Page 85 of Love Abandoned

“I would like to go home.” And lest he misconstrue her meaning, “Alone.”

*

Richard almost groanedin relief. He’d scanned the crowd, trying to discern who were Sophia’s men, who were Miller’s. If Miller himself was in the room, Richard did not spot him. As the waltz progressed, he’d forgotten the plan and enjoyed the pleasure of holding Elizabeth…far too much. She’d distracted him from his purpose and, he did not doubt, clouded his judgment. Like a fool, he’d led her out to the veranda, an invitation if there ever was one. At least she had some sense, for apparently he didn’t have a grain of it.

“I will see you to your carriage,” he said, taking a step back.

“I am capable on my own,” she said, her delicate shoulders stiffening, the sensual woman of moments ago now gone.

“I am certain you are, but I’d see you safely to your carriage. As promised.” He held out his arm.

She hesitated but then muttered, “Of course. Sophia.” She placed her hand in the crook of his elbow.

He didn’t know what Sophia had to do with him walking her to the carriage, but he was happy he didn’t have to argue with her. They slipped down the veranda steps and took the walkway that led toward the front. Lanterns were lit, but shadows loomed imposingly. Elizabeth’s hand tensed on his arm.

“I mean you no harm,” he said and could feel her relax again.

“You are a good friend of the countess?” she asked quietly.

“She is a good friend to me,” he said. He was not pleased to see Elizabeth here tonight, yet the time with her had shifted everything for him. He must remember to thank Sophia.

They came around the corner of the manse, and the drive threw off more light. He glanced at Elizabeth, but she seemed distracted, looking for her coach. Simon was exactly where he’d asked him to be, so Richard led her between carriages, directly to him.

Simon hopped off his box and opened the door.

“Thank you, Monsieur. You have been very kind. Perhaps our paths will cross again.”

He took her hand and whispered a kiss, his beak almost scraping across it. He wished he could whip his mask off and let his lips touch the heat of her beneath her gloves. “It was my pleasure,” he said as he straightened.

He assisted her into the coach and closed the door before she was fully seated. He ached to follow her and was afraid he’d give in to the temptation to do so.

“Straight home.”

“Yes, my lord,” Simon said and hopped up on the seat box.

Richard watched until the coach was out of sight. His heart was both heavy and light. He pulled out his fob. It would soon be time to face the culprit. Let this night be the end to the chaos of espionage. He glanced in the direction the coach had taken. And the beginning of something far better.

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