Page 31 of House of Thorns
Chapter Nine
Hooked Like a Fish
Nicholas eyed the lass seated across the carriage, swaying from side to side as the carriage navigated the potholes in the road. The sight of her weeping on the kitchen floor had disturbed him, deeply. He hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but as the events played out, he was glad he had.
Mr. Pitt had been easy to browbeat. Within minutes, he’d agreed to honor his original contract, his hand shaking so strongly he’d nearly broken the quill when he’d written the message. He’d scarcely finished before he’d run out the door.
Nicholas suppressed a chuckle and glanced out the window. In the past, he would have used the situation to seduce the object of his desire into his bed. Strangely, this time, he wished his help to remain unknown.
The carriage turned onto Parsonage Square, a pleasant enough street with rows of townhouses bordering a park dotted with bluebells. At the fourth townhouse from the end of the row, the carriage stopped.
With a pleasant smile, Nicholas exited the carriage and offered his hand. “Allow me, Miss Mackenzie.”
She spared him a curt glance, her mind clearly on her predicament.
“Shall I wait in the carriage?” he asked as she joined him on the street.
“Please do,” she muttered. “I can’t imagine I’ll be long.”
He tipped his hat as she marched past him to the door. Then, he lounged against his carriage and crossed his arms, appreciating her rounded derriere from under hooded eyes.
The third time Olivia rapped the heavy brass knocker, a heavyset maid answered the door. She squinted at the waiting carriage before asking Olivia, “How may I help you, Miss?” her sour voice easily carrying to Nicholas’s ears.
“I must speak with Miss Hamilton, at once, please,” Olivia replied, handing the woman her card.
The maid gave it a glance and then shook her head. “I’m sorry, Miss Mackenzie, but Miss Hamilton’s off last night. She didn’t tell us where.”
Olivia’s spine visibly straightened.
With another nod, the maid closed the door.
Slowly, Olivia turned and then swept back to the carriage, her head held high and her jaw set with determination. By God, she was a fighter. Her fingers rested small in his hand and her touch light as he handed her back inside the carriage.
“Where to?” he asked.
“The Duke’s townhouse, is it not?” she asked with a distant smile. “I am a woman of my word.”
She settled into her seat and smoothed her skirts over her knees as flashes of anger crossed her face, but by the time they exited Parsonage Square, she abandoned all semblance of control.
“The harridan,” she seethed, letting her temper loose. “Thestrumpet.” Her nostrils flared.
Nicholas eyed her in admiration. He’d always been attracted to bold women with spirit. “I take it that Miss Hamilton has betrayed you?”
“Indeed, betrayal seems to be the theme of the month.” Olivia lifted her chin.
By God, she was a voluptuous goddess of temptation. “Yet, you’re not one to wilt into vapors.”
She snorted in dry amusement. “If wilting solved the matter, my lord, I would be the first on the floor.”
He chuckled. “With your spirit, I’ve no doubt you’ll succeed in your endeavors, Miss Mackenzie.” Indeed, she’d win through sheer strength of will alone. “If I can be of service, please let me know.”
She met his gaze squarely. “Tempting, to be sure,” she murmured.
“Tempting?” he queried, intrigued.
“Louisa has a weakness for charming men,” she answered as if thinking aloud.
“You find me charming?” He arched an amused brow.
