Page 86 of Never a Duchess
Callan smiled to himself. He’d wager Madame Delafont would be in Dover come dawn and across the Channel come nightfall.
The depth of Lillian’s compassion touched him deeply. She was a champion for the downtrodden, a defender of mistreated women. If she would just believe in herself, she would make an excellent duchess.
Understanding they’d granted her a reprieve, Madame Delafont reached out to clasp Lillian’s hand. “I shall not forget this kindness. And if you ever find yourself in an unfortunate position, Pike knows my direction.”
“She’ll never find herself abandoned,” Callan said, wanting the singer to know he was not like the randy lords of theton. “I would protect her with my life. Some men know a woman’s worth.”
Madame Delafont smiled. “I hope Miss Ware sees yours, Your Grace. Few men accept their responsibilities.”
Lillian’s eyes brightened. “I assure you, I do.”
They wished the lady farewell and left the theatre.
Once in the alley, Callan pulled Lillian into an embrace. The need to touch her, to hold her, proved as compelling as the need to breathe.
“She’ll flee the second the curtain falls,” Callan said, hoping Daventry didn’t want them to detain the opera singer. “Though I cannae blame her. I’d nae put it past Baudelaire to make her the scapegoat.”
“And it seems unfair to punish Anne and Madame Delafont when they’re merely pawns in Monsieur Baudelaire’s game,” Lillian agreed.
“I should have throttled the devil when I had a chance.”
“Mr Daventry will make sure he gets his comeuppance. We’ll visit the Hart Street office and leave him a note. We can explain everything in detail tomorrow.”
Callan’s thoughts turned to their plans for the evening. “Do ye still want to accompany me on a wild adventure? I plan to do more than test yer mettle.”
“More than anything.” A flash of tenderness in her eyes held him transfixed. “Do you mean to test how well I cope in the cold, Callan?”
“On my oath, ye’ll nae be cold.” He captured her chin and kissed her slowly. Let her feel the depth of his affection with every gentle stroke of his tongue.
She breathed a happy sigh when they parted. “I never knew there were so many ways to kiss.”
“Aye, and we’ve all night to invent more.”
“Then let us not delay.”
He stole another quick kiss. “What did ye tell Roxburgh?”
“The only thing that would pacify him.” Mischief danced in her inviting eyes. “I told him I would marry you if you found yourself ruined.”
ChapterSixteen
Edmonton Manor
South of Epping Forest, Essex
Dewart brought the carriage to a stop at the entrance to the Edmonton Manor estate and climbed down from his box to unlock the rusty iron gates.
Needing a haven away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Callan had bought the land at auction four years ago. The house was a pile of charred timber and crumbling walls. A place nature had slowly reclaimed once the last of the fire’s embers had died.
Callan handed Lillian down to the weed-infested drive.
Looking confused as to why they had alighted at the gatehouse, she peered into the never-ending gloom. “You never mentioned owning a home in the country.” She sounded deflated. Doubtless, playing lord of the manor did not constitute an adventure.
“The house perished long ago. The drive leads to an old ruin.”
“Oh!” Her gaze darted to the thatched cottage, her blue eyes shining like polished sapphires. “We’re staying in the gatehouse?”
Callan grinned. “Dewart is staying in the gatehouse. When here, I sleep beneath the stars.” He dropped into a thick Scottish burr. “Do ye think ye’ve the courage to brave the wild weather, Miss Ware?”
