Page 4 of The Marchioness of his Desire
Heavy, uneven footsteps sounded in the hall as Lyddie fastened the clasp on the necklace and reached for Rebecca’s lace shawl. “Ye look beautiful, miss. Ye truly do.” Lyddie draped the shawl gently over Rebecca’s shoulders as she stood up.
Tears welled in Rebecca’s eyes. “Thank you, Lyddie.” She pulled the older woman into a quick hug then stepped back. “I do not know what we would have done here without you.”
Rebecca pressed the back of her hand to her cheek, stopping a tear from sliding further. Lyddie had been part of Rebecca’s life forever. She had been Rebecca’s mother’s lady’s maid but had moved into the position of nurse to Laura and become Rebecca’s confidante after Rebecca’s mother died. When Rebecca’s father died, Lyddie had chosen to move to Uncle Roland’s. Staying with Rebecca and Laura, instead of using the sum Rebecca’s father left her to purchase a cottage for herself.
Rebecca turned to the dressing table and lifted her reticule, draping the loop over her gloved wrist. As she turned back, light from the candles around the room flashed on the gold of the pocket watch. She had nearly forgotten it. Picking it up and slipping it into her pocket, she faced Lyddie again.
“Do not wait up for me tonight. I suspect it shall be quite late.”
Lyddie looked her in the eye, a slight smile creasing her lips.
“My lady, ye know I canna sleep whilst yer out. I shall sit wi’ Lady Laura after ye’ve gone, and I’ll be here for ye when ye return.”
Rebecca smiled. “Thank you, Lyddie. I am sure I shall be glad of your help.” She reached out and squeezed Lyddie’s hand.
“Now, I really must say good-night to Laura and then be on my way, or Uncle will return to pester us.”
Lyddie curtsied. “Yes, my lady.”
Rebecca stepped quietly down the hall to her sister’s room. She could hear murmuring before she tapped lightly and opened the door.
“Hello, my love.”
Rebecca smiled as she entered. What a sweet picture Laura made, dressed for bed and sitting on the small wooden chair with their mother’s old ivory doll, Isobel, perched on her lap. Rebecca’s chest tightened. She would do anything —anything— to keep Laura safe and happy. Even if that meant marrying without love. Marrying Edward.
Where had that thought come from? She had no time to give to such maudlin and foolish notions.
No. Practicality had served her well these last three years. There was no reason to abandon it now. Especially now.
Fixing her attention on Laura, she walked swiftly to her and kissed the top of her head. “Come along now, Laura, dear. Let me tuck you into bed, but we must be quick. Uncle is growing quite anxious to leave for the ball.”
Laura bounced off the chair and wrapped her arms around Rebecca’s waist. She tipped her head back as strands of long blonde curls escaped from her braids, dancing about her pink cheeks.
“I know, Becca. We heard him bellowing — Isobel and I did.”
A chuckle escaped before she could quell it. Rebecca squeezed her sister and turned her toward the bed.
“Now, Laura, remember what we have discussed. You must not speak of Uncle like that.”
Laura climbed into the bed and thrust her feet beneath the thin blanket. She looked at Rebecca and frowned.
“I know, but do you truly have to go, Becca? I want you to stay here.”
Desire to protect and comfort Laura swept over Rebecca. She hugged her sister quickly and kissed her forehead as she settled the blanket around Laura’s shoulder.
“I want to stay here with you as well, poppet, but, you know, I must go. Edward will be here soon, and I must not keep him waiting.”
“I do not care for Edward.”
“What? I thought you liked him. Whatever has come over you?”
“I did like him. Well, I thought I did.” Laura’s fingers twisted the edge of the blanket into a lump. “Until …”
Rebecca smiled. “Until …?”
Laura gripped the blanket. “Until I remembered that he wants to marry you, and that he will take you away from here and leave me alone with Uncle.”
“Oh, my dear girl, no.” Rebecca smoothed Laura’s hair and smiled. “You are not to worry on this, darling. If I marry and leave here, you will most assuredly come with me.”
