Page 70 of The Forbidden Lord
But she couldn’t hate him. If this had been any other place and time, if she and he had been of equal standing and wealth, she would have risked anything to have him.
Curse him for that!
As if he’d heard her thoughts, he glanced her way, his gaze flicking first to Mr. Pollock, then to her. His jaw tightened. Then he turned his head abruptly and leaned to whisper something in the widow’s ear that made her laugh.
Emily colored, wondering what he was saying and worse yet, doing. Was he touching the widow beneath the table as Pollock had tried to do to her? Or making an assignation to meet the woman later? Her heart constricted at the thought.
It seemed an eternity before the meal was over and she and the other women could retire to the drawing room and escape the men. How wonderful to be away from them all! If this interminable masquerade were ever over, she would never speak to one of their gender again. They were more trouble than they were worth.
Unfortunately, she had scarcely settled into a comfortable chair when yet another male appeared at her side. Everyone looked up as the footman handed her a folded handkerchief and said, “You forgot this in the dining room, madam.”
“But it’s not mine—” she began as she took it from him. Then she saw the Blackmore monogram and felt the stiff crackle of paper inside the cloth. “Oh, I’m sorry. Yes, it is mine. Thank you.”
She waited until everyone’s attention turned elsewhere, then carefully opened the note in her lap.
Make some excuse to leave,it said.I’ll meet you in the hall. I have something to discuss with you.
Cursing inwardly, she balled the paper up into a tiny knot. She could just imagine what he wanted to discuss. No doubt he wished to make more filthy insinuations about her and Mr. Pollock. The wretch! Did he think she was at his beck and call?
Yes, he did. And with good reason. He held the knowledge of her real identity in his hand. He could make her dance to his tune whenever he wanted, and he knew it.
She waited until Lady Dundee’s attention was diverted, then murmured to the woman nearest her that she was going to use the necessary. Thankfully, no one paid her much mind when she slipped out the door.
There he was, in the hall as he’d promised, leaning against the wall with his hands shoved deep in his coat pockets. Pushing away from the wall, he caught her with a look designed to strip away her defenses.
She wrapped her lace shawl protectively about her body. “What do you want?”
Gripping her arm, he led her down the hall a short distance. “We must talk. But not now. Tomorrow morning I shall come to take you riding, and you will go with me, do you understand? Find some way to leave your maid and Lady Dundee at home. You and I shall have a very long, very private chat, and you will tell me the truth at last.”
“Will I indeed? Why do you think I’ll be more likely to do that now than I was before?”
A smug smile touched his lips. “Because now I know more about what you’re up to. This has something to do with Pollock, doesn’t it? If you don’t tell me the truth, I’ll tell Pollockeverything I know.” His smile faded abruptly. “That ought to put an end to whatever your scheme is.”
So he’d figured that much out, had he? Or was he just guessing? She crossed her arms over her chest, trying to hide her trembling. “Tell him what you wish,” she bluffed. “It doesn’t matter. I shan’t go riding with you tomorrow, and I certainly shan’t tell you anything.”
His mouth thinned into a grim line. “Very well. I’ll speak with Pollock in the morning. But first I shall confront Nesfield. I know that he’s behind this. Perhaps he won’t share your nonchalance when I tell him I’m planning to reveal your identity to Pollock.”
Horror swept through her. Lord Nesfield! If he told Lord Nesfield?—
“You mustn’t!” she protested, dropping all pretense of unconcern. “Please, Jordan, don’t do this!”
“Why? Just tell me that, and you have my silence.”
She was tempted, oh so tempted to tell him everything. But that was impossible. Once she told him that this concerned Sophie, he would realize that it concerned Ian as well. He’d never stand for having his friend’s chances for happiness destroyed. He’d go to Lord Nesfield anyway, and then Nesfield would make good on his threats.
The thought made her shudder. “I-I can’t.”
“Then tomorrow I’ll pay Nesfield a visit.”
“But you promised me you’d keep silent. What kind of honorable man reneges on his promises?”
He scowled. “The kind who sees the sort of danger you’re getting yourself into. The kind who wants to protect you from the likes of Pollock and Nesfield.”
“Pollock? That’s what this is about, isn’t it? You’re jealous of Pollock and the other men around me, so you?—”
“I’m not jealous!” But his rigid stance and angry expression belied his words. “My reasons don’t matter. Either you tell meeverything or I go to Nesfield. It’s as simple as that.” When she stared at him, frantically wondering how to change his mind, he added, “You have tonight to make your decision. But in the morning?—”
“In the morning, you will ruin my life!”
