Page 23 of The Devil and the Heiress
“I noticed your trunk on the back of the carriage. Where is your destination, my lord?” she asked.
“Scotland. I have an estate there. Unfortunately, there was a fire there recently, so I’ve decided to go and oversee the refurbishment.”
“I am sorry to hear that, but this is a happy coincidence. Perhaps we might share a train. I am going north myself, though not that far.” She smiled again, all doe-eyed and happy.
Guilt churned in his stomach. “Perhaps we might.”
Before he could say more, the carriage swayed as they turned a corner near Berkeley Square. “I believe we have arrived at Lady Helena’s residence,” he said as they pulled to a stop, and he peeked around the curtain at the row of elegant town houses. “I shall go in and retrieve your bag.”
She was already moving from her seat and had the door open before the coachman was there. “Thank you, but no. If you don’t mind waiting, I’ll only be a moment?”
At her questioning glance, he nodded and watched as she hurried up the steps of the townhome. The door opened before she could even knock, and she swept inside out of his view. A large part of him wondered if she would comeback. She was a very young woman on the verge of doing something outrageous. It would take only the slightest provocation to make her change her mind. How many women in her position would choose marriage to Ware over a future of uncertainty and social censure? Nearly all of them.
The oak and leaded glass door with its intricate ironwork stayed closed. His heartbeat counted out the seconds as he imagined her finding Lady Helena inside after all and the woman doing her best to talk Violet out of her plan. He had been a fool to allow her to go in. He should have insisted. His own guilt had prevented it. Perhaps he wanted her to escape his clutches. Perhaps he wanted... The door opened, and a relief like he had never known moved through him when she came down the steps bearing her portmanteau.
Her smile was so big as she climbed back inside that he found himself smiling, too.
“You came back.”
“You doubted me?” Her teasing grin mocked him.
“Never,” he said as the carriage lurched forward.
“Liar. You clearly have not been introduced to the Crenshaw stubbornness. Once we decide on something, it has been decided.”
He could not help the laugh that escaped him. “Sadly, I have not been properly acquainted.” Sobering slightly, he said, “I’ve been thinking of something and have a proposition for you.”
“Yes?” Her brow rose.
“Let me take you north. In the carriage. We can avoid the train stations and travel in anonymity.”
“Why?”
“Because where there are trains, there are telegram lines. Once it’s known you are gone, a single wire is all it will take to find your location by train. You said it yourself.” He indicated her clothing. “You are hardly able to blend in with your attire and accent. I bet you were even planning to travel first-class.”
When she frowned, he knew he was right, so he pressed his case. “We can stay on the smaller roads. Give assumed names at inns. No one will know who we are. You will be gone without a trace, only to be found when you decide to be found.” His heart pounded as he waited for her to speak.
“I... I suppose you’re right. My father could send a wire, and some train official is bound to have seen me. But I’ll be at my destination by the morning. Surely, it won’t matter.”
“I cannot say, Miss Crenshaw. Do you have a guard at your destination willing to stand between a father and his daughter? Do you think your parents will be calm enough to listen to you by the time they arrive to retrieve you tomorrow afternoon, because they will certainly set out right away once they know where you are.”
Twin lines formed between her brows. “I suppose not. I thought I would have a few days before they found me.”
“If we drive, it will take about a week or so to reach Scotland, less to your destination, I presume. This way would ensure you have more time, and no one who can identify you is likely to see you arrive. No train attendants or officials.”
“Why would you do this for me? You were planning to travel by train. Surely, you don’t want to be delayed.”
He shrugged, hoping she didn’t notice exactly how unbothered he was by this supposed delay. “As you so helpfully pointed out, the life of an earl is boring and tedious. I need this little bit of intrigue. Besides, you’ll be Rothschild’s sister soon. What sort of friend would I be if I didn’t offer my assistance?”
Her smile returned, but it was tentative. “Okay, let us do it.” Nodding, her smile gained in conviction until it lit up her entire face again. “Let’s drive.”
His breath caught. If all went well, this woman would become his wife before the trip was finished.
Chapter 9
For the first time, Rose understood the danger before her. The difference between a man and a boy was as subtle as that of a wolf and a hound.
V. Lennox,An American and the London Season
