Page 25 of A Lady's Past
Intimate in their temporary world, emotions clogged her throat. “And I am your friend?”
“You are and shall be for our lifetimes. Even should you reject me out of hand, I shall always be available to help you in any way I can.”
Her life might end tomorrow, yet with such a pledge to hold on to, how could it matter? No one had ever touched her heart so completely. “I will stay at Everton’s for now, but it would be better for everyone if I left London. Percival Reneau is not the smartest, but he did glimpse me tonight, and now they are looking. Eventually they will find me.”
He cocked his head and stared into the corner of the room before offering his hand. “I will take you to Everton House now. It would not do for Lady Chervil to send out a search party.”
* * *
They reached Everton House and found the usually staid atmosphere transformed into complete chaos. Bertram, the footman who guarded her most days, was gathering men in the foyer while Lady Jane questioned Lady Chervil.
Every head turned to stare at them in the open doorway.
Jacques said, “Would you prefer if I left you here or shall we face the music together?”
Even after the dangers and admissions of the night, his eyes filled with warmth and caring. She had to swallow down the wave of emotions trying to take over for her good sense. The last thing she wanted was a scandal. Perhaps she should have found another way home. “It might be best if you left me to deal with this.”
“Are you certain?” He reached out, but did not touch her in full view of Everton’s residents.
“Yes, thank you.” If he stayed it would only make the gossip worse. Better to deal with this on her own.
With a bow and a wink, he smiled and said goodnight.
Lady Jane recovered first. She charged to the door. “You are safe. When Lady Chervil arrived without you, we imagined the worst.”
Lumbering forward, Bertram took Diana’s elbow and eased her inside before closing the door. “I should have insisted on accompanying you tonight.”
With so many people watching, Diana could say very little. Several Everton ladies stood on the staircase in their nightclothes and robes, and at least five footmen had gathered. Diana forced a smile. “I’m sorry to have worried everyone. I assure you, I am unharmed.”
Taking stock of the crowd, Jane breathed deeply and closed her eyes for a moment.
Lord Rupert Everton combed his fingers through his beard and cleared his throat. His bright eyes were narrowed on Diana for the barest instant before he addressed the room. “Thank you all for coming together so quickly. We are all happy to have Diana back at home. You may find your beds and rest easy tonight.”
The residents of Everton House dispersed. Several called out to Diana that they were glad she was safe. Soon only Lord and Lady Everton, Bertram, and Lady Chervil remained.
Jane said, “Why don’t we go to my office where we won’t be overheard?”
Once inside the office, Diana was unsure what to say. She sat on the chair near the hearth with Honoria to her left. The Evertons sat on the divan across from her. Bertram stood behind her right shoulder with his arms crossed.
Honoria leaned forward and patted Diana’s hand. “What happened, my dearest?”
It would be best to keep the details to herself. She already risked too many people by making friends. Loneliness pressed in on all sides. She couldn’t bear it. “My past showed up at the ball. It was important not to be seen.”
Not being much of an explanation, it was unlikely to be accepted and left alone. Lord Rupert Everton was a burly man who said little, but commanded attention when he chose to speak. Yet he turned his kind eyes on her and gave a faint smile. “I’m afraid you’ll have to do better than that, Miss St. Cloud. We were seconds from sending out a search party, and you gave Lady Chervil quite a fright.”
“I’m very sorry to be such a burden, my lord. It might be better if I took my leave of Everton House to protect everyone’s safety.”
“Unacceptable.” Bertram grumbled the word but said no more.
“Bertram is quite right.” Honoria folded her arms. “Where did you go and how did you get home? I realize you are in some kind of trouble, Diana, but you will have to tell us a bit more—and you most certainly are not going out on your own to be in who knows what kind of danger.”
Jane nodded. “We cannot force you to stay, but I really think it’s safer for you with us than traipsing about London on your own.”
Safer for her perhaps, but Diana worried about the danger she put the house in. “I don’t want my troubles to become yours, my lady.”
“You are part of our family now, Diana. We shall not abandon you when you need us most, and I will be very disappointed if you leave us without good reason and a safe harbor.” Jane’s firm stand and direct gaze soothed Diana’s wounds.
These wonderful people had adopted her into their family when she needed every bit of what they had to offer. They were kind and caring in a world full of viciousness. “Two men I know to be French agents were present at the ball. One saw me, but the crowd was dense and he was unsure. I ran to the garden, where Jacques Laurent found me. Mr. Laurent kept me hidden and assisted in my escape. As you saw, he brought me back to Everton House.”
