One Last Night by Eliza Lloyd

Author:Eliza Lloyd [Lloyd, Eliza]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

When Lucy regained awareness, Mr. Darrow stared down at her, his hand clutching one of hers. Not the one with the note crunched in her fist.

“Your Grace, should I stop the carriage?”

She took a deep breath. “Oh, no. I-I was overcome by a sudden wave of heat.”

He assisted her into an upright position.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Quite. Thank you.” She pulled her hand away and placed it to her chest. If her heart were racing the carriage horses, she would arrive at the estate first, well ahead of the others. She giggled at the absurdity and pressed her hand over her mouth.

“Your Grace?”

“Please, Mr. Darrow. I need to rest for a moment. I am sorry I won’t be amiable company for the next few hours. I think the rush of season’s end and all the excitement of leaving caught up with me at once.” A secret missive from a one-time lover had nothing to do with it.

“Of course.”

The corner of the carriage was not far enough away. To reread the note now might cause further histrionics, which she would not be able to explain to anyone’s satisfaction. They were barely to Hyde Park corner. She was not going back, not after receiving such a shocking missive.

He knew her. He knew her? Where she lived. Her name.

Madame Dupuis had assured her, repeatedly, of the brothel’s reputation. All would remain private.

John had acted on his own then.

John.

No thoughts provided a reasonable explanation or a rational response. Hiding in the country was no solution, not that she was hiding. No, this trip had been planned. So why did she feel as if she were now running for her life?

It was the fact she was still taking quick shallow breaths as if a bear were chasing her. One with a very large phallus.

What a disaster. Her first illicit affair and she was caught. How would she endure the humiliation when it was made known? Was that John’s intent? Bribery? The note was still crushed in her hand. Had she read it all before she’d fainted? Had she misread the note?

She had never understood how other woman had such liaisons and thought nothing of the embarrassment, as if they were proud of their notoriety. Yes, she would admit she had too much pride to endure public vilification.

Her thoughts churned.

“Your Grace? Are you sure you are well? You have not said a word for four hours and we are coming upon the first stop.”

“A stop already?” She glanced through the window and saw the familiar coaching inn. She hadn’t slept and felt the strong need to do so. Another day and a half before she was on familiar territory once again—this strange uncertainty would eat at her until she felt safe in her own home.

The coach came to a stop, lurching with the suddenness. Lucy grabbed the leather strap before she was toppled to the floor. Mr. Darrow jumped from the carriage and reached a hand toward her.

Fresh air and a quiet stroll would be most beneficial. The commotion from the other carriages was a welcome distraction.

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