Page 154 of From Rakes to Riches

“Slow down.” He pulled her into his arms, unconcerned they stood out in the open. “I will never allow anyone or anything to harm you. I intended to speak to the duke as a fellow peer bound by the gentleman’s code, but His Grace wasn’t interested in decorum.”

“I thought we’d already established that,” she murmured as she relished the warmth of his coat against her cheek. Still her pulse raced, knowing there was more to be told.

“I’ll explain everything once we’re away from prying eyes and interruptions.” He released her and together they moved beyond the grandstand.

A complex tangle of anger and relief settled in her stomach. She’d never asked Theodore to confront the duke because it was her problem to solve,an impossible problem,and yet knowing he’d initiated the discussion because he wanted to find a resolution soothed her heartache.

They entered the Pleasure Paths and walked on until they were certain they couldn’t be overheard. Mentally preparing herself for whatever he was about to share, she gasped in surprise when the first thing he did was tuck her into his embrace and kiss her soundly. Her body heated from the inside out. She’d never become immune to his kisses either.

“I’m trying to find a way forward for us,” he said as their kiss ended. “It’s proving more difficult than I anticipated.”

“That’s because we’ve only viewed the future through our hearts,” she said softly. “I knew I shouldn’t fall in love with you and I did anyway. To spare you future pain, the smartest thing to do would be to leave you.”

“Don’t say that.” He shook her gently, his voice firm.

“But it’s the truth, isn’t it?” she said even though the words cost her. “If we stay together, we can never go out in public because your reputation will suffer.”

“I’ve told you before, I don’t care about gossip and scandal,” he scoffed. “Or the perception of narrowminded people.”

“But you will when we’re not welcome anywhere, when you see how people stare at us or talk poorly of me. It will anger you, because you’ll want to protect me, but you won’t be able to. And I’ll suffer for it, not by the words they say because I also care little for gossip, but by seeing you upset. Eventually it will come between us and ruin what we have. I can’t knowingly bring unpleasantness into your life. I love you too much to make that choice. How reckless of us to have ignored the truth.”

He released her and strode to the other side of the path and back again. “We can travel to America.”

His words held such resolute determination she almost smiled.

“And you’d give up your life here? As a peer of the realm? You’ve only just returned to London.”

“Yes, but nothing binds me to England so much that I can’t explore the world,” he said without hesitation. “We can build our life in a new place. Americans are more openminded and accepting of change. They create their own traditions rather than depend on history to dictate the future.”

“I take it then the duke offered no kindness.”

“I didn’t expect him to be kind, just reasonable,” Theodore said. “But he’s a vitriolic man who enjoys causing people and animals unnecessary pain. Once he realized I care for you, he took a perverse satisfaction in the knowledge. After I left, I didn’t know if he’d have me watched or employ someone to follow me. That’s why I came here tonight rather than the boarding house. It was a precaution in case he’d taken intrusive action. I didn’t want to lead him straight to you.”

“He’s not to be underestimated,” she said in a sad whisper. “I actually thought he’d be harsher than what you’ve shared.”

“He was,” Theodore said angrily as he pulled her back into his embrace. “Leinster offered to retract the charges, but only if I stopped seeing you.”

“What?” Was there no end to the duke’s cruelty? She was filled with the sickening feeling of loss and vulnerability. “What did you say?”

“I walked out. Had I stayed, his solicitor would be pursuing charges against me for assaultingHis Grace.”

She paused, but only for the slightest breath. “It doesn’t matter anyway, Theodore. Now that the duke knows you and I are together, he will carry out his threat as soon as I show my face in public.”

“Miss York!”

Hearing her name, Lola spun toward the darkened path behind them, surprised when Sofia appeared.

“There you are! We need to hurry. We’re running out of time,” her friend said quickly.

“What are you talking about?” she asked, glancing between Theodore and Sofia.

“I’ve been looking for you,” Sofia explained with a grimace. “When I saw Lord Essex arrive, I guessed you might have come in here to meet after your performance. But I didn’t dare call out your name. We need to hurry because there’s trouble. Morland spoke to some men tonight. They asked about you and Morland told them everything, where you live and when you’ll be at Vauxhall. I think there are men going to the boarding house to wait for you. It isn’t safe for you to go home.”

“She’ll come with me then.” Theodore grasped her hand as if he worried she would run away.

“He’ll send Bow Street to your home too, Theodore.” Lola tugged her hand free and paced across the narrow width of the path. “I have to think for a minute.”

“No,” Sofia said. “There’s no time.”

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