Page 5 of A Lady's Past
Midas looked fed and happy when he clomped into the yard.
Right on time, Diana stepped out of the inn, calling back her thanks as she closed the door.
The three inches of snow was already melting in the sunshine as Jacques handed her up into the carriage.
“I have been thinking about your problem of where to stay in London, and I have an idea that might serve both our sensibilities,” he said as they took to the road.
She looked at him. Her blue eyes sparkled in the early morning light. “I wasn’t aware I had a problem. To what sensibilities are you referring?”
The sarcasm dripping from her words forced his grin. “I do not wish to leave a lady alone on the streets of London, and you are clearly in need of a place to hide.”
“Why would you think I am hiding?” She tipped her pert chin up, and the cape slipped from her head.
His longing to touch that mass of dark hair was completely inappropriate, but churned like a whirlwind inside him. He needed to take her somewhere before she got too far under his skin, then he would never think of her again. “Do not insult my intelligence, Diana. You are clearly running. Though I do not know if it is to or from something or someone. You chose locations that are dense with people so that you can hide in the crowd.”
Her shoulders sagged, and she nodded. “What is your idea?”
Oh, he liked her more and more. This was a problem. Drawing a deep breath in an effort to dispel the memory of her sweet body pressed to his, he said, “I think you might get on well at the Everton Domestic Society. I could bring you there and see if Lady Jane might put you up for a few days, perhaps longer if you have some skills and you are interested in the work.”
“I’m not familiar with the Everton Domestic Society.” She frowned.
He tried to ignore her stiff posture. Where had she been that she wouldn’t have heard of the society? Keeping his mind on the facts and getting her to safety was all he cared about. “It is very popular. Lord and Lady Everton run a business where ladies might find respectable employment as assistants in different areas. Sometimes they help young ladies with a debut. My friend’s mother hired an Everton lady as a matchmaker. I understand they have many functions within the boundaries of proper society.”
“Employment for ladies in London society? This sounds scandalous.” Her light comment told him she was not in the least scandalized.
“It should be, but it seems to be accepted. Most of the ladies are beyond their youth and this is preferable to being a burden on their families.”
Lips pursed, she stilled. “Of course, all we can be is a burden or a wife.”
Something about her annoyance made him smile. Actually, everything about this mystery of a woman filled him with delight. “These are not my sentiments, Diana. I know for a fact there are a great many talented and brilliant women in the world, part of the both upper class and lower. I do not make the rules by which we live. As I said, the Everton Domestic Society finds respectable employment for ladies. If you would like, I will take you to meet Lady Jane, and perhaps you can come to some understanding. If not, I will drop you in Piccadilly or wherever you choose.”
She was quiet for several miles. London came into view and she stiffened. “This Society sounds intriguing.”
“Good.” Awash with relief, Jacques flicked the reins and pushed Midas a bit faster for the final mile.
ChapterTwo
The Everton Domestic Society looked like any other nice town house in London. Diana didn’t see anything that made it special. She walked up the stairs and let Jacques knock since he was the key to gaining admittance. It might be foolish, but a soft mattress available each night was almost enough to get her to agree to anything. It had been so long since she had even the smallest comforts.
Brushing the thought aside, she steeled herself for whatever might come. There was little sense in hoping for the best. It was better to be prepared for the worst.
There was some noise from inside, but no one answered the door for a long time. Finally, the oldest butler Diana had ever seen appeared and looked them up and down. “How may I help you?”
“Jacques Laurent to see Lady Jane.” He handed the butler his card.
“Follow me. The lady may leave her weapon at the door. I am happy to take your cloak.” Once she’d done as he suggested, he ambled away with her cloak and Jacques’s hat and coat slung over his arm. Tufts of white hair flopped gently as he walked. Opening the door to the parlor, he said, “Please wait here.”
Jacques leaned against the mantel. His long brown hair fell just past his shoulders and he crossed his arms over his broad chest. Tall and lean, Jacques had a sparkle in his dark eyes—he looked like a pirate. “I will need to give Lady Jane your family name, Diana.”
“St. Cloud.”
He cocked his head and watched her. “Is that your real name?”
“It is the only name I’m willing to give.”
His smile warmed her in places she’d rather not think about.
He nodded. “Very well. Diana St. Cloud it is.”
