Courting Intrigue: A Sweet, Regency Romance (The Bequest Series Book 2) by Wendy May Andrews

Author:Wendy May Andrews [May Andrews, Wendy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sparrow Ink
Published: 2020-01-06T18:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

The evening was just about over. The dinner had been a success. There hadn’t been any broken or spilled dishes, and many compliments had been extended to the cook. The musicians were playing what Lillian was almost certain was the last dance. Most of the older guests had already sought their beds. Only the youngest guests were still stepping lively.

Lillian’s gaze was ensnared by the Earl of Sedgwick, as he motioned her toward the back stairs. She felt her face pale. He wanted to search the steward’s office. It would be better to wait until all were abed, on the one hand. But if they were caught by some chance, it would be easier to brazen out if there were still some guests about. Being caught wasn’t an option, anyway. If Lillian was to help the earl, they needed to remain undetected. Lillian was still convinced there had to be some mistake about Lester’s involvement. If she helped the earl with this last search, he would have to agree with her and leave with the rest of the departing visitors.

Bracing herself and squaring her shoulders, Lillian marched off in the direction he had indicated. Now was, no doubt, the best possible time to take such a foolhardy risk.

“I didn’t see you about at all today,” the earl commented quietly as they made their way down the hallway.

“Were you looking for me?” Lillian asked, surprised by his words. “I wasn’t hiding. There is a great deal of work involved in having this many people around.”

“I’m sure it is, although you make it look easy.”

Lillian had to stifle her laughter in order to not be heard. His admiring tone made her even more nervous than she had been. Now was not the time, she admonished herself.

“The steward’s office is just behind the viscount’s library, the next door on the left,” she whispered.

“I doubt anyone is about. We don’t really need to whisper.”

“Do you care to see what sort of reaction we would get if someone happens upon us, my lord?” Lillian was surprised at how relaxed the earl seemed. “Are you not trying to keep your quest quiet?”

“Well, of course I’m trying to keep it quiet, but everyone is either still dancing or already fast asleep. We shall not be discovered.”

“I am not so confident, my lord. We need to be quick.”

“Miss Shaw, do not be anxious. All will be well.”

Lillian almost ground her teeth together at the earl’s words. They were not helping to allay her fears. If anything, his easy-going manner was making it worse for her, as it seemed he was not taking the very real risks seriously. But she lifted her chin and chose to ignore the handsome earl and her own misgivings. She opened the steward’s door and stepped into the room ahead of Lord Sedgwick.

The candles they had been carrying cast eerie shadows on the walls before they settled down. Lillian quickly lit several more, brightening the room considerably. She didn’t want it too bright,

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