Page 13 of A Wicked Earl's Widow
“Whatever you think is best, my lord.” She peeked at him from under her thick pale lashes. “I admit the protection would be appreciated, especially with my young daughter traveling with me.”
“It’s settled then.” He poured himself another glass of brandy and smiled to himself. This puzzle of a woman would be out of his system by the time he returned.
But it wasn’tto be. The next morning, two letters arrived with the Sunderland seal. One to Nate from Kit, Lord Sunderland. The other to Lady Eliza from Grace.
Nathaniel,
We will arrive at Pendle Place this afternoon. I hope it is not an imposition to put us up for a night. There is a delicate matter we need to discuss with you concerning Lady Eliza. Afterward, I will escort her if necessary.
Sunderland
Short and to the point, as always. Odd. A delicate matter? What did Kit mean by “if necessary,” he wondered, the image of the flaxen-haired hellcat, whip in hand, crowding his brain. Perhaps this beautiful creature was a shilling shy of a pound.
Chapter Six
Eliza staredat the red wax insignia. This could not be good news. She slid a manicured nail under the seal. Grace’s elegant slant filled the page.
My dearest Eliza,
My heart goesout to you. Not only are you sent scurrying across the country but you are accosted along the way. I thank the good Lord that Nathaniel stumbled across your path. Kit and I have discussed the situation, and he fears it is not safe for you here. But I have come up with a plan. We will come to you and enlist the aid of these dear family friends.
Please do not fret. Rest assured you are in the best of hands. You have both heard enough about the other to almost be old friends. I would trust Lord Pendleton with my own life. Give Althea a hug for me and I will see you soon.
Your loving cousin,
Grace
No! Her stomach churned at the thought of her shameful past coming to light in front of strangers. How could she face these people every day if they knew of her father’s depravity—and her cowardice? Eliza gritted her teeth, determined to convince her cousin otherwise. In the meantime, she would not have the lady’s maid unpack, in case she was successful. Though her stalwart cousin was rarely thwarted. Besides, Kit had every reason to worry over his wife’s safety. Why should she endanger Grace? She couldn’t, so Eliza could go along with their plan or give in to her father’s demands.
Staying in close vicinity of the handsome viscount both excited and disturbed her. He would pity her or despise her. Either would be horrid. And the thought of her father finding her here, and the possibility of putting strangers, innocent people in harm’s way… She blinked back the tears.
Deep breath. Deep breath.Where was that intrepid woman who saved the poor old lady yesterday?In her right mind again!
Althea burst into the room, Mrs. Watkins waddling behind her, mopping at her forehead with a handkerchief. The little girl flew onto the bed in a whirl of pink and gray, her dark curls bouncing.
“I won. I won. Miz Watins too swow.” She giggled, balancing precariously from knees to feet, then jumped up and down on the mattresses.
“Gah! I’ll remember not to say the word ‘race’ until I’m closer next time.” The governess laughed and tucked her handkerchief into her bosom. “Gracious but she’s quick.”
“C’mon!” Althea cried as she fell on her bottom, wobbled to a standing position, and began again with a squeal. “Pway wif me, Mama. Jump, Miz Watins.”
“My dear, I’m afraid the ropes wouldn’t hold if we were to try that!” Eliza caught her daughter in midair and squeezed her tight. “I love you sooo much!”
“I wuv you mo’.” She wrapped her arms around her mother’s neck and gave her a sloppy kiss on the cheek. “Me hungwy.”
“Mrs. Watkins, I’m afraid there may be a change in the itinerary. It seems my cousin and brother-in-law will arrive here this afternoon.” Eliza arranged a smile on her face. “I’m not sure if we shall leave today or postpone our trip.”
“Yes, my lady. It makes no difference to us. This child is easily entertained wherever we go.” She took back her charge, set her on the ground, and firmly clasped her hand. “The garden may be a good place for this young one after breakfast. Let her run some and perhaps she’ll take a nice nap this afternoon.”
“That’s a grand idea. I might join you. The fresh air would do me good.”
“Come along, dear one. Don’t get under that bed, I can’t reach you there.” Mrs. Watkins hurried after Althea, who had darted into the other room. Her voice faded as the door clicked closed. “Now where is that frock with the long ribbons? I can keep you close with those…”
With a quick check in the mirror, Eliza smoothed back her hair and gave another quick finger curl to her side locks. The dark blue of her traveling pelisse made her eyes appear a deeper blue. When she took it off, the purple muslin and lavender trim and waistband of her gown brought out a violet hue. She’d always hated her eyes until Carson had complimented them. She’d considered them a peculiar color while he had called them remarkable.My dearCarson. I miss our talks already.
She headed down the stairs, hoping—no praying—that Lord Pendleton had also been informed of the alternate arrangement. It would give her more time to prepare herself for the gathering this afternoon. Knowing Grace, she did have a plan and good reasons for the change. Once again, she’d have to trust her cousin.
Nate watchedhis guest descend the stairs. If she was a bit touched, it didn’t diminish her beauty. She caught his staring and gave him a bright but uncertain smile.
