Lord Crayle's Secret World by Lara Temple

Author:Lara Temple
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2015-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

The following afternoon, Sari tied on a chip bonnet with rather abrupt movements, preparing for her scheduled ride with Hamlin. She stared at her reflection in the mirror with something approaching despair. What had she gained in that flirtation with Michael? She had only lost herself a bit further for the price of a kiss in the dark while he...he added another innocuous dalliance to a long and no doubt only half-remembered list. She had no idea what she felt—restless, elated, depressed, confused... She knew she had to continue as though nothing at all had happened. And nothing had, she reminded herself sternly. She squared her shoulders and went downstairs to meet Hamlin.

* * *

After some twenty minutes of gentle riding in the park Sari’s already tried nerves were on the verge of snapping as Hamlin disregarded another conversational gambit aimed at directing him to the topic of politics. He seemed nervous and distracted and she wondered why he had asked her to go on this ride. She didn’t delude herself that he was really fond of her, but she thought him greedy enough to at least make an effort to charm her. Clearly, even the appeal of her wealth was paling and her only achievement that day was to secure a waltz with him at the Bennetts’ ball due to take place outside London that evening.

To her surprise, he insisted they ride farther than usual, and she was just wondering whether to demand that they turn back when Hamlin reined in. He excused himself nervously and strode a few yards to where a man on horseback stood waiting. Sari stared after him in surprise and inspected the man. He was obviously not a dandy. He looked more like a bailiff, with neat but unostentatious clothing. The two men exchanged a few words, some of them appearing heated, as the stranger made an abrupt gesture in her direction. When the man had left, Hamlin returned to her side and appeared quite relieved when she suggested they head back.

‘I say,’ he burst out. ‘I’m dreadfully sorry to cry off, but I won’t be able to attend the Bennetts’ ball in Richmond tonight after all. Things to take care of, don’t you know,’ he mumbled, obviously embarrassed.

Sari did not know, but she definitely had her suspicions. Clearly, something the stranger had mentioned to Hamlin had forced him to forgo this entertainment. Reanimated by a flush of excitement, she was as anxious to be rid of him as he clearly was of her.

* * *

Later, after changing out of her riding habit, she slipped out of Montvale House and took a hackney cab to the Institute.

‘Is Mr Anderson in, Penrose?’ she asked as she entered.

‘No, miss, he is away until tomorrow. I believe Lord Crayle is in his office, though.’

Sari’s heart gave an almost audible thump. She was not ready to see him, not so soon. But this could not wait. She nodded to Penrose and headed towards the stairs.

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