Falling for the Earl: A Regency Historical Romance (Improper Ladies Book 2) by Maggi Andersen

Author:Maggi Andersen [Andersen, Maggi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2024-09-12T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

A maid with purple bags under her eyes accompanied them in the landau when Lord Dorchester drove Lucy back to her aunt’s townhouse. It was late afternoon, and shadows stole across the lawns in Green Park.

He broke the companionable silence which had grown between them. The maid, poor woman, had fallen asleep in the seat behind them. “Luke told me what he witnessed between Sarah and Viscount Cardew in Hyde Park. I confess to being very alarmed and very angry. I’ve been considering whether to act on it.”

“That might make matters worse.” Lucy looked askance at him, fearing this could lead to violence. He might be hurt, or worse. She trembled at the thought. “And could send Sarah into his arms,” she added, hoping to dissuade him.

“Mm, it might at that,” he said noncommittally.

That didn’t completely reassure her, but she was pleased he’d confided in her. She could offer little without breaking Sarah’s confidence. “I hoped Mr. Beaufort would tell you. Lord Cardew said he’s leaving for Bath within a day or so. Perhaps that will be the end of it?”

His worried gaze came to rest on her questioning eyes. “That remains to be seen. Do you think Sarah is still in danger of being influenced by him?”

“I honestly can’t say. Surely, it’s unlikely he will bother her again, not now he is about to become betrothed.”

“It won’t be easy for Sarah to accept the fellow is out of her life.”

Lucy studied his handsome profile as he guided the horses along a narrow road. “It might take a while. But once she meets someone else…”

“Cardew has been a constant presence since they met years ago. Nothing was formally declared, but promises were made. He gave Sarah to understand they would marry.” He frowned. “Was that all he wanted to see her about when he whisked her away from Rotten Row? Only to tell her of his betrothal? I doubt it. Why did he need to have her to himself?”

Lucy deliberated whether she should break Sarah’s confidence and then decided it was unnecessary because Lord Cardew no longer appeared to be a threat. “I don’t know what occurred before Mr. Beaufort and I rode up to them, so I really cannot say, my lord.”

He cocked an eyebrow. “Sarah must have confided something to you about what happened between them.”

“She did tell me a little of what was said. But I promised not to reveal it.” She flushed, embarrassed. “You must ask her.”

“Very well, Miss Kershaw.” He interrupted her with a sigh. “You would make an excellent spy.”

Lucy laughed. “I’m not sure how I’d react to torture.”

“I’m glad you will never find out. Nothing should ever mar your perfect beauty.” When his gaze settled on her mouth, she caught her breath.

She feared she was blushing. “My grandmother used to say, ‘Beauty is as beauty does.’”

“Chaucer, I believe. I merely speak the truth. You are lovely in many ways, Lucy.”

Her pulse raced. He had called her by her Christian name. His audacity made her smile, despite herself.

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