Page 85 of The Lady Was Lying
“You are family.” Greydon turned his gaze to the carriage. “Before you go, Belinda is quite dear to me, and it pains me that I can’t accompany you the rest of the way. If Jane wasn’t in the middle of her season and if Emmeline was up for the trip, we would follow as soon as we were able. As it is, I’m afraid it’ll be some time before we see you again.” He reached out and grasped James’s shoulder. “Please take care of my sister and let her take care of you in return.”
“I will. Thank you for giving us your blessing and for trusting me with her. She would have married me without your approval, but it eases her mind to have your support.”
“Belinda always has my support, and she always will.”
James nodded and swung up onto his horse. “Please send word if there are any further developments.”
“Will do.” Greydon patted the horse. “Safe travels. And congratulations.”
Chapter Seventeen
Belinda had always liked Violet. Partly because Edward had been obsessed with her from the beginning, but also because Violet had a fierceness to her that Belinda could relate to. Violet’s life had not transpired as she’d initially intended, but she’d found a way to be happy anyway.
She’d always given Belinda hope.
Unfortunately, hope didn’t make time move faster. Nor did it lessen Belinda’s need to be closer to James. Why had Edward insisted the men ride? And why hadn’t she insisted on joining them?
The sun was still high in the sky when she decided they needed to stop for the day and the night. She didn’t care if stopping meant they didn’t make as much progress as they could have. Was there any reason to rush? Did it really matter if it took a day or two longer to reach Scotland?
“At the next inn, will you tell Edward you aren’t feeling well?” she asked Violet.
Violet’s brows drew together. “I’m perfectly well.”
“I didn’t say you were unwell, only that you tell my brother that you are.”
“Why?”
“Because I’d like a respite.” Preferably until the next morning.
Violet frowned. “We’ve only been traveling for three hours.”
“I’ve seen nothing but the back of James’s head since we left.” Not for lack of trying either. She had been glued to the window, only catching brief glimpses of him when the lane curved to the right.
“Oh…um…are you worried he’s going to change his mind? Because he seems quite committed to you.”
“I do not question his commitment.” Even though she wasn’t worried, being separated from him was eating at her. The clarity she’d found in his arms was fading, and she knew she was being ridiculous, but she desired the reassurance that she was bound to find in his company. Telling herself that he wanted her enough to kidnap her could only offer so much comfort. “I need to be with him.”
“Be with him.” Violet smirked. “You’re willing to waste half a day’s worth of travel so you can copulate?”
“I was trying not to put it so bluntly, but essentially, yes.” It wasn’t necessarily the sex that she required but the intimacy that came with it. A day ago, this would have scared her, but after spending the night in his arms, she’d realized how much she liked tenderness, and she refused to pretend otherwise.
Violet abruptly turned to the window.
“I’m sorry,” Belinda said, not exactly sorry, but frustrated with herself for making Violet uncomfortable. Violet’s shoulders quaked and Belinda straightened in alarm. Was her desire to spend time with James really so shocking that it made Violet cry?
“I’m sorry,” she repeated, reaching out to rub Violet’s back. As soon as she touched her, peals of laughter filled the carriage.
Not crying, then.
“I’m sorry,” Violet said between gasps. “I shouldn’t laugh, but you sounded so despondent just now.” She turned away from the window, and Belinda’s hand dropped to her side. “I’m not lying to my husband about my health, but I will keep him occupied for the afternoon if you require some private time with James.”
More than a little relieved, Belinda smiled and nodded. “That is agreeable to me.”
Violet laughed again. “At this rate, will we ever reach Scotland?”
“Of course we will.”
Just not as quickly as they could.
