When the Marquess Falls by Lorraine Heath

Author:Lorraine Heath
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2017-03-14T00:00:00+00:00

They made it to the ballroom without anyone the wiser regarding their absence. He was grateful to once again have her in his arms as they circled the dance floor. In the library, it had cost him to stop. He’d no doubt be aching all night. He wanted her. No, it was more than that. He needed her.

However, Ashebury was correct. Even in the gallery, he’d seen people observing her as though she were a curiosity, yet no one approached, no one asked for an introduction. It would be worse in London. If her father were a landowner or possessed wealth, it might be different. But he was the village baker and she was the baker’s daughter.

When the dance came to an end, she gave him a sad smile. “It’s nearly midnight, time to return to reality. I’d like to say goodbye to your mother.”

Of course she would. While his mother’s behavior toward Linnie might be abhorrent, his friend was not one to be ugly in return. He didn’t know if he’d ever met anyone with a disposition as kind as hers.

They found the marchioness engaged in conversation with Greyling’s and Ashebury’s mothers, no doubt plotting their next scheme for getting their sons married. His mother moved away from her friends to greet them. Or admonish them. Her mouth was set in a hard line, her eyes flinty.

“You were gone from the ballroom for a while,” she pointed out.

“We went for a stroll, as many of the couples are doing,” he told her.

“Based upon how long you were gone you must have shown her the entire residence.”

“Hardly.”

As though sensing the building of tension, Linnie said, “I want to thank you for the lovely evening, Lady Marsden. I suspect it shall always remain one of my favorite memories.”

“I’m glad you found the night to your liking.”

“I found it interesting. I do hope your son’s marriage will bring you happiness.”

His mother’s gaze snapped to his. “Have you decided?”

“Not yet. Tomorrow perhaps. Now I’m going to see Miss Connor home.”

“Surely the maid you borrowed earlier can see to that.”

“She’ll be riding along, but I shall serve as escort as well. There could be highwaymen lurking about.”

His mother scowled. “Not on the road between here and the village.”

“Still, I’d best make sure. I won’t be long.”

He led Linnie out of the ballroom, retrieved her wrap, and located the maid. When they were settled in the coach, his dearest friend in the entire world said, “I really did have a lovely time, George.”

The coach turned onto the main road. There was no lantern lit this time. The moon coming in through the windows provided just enough light that Linnie could see Marsden’s silhouette as he reached up and banged twice on the ceiling. The driver pulled the vehicle to a stop. A footman opened the door.

“M’lord?”

“Sarah is going to ride up top to the village. Keep her warm.”

“Yes, m’lord.”

Without a word, Sarah scampered out and the door closed.

“What are you doing?” Linnie asked.

“I want to be alone with you.

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