long after you left."

Ellie mouth dropped in surprise before she quickly closed it.  She asked again. "He left? Are you sure? Maybe he went to London or to Lutterworth where he has a house."

"There are no bags left in that room.  The servant who came with him has also vacated the s.p.a.ce that was given to him.  Seeing the nature of their departure, I was hoping that you could give me an explanation."

Ellie couldn't believe this and she tried to nod as she considered what could have caused such a response from Henry.  Maybe he had some sort of missive from his family members or friends. Perhaps there was some kind of medical problem that had come up to cause him to up and take a flight back.  That couldn't be something that she had caused. Or had she? She could feel the anxiety tightening her throat as she tried to stay calm. She felt hot, but Ellie knew that the servants were watching her reactions closely.  Ellie hoped her face was not betraying her as she asked. "He's always been a very organized person so I know he would have left something to explain himself. Has it been relayed to you?"

"I wouldn't use that choice of words, but there was a note on your dresser that I have confiscated from the cleaning staff for safekeeping.  I'm not too sure that his judgement in this time of panic has been the best. I'm not even sure why he would creep out like that without a soul knowing what he was up to."

Ellie nodded. "Rightley I do appreciate that you have reservations in handing me this note, but I am also not a child. This is my husband. You've seen his conduct here enough as a testament to his character."

The manager's lips turned into a hard line as he finally forked over the sealed letter. "My only regards are for the greatest good, my lady, I apologize if I seem a bit out of sorts. We all are as we are used to your sisters dramas. It's only natural that we reacted as we always knew to."

Ellie nodded knowingly. "Of course. I know you mean no ill.  Let me open this in my room so I can have some privacy with a telephone call."

Ellie walked up the stairs to her room with the paper burning her as she felt the pressure on her back of the very concerned staff. When she finally had the door closed is when she let herself have a good cry. She had prepared herself as she tore open the paper to read her rejection. 

My dear friend, Ellie —

I cannot begin to even speak on the error of the previous night. I took advantage of a good friend and damaged the comrade I saw into something horrid. My weakness is my own to bear as I have done a deed so foul that I cannot bear to even look at myself. If there are consequences that became of our sinful pa.s.sion I am prepared with your lawyer in London with a sum to rear the child. I apologize again that I cannot be there for him or her as I know my limit is just as a provider. I am a violent monster, Ellie, when it is something that angers me. I cannot turn you into the victim here. It's for the best that I remove myself from this situation and go to repent. I hope my actions do not have the consequence I fear. 

Your ex-husband, Henry Wong