Almost a Scot by Jade Lee

Author:Jade Lee [Lee, Jade]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2022-10-27T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Iseabail saw what was happening as if it were in a play before her eyes. Lady Rebecca with stars in her eyes as she worshiped Mr. Bates. He, of course, lapped it up, played to his audience, and would soon be accepted among their ranks. Her only hope of getting his help was the belief that the ton would revile him.

How wrong she’d been. They worshipped him. A man who could fight, was wealthy beyond belief, and had protected one of their own. Not her, of course. She was a Scotswoman with a dubious heritage and attackers coming for her in Hyde Park. No, it was Lady Rebecca who was their darling, and Mr. Bates was her hero.

She’d lost him.

Which left her empty except for the memory of two very delicious kisses. She almost wished she’d never experienced them because she doubted she would feel the like again. Sweet hunger and desperation, wrapped together in the meeting of lips. She never thought kissing could be like that. What she’d heard from the women of her clan had been about what happened afterwards. About the harshness of the taking. No one had said that kissing could be so wonderful.

Or maybe she was just thinking about the kiss because the rest of her life didn’t bear attention.

“Were you not frightened, Mr. Bates? I would be quaking in my boots!”

“Does it hurt to punch a man like that? I would think your fingers might break!”

“Have you ever fought Gentleman Jack, Mr. Bates? I feel sure you would best him.”

“How fortunate that you were there to protect everyone, Mr. Bates. I vow I shall never be safe at another ball if you’re not in attendance.”

That last statement came from one of the leading hostesses outside of Almack’s. She didn’t quite have Lady Jersey’s status, but then her parties were a great deal more fun than an evening at Almack’s. And if she was that anxious to have Mr. Bates around, then he was set inside the ton.

“But what are you going to do?”

It took a moment for Iseabail to realize that the question was directed at her and not Mr. Bates. Indeed, Sadie had to jostle her knee to gain her attention.

“What?”

“Oh, poor dear. You must be terrified. What will you do if they come for you again?”

What could she do? “Fight.” Then she looked down at her hands, the weight of the truth making even her gaze too heavy to maintain. “I cannot win against them. They are too many, and I am alone.”

An uncomfortable silence greeted her words. A few women murmured, “Surely not.” Sadie squeezed her hand, silently offering her support. But everyone here knew the truth. A girl alone had no power against a brutal guardian.

She didn’t mean to lose her composure. Indeed, she didn’t even realize she was crying until tears spoiled the silk of her gown. Dark splotches expanded on her bodice and belly. She couldn’t hide them. She couldn’t stop them. And with every new blot, she crumpled inside.

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