Page 17 of Never a Duchess
To avoid intimacy for fear of being hurt?
To distrust every man’s motives?
Eliza smiled through her obvious tiredness. “It is best not to question fate. If one listens to their heart and trusts their feelings, things work out for the best.”
“It’s plain to see you love him, truly love him.” Every woman dancing the waltz tonight sought the same thing. To feel precious. To make someone feel precious in return—regardless of the consequences.
“I love him with every breath. With every beat of my heart.”
And yet some people lived for the thrill only lust could bring.
How did one make that choice? How did one feed a man’s voracious appetite for carnal pleasures? “How do you keep him happy when you’re with child for nine months of the year?”
Eliza probably wished someone else would answer her blunt questions. “Adam is quite protective of me, especially when I’m carrying his child. Yet he has never lost sight of how much we need each other.” She arched a coy brow. “Make of that what you will.”
Eliza asked about the Kinvers’ wedding ball, though Lillian did not mention her interlude with the Duke of Dounreay. Nor did she speak about the abduction. Eliza had once worked as an agent for Mr Daventry and would want to know every minute detail.
“I’m to visit the Sloanes in Little Chelsea tomorrow evening, so I won’t be home for dinner. Might I have use of the carriage?”
Eliza gestured to the sleeping babe. “I cannot see either of us venturing far from the sofa for the next few days. Although Mrs Abbott dotes on the children, nothing but Adam’s touch settles Alexander.”
The need to do something for those she cared for most in the world had Lillian suggesting, “Once things have settled down, you should visit Brighton for a week. I shall remain here and help Mrs Abbott. It would be good for you both.” That said, Eliza would likely claim to be with child within a few months, and the cycle would begin again.
Eliza’s eyes held a glimmer of excitement. “That’s extremely kind, Lillian. But I’m not sure you’d want the burden.”
“Nonsense. I would be glad to help.”
Eliza frowned. “You seem different tonight. Happier than I’ve seen you in a long time.”
“Do I? I cannot think why.”
The wind had shifted course.
Change was a tangible thing in the air.
Nothing would be the same again. And it had all started with a scandalous offer from the Duke of Dounreay.
* * *
Keel Hall,
Little Chelsea
The home of Evan Sloane
Much like a lone ship on the sea at night, Keel Hall was a monstrous shadow amongst the sprawling fields of Little Chelsea. Candlelight fluttered in the lamps beneath the portico, guiding weary travellers safely to the door. Those ignorant of Mr Sloane’s pirate heritage might wonder why he had statues of mermaids in his garden. Those who knew him understood a love of the sea was in the blood.
Lillian loved being away from the bustling metropolis. Keel Hall had been her sanctuary in the months after her brother married, when the newlyweds had needed privacy. The Sloanes were excellent hosts and knew how to make a person feel anything but lonely.
After receiving her note earlier today and understanding her desire for secrecy, Evan Sloane had suggested sending his coachman to ferry her to his country abode instead.
Turton brought the carriage to a halt outside the impressive entrance, and Mr Sloane’s steward, a Scotsman named Buchanan, was there to escort her into the mansion house.
There was but one question on Lillian’s lips.
Has the Duke of Dounreay arrived?
Instead, she said, “It’s terribly cold out tonight.” She glanced up at the sprinkling of stars in the night sky. “But I would gladly suffer frozen toes to witness such a breathtaking spectacle.”
