Page 73 of The Duke of Seduction
Lavinia went to the door and had to step back as it opened inward. Carrin’s eyes widened as she took in Lavinia’s costume. “Oh! You’re already dressed.”
Pulling Carrin into the room, Lavinia peered into the corridor to make sure no one was there before closing the door. “I need to go out,” Lavinia said, realizing she could both use Carrin’s help and trust her to keep a secret.
“I can see that,” Carrin said with a hint of sarcasm that made Lavinia smile.
“I didn’t realize you could be so droll, Carrin. I need tosneakout. My mother can’t know I’m leaving.”
Carrin’s eyes widened again, but only briefly. “You want my assistance?”
“Yes, please.”
Carrin gazed at her shrewdly. “Give me your hat, gloves, and pelisse. I’ll secret them downstairs. And take them out to the mews.”
Lavinia began to understand Carrin’s plan. “I’ll step out to the garden, then steal back to the stables.”
“Where I will give you the rest of your garments and you will be on your way.”
Lavinia stared at her maid in awe. “How have I never realized or appreciated your brilliantly devious mind?”
Carrin shrugged. “It’s apparently never been necessary before.”
Lavinia removed her gloves. “Well, I am deeply grateful for it now.”
A short time later, Lavinia made her way to the garden without incident. She was fortunate to evade her mother’s notice entirely. Carrin was waiting for her in the mews and helped Lavinia don her garments. “You don’t wish me to come with you, my lady?”
Lavinia shook her head. “I may only be gone a few minutes.” She just had to dash up to Grosvenor Square and back. Unless…what if he was waiting there for her as he had been before?
She wouldn’t know until she got there. Impatience stabbed through her as Carrin sought to place a pin in her hat. Lavinia raised her hand. “Never mind the pins. I’m sure it will be fine.”
Carrin glanced up at the sky. “It’s a bit breezy.”
“Then I’ll hold on to it,” Lavinia said.
After thanking the maid one more time, Lavinia left the mews and cut out to Park Street. Her pace was swift as she strode to Grosvenor Street and then over to the square, aware she was without escort. If anyone saw her, it could be a bit of a scandal. Perhaps sheshouldhave brought Carrin…
She clutched at her hat, holding it atop her head as she reached the square and quickly marched to the tree, her gaze raking the area. In her haste, she hadn’t brought her spectacles, which she now regretted. She’d have no idea if someone of her acquaintance could see her—but thankfully, there were few people about.
There was also no sign of Beck, which she found disheartening. But she still had the tree… She thrust her hand into the hollow and pulled out the folded foolscap.
My dearest Lavinia,
Her heart cinched, and she struggled to swallow. That didn’t sound like a man who didn’t want her.
I’m afraid I was hasty in our discussion last night. I hope I might speak with you in the park today. I look forward to seeing you.
Yours,
Beck
Yes,hers.
Only she couldn’t wait to see him at the park. By then, she’d be engaged to Sir Martin. Without hesitating, she spun on her heel—again holding on to the damned hat—and started walking, then stopped abruptly. Where was she going? She knew Beck lived on Brook Street, and shethoughthe lived on the corner. But which one?
Bother!
She started across the square toward Brook Street and hoped it would just become apparent. Didn’t she deserve some good luck?
Suddenly, she had it.
