Page 126 of Conveniently Wed
He took another step forward, his hand tightening like a vise over her fingers. His words clamped down her chest. Her lungs wouldn’t fill.
“The good news is…” He breathed hard air in her face. Leah forced herself not to react as the alcohol assaulted her eyes. “…I have many influential friends. Friends in the police force. In the courts. Friends who will believe my word without question.”
He placed Leah’s hand on his arm, then tightened his grip over her fingers, holding her securely in place. “It’s fortunate for you, dear Leah, we’ll be wed this week. I wouldn’t want your life to end in a…painful and unfortunate manner.”
A chill forced its way through Leah’s body.
Simon turned toward the main corridor and began walking, his hand ensuring Leah stayed with him each step of the way. The other man receded into the room and closed the door.
Leah’s heart beat so wildly her stomach ached. What should she do? She was walking on the arm of a murderer. How could she get away? Had he really meant he’d kill her if she said anything about what she’d overheard?
Or kill Emily?
They were about to rejoin the party now. She had to compose herself until she could determine what to do. She couldn’t allow Simon to see that anything he said concerned her.
Deep breath. Shoulders squared. Chin up. Pleasant expression. Now float forward, full of poise and grace. The actions were ingrained, habit from many years of drilling and constant reminders, mostly from Emily.
“Ah, Mr. Talbert. Miss Townsend. We were just discussing the wedding gowns for the season.” Mrs. Troutman cooed. “Miss Townsend, I’m sure you’ve become quite an expert on the topic, with your wedding close at hand. Perhaps your fiancé can spare you so we can hear the details.” She patted the settee next to her while gazing expectantly at Leah.
A conversation about wedding gowns, her own in particular, was the last thing she wanted right now. But it would get her away from this man. Although, maybe she should be discussing the gown she’d like to be buried in instead.
Leah slid her hand from under Simon’s grasp and glided to Mrs. Troutman. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched Simon offer a stiff bow, then stride toward a group of gentlemen. Leah had an urge to hug the snobby woman beside her.
She endured a few minutes of the woman’s gushing about the fashion plate in the front of this season’s Godey’s Lady’s Book, but Leah’s mind fidgeted. She had to get away from this house or she just might lose her poise. And Emily had always taught her a womannever, under any circumstance, loses her poise.
Leah smiled at Mrs. Troutman and tried her best to sound genuine. “I’m so sorry, ladies, but I’m afraid I must retire early this evening. I’m not feeling well. I will look forward to joining the discussion at another time.”
“Oh, dear.” Mrs. Troutman spoke in a cultured tone that reeked of condescension. “And you’re practically the hostess ofour little party, since you’re betrothed to the host. Whatever will we do without you?”
She sounded as if she knew exactly what she would do with the loss of Leah’s company. Most likely take the opportunity to thrust her own spoiled daughter under the notice of Simon Talbert, as she’d done so many times before.
And she could have him. If Mrs. Troutman only knew what the man was really like, she would run far away from this tainted mansion.
But remorse pricked Leah’s chest. No woman deserved what Simon had in mind.
Leah gave the ladies another manufactured smile. “I’m sure my absence won’t stunt the evening’s enjoyment in the least. In fact”—she leaned forward conspiratorially—“I’ll rely on you to make certain of that.”
Mrs. Troutman gave her a tight smile. “Of course, dear. Now do go and take care of yourself.”
Leah glided across the room toward Emily, her companion, former governess and—since Leah’s mother had died six years ago—her dearest friend and mentor. Emily, elegant in her long, slender cuirass bodice, stood with the Lindsey cousins. Next to her, the younger ladies looked silly in their too-bright and childish Dolly Vardens.
“But, Emily, he has the croup. Do you really think that will help?” asked Olivia Lindsey.
Emily nodded, then looked up, her eyes studying Leah. “Aren’t you feeling well, love?”
How did Emily do it? Leah had been sure she’d had her high-society mask in place. “I have a bit of a headache and wondered if you would mind leaving early?”
Emily’s eyes crinkled at the edges into a soft smile. “Of course not. I’ll go call the carriage now.”
“Please don’t.” Leah said the words a bit too quickly, but she had to get away before Simon saw her leave. “I’ll do it and meet you in the foyer.”
Twin lines of concern formed between Emily’s brows. “All right, then.” She turned to her two companions as Leah made her escape. “Olivia, I’ll be praying your little Henry heals quickly...”
Emily was so kind. One day if Leah ever finally grew up—which didn’t seem to have happened yet at twenty-two—she wanted to be as good and kind and caring as Emily.
Leah wound her way around clusters of acquaintances and society friends, almost to the wide double doors open to the foyer.
“Miss Townsend.” The suave baritone voice stopped her cold. Leah didn’t turn, forcing Simon to come around to face her. His eyes were black…cold.
