Page 69 of The Lord's Compass
“Of course, of course. Right this way. The best table for you. For both of you.”
Eric couldn’t help but smile at the man’s obvious complete adoration of Faith, nearly tripping over himself as he led them into the lively, warm room, dimly lit despite the hour of the day. Filled with wood smoke and travellers, the room’s fireplace shed its light and heat upon the many people gathered within.
“Here we are,” the innkeeper said as they came to one of the scarred, sturdy wooden tables and benches that was, so far, empty. “Mutton’s on today.”
They nodded their thanks before he departed, and each of them surveyed the room, Eric scanning to ensure that all appeared safe.
His gaze was stopped by a woman walking toward them. There was something about her that tugged at his memory, but Eric had no clear indication of her identity.
He shrugged, dismissing her, before turning back to Faith. He had been honest in wanting to continue their conversation – the one they had been avoiding. He hated to have anything unresolved hanging over him.
When he set his attention upon her, however, all of the words escaped him at the look on her face, as though she had seen a ghost.
Eric followed her gaze to see that the woman had stopped beside them – and not only stopped but was now sliding onto the bench. On his side.
“Lady Montgomery,” Faith said icily. “How surprising to see you.”
“And you Lady Faith. I didn’t know you had married.”
“She is Lady Ferrington now,” Eric interjected, annoyed at the interruption. “And you are?”
Lady Montgomery looked from Faith to Eric and back again as a much older, portly gentleman trundled in behind her – a man Eric recognized.
Lord Montgomery. Was he this woman’s father? He didn’t know him well, but he attended Parliament and social events. The man had been his father’s age. However, Faith had called this woman Lady Montgomery…
Eric nodded his greetings, even as confusion filled him.
“You are travelling with your husband, I see,” Faith said, nodding to the man who Eric had assumed was her father.
“I am.”
“I am sorry,” Eric said, interjecting, scratching his temple. “But who are you?”
It wasn’t the woman who answered, however. It was Faith herself.
“Eric, this is Lady Montgomery, and I am surprised you could forget her.”
“Oh?” he said, raising a brow and turning to Faith. “Why is that?”
“Because she is the woman you carried on with that night. The night you left me.”
CHAPTER23
Faith was in shock. How could he not remember Lady Montgomery? The last she had seen of the woman, she and Eric had been locked in an embrace in an alcove.
She was as beautiful as ever, her large, expressive blue-green eyes twinkling above her well-defined cheekbones, which were accentuated when she smiled, as she was right now. She was a captivating woman – she had been ever since they were young – and Faith didn’t blame Eric for being attracted to her, even if she was married.
“Lord Montgomery,” Eric said when the man approached, although Lord Montgomery made no move to join them on the bench. Faith recalled that Lady Montgomery’s match had been one made for power and certainly not of her choosing. “How are you?”
“Fine,” Lord Montgomery said dismissively. “I’ll be at the bar.”
He walked, away, leaving his wife behind.
“Is this a joke?” Eric asked both women.
Faith stared back at him incredulously, noting that Lady Montgomery did the same, although her expression was accompanied by much more amusement than Faith’s.
“I am sorry, Lady Montgomery, but I do not recall any time together with you.”
