Wild Lavender by Lynne Connolly

Author:Lynne Connolly [Connolly, Lynne]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

The flash of a sword told Tom what Everslade was about. He was across the road as soon as he saw that tiny nod to the carriage driver, who before that moment had only been lingering, rather than showing any evidence of being with any of the people on the street. Dodging oncoming horses and ignoring the alarmed yells that surrounded him on all sides, he had nearly come within reach of the carriage before the driver whipped up the horses and it careened off.

He did not mutter curses; he yelled them, but continued to move, tromping over the piles of horse dung and cobbles until he reached Lady Winterton and her astonished group of manservants.

As the coach nearly took the corner at the end of the street on two wheels, a flash of movement made him whip his head around. Tom showed his teeth in a vicious grin. At least some good had come of his lunge. He had slowed the coach down enough to mark it.

He had no time to lose. Racing to the side of the road, he issued orders rapidly. He pointed at a footman carrying a heap of parcels. “Drop them, run back to your master’s house, and tell him what has happened.” He would not announce the events in the middle of the street. Who knew who was listening? God knew rumors enough would be racing around the city without him adding to them.

He needed a horse. He had to get to her before nightfall, otherwise she was done for. What was the idiotic man doing?

Lady Winterton took her place in the carriage and Tom leaped in after her. “Believe me, ma’am, I mean you no harm. I will see you safely back in your husband’s arms and I will tell him what I saw. We have to catch the ruffian before he does any permanent damage to Lady Helena.”

She stared at him, wide-eyed. “I have learned you are no friend of his, but I have also learned to think for myself, and I go by deeds, not mere words. I do not forget the good turn you did us. I do not pretend to know why you did so.”

He nodded his thanks. “For the same reason I do this now.” Because, despite his efforts to forget her, to think of Helena as a sister, he was still as in love with her as ever. He had vowed never to repeat his sin, but that did not stop him recalling his happiness before the terrible discovery. Although not a particularly religious man, he found himself praying under his breath. He had faced adversity and danger before but never like this. Would his spirited Helena have the sense to play along with Everslade, and if he did, would she agree to marry him? Stranger things had happened. Had she already accepted him?

When they arrived at the house in Brook Street, a mere ten minutes later, he escorted Lady Winterton inside personally, ignoring the disapproval of the superior person who opened the door to them.

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