Page 37 of His Wicked Embrace
Emily put an arm around her shoulders, and the lady ushered her to sit down on a couch. “Oh dear. I’m so sorry if I haveoffended.”
“What can we do?” Audreyasked.
“I’m sorry, I really shouldn’t be crying. Truly, you have done nothing to offend.” Zehra soon found herself telling the ladies everything that had happened, from the moment of terror the night the palace was attacked, to the audacious way in which Lawrence had rescued her and brought herhere.
“You really are a Persian princess?” Emily placed a hand over heart. “Oh my, you truly are special.” The compliment made Zehrablush.
“Yes, my father was a ruler in his area of Shiraz. It’s why he was killed. Al-Zahrani wanted my father’s power, and he wanted me for hisbed.”
All three ladies winced, and Horatiascowled.
“Have you not told Lawrence about this Al-Zahrani fellow?” Audreyasked.
“I have but I never told him that Al-Zahrani followed me to England. Anyone who stands between me and that foul man can only be put in danger. It’s why I haven’t gone to seek out my mother’s family. When I overheard him in the gardens of the White House, he told his companion that he would pay my family a visit. I fear that he might have the house watched in case I try to go on myown.”
“And you cannot send Lawrence because Al-Zahrani would likely recognize him from theauction.”
“Yes.” Zehra sighed, her breath hitching a little. “I know I must leave him to protect him and myfamily.”
Emily shook her head. “I tried that once myself. You must trust me, leaving people for their own good never ends well. I ended up wounded at the bottom of the stairs after a man who wanted to possess me tried to kill me. Godric was so furious he didn’t let me out of his sight again for two months. I quite enjoyed his attention, but having a gentleman as a watchdog gets rather tedious, especially during private tea engagements. He kept scowling at my companions as though he expected them to wield knives or pistols at any moment. Quite silly, menare.”
Zehra smiled. “What do you think I should do? Lawrence doesn’t know Al-Zahrani’s here—and you mustn’t tell him. He will do something brave andnoble—”
“And foolhardy. You are quite right. I am sure you will tell him when the time is right. But I believe we may be able to help in our own way. Who is your mother’s family? Let us startthere.”
“My mother was the daughter of the Earl ofDenbruck.”
Audrey covered her mouth for a moment. “Your grandfather is Lord Lyon? Oh, he’s such a dear! Does he know aboutyou?”
“I’m not sure. I was told my grandfather disowned my mother when she married. My mother rarely spoke of her family back in England.” Zehra reached up to touch her locket, which bore the miniature portraits of her parents. “I’m afraid to go to see him, and not just because of Al-Zahrani watching over hishome.”
“Well,wecan go and have tea with him and ask about your mother, if you like,” said Horatia. “Al-Zahrani won’t be looking for three English ladies, not if he expects to see you run up to thedoor.”
Zehra brightened. “Do you think that’s a goodidea?”
Emily nodded. “I know so. No one turns down the Duchess of Essex fortea.”
“She can be very tactful in her questions,” Audrey added. “And frighteningly forthright when tactfails.”
Zehra’s eyes clouded with tears again. “Thankyou.”
“You’re most welcome,” Emily said with a sweet smile. “Now, dry your eyes, because here come the gentlemen. We cannot have Lawrence see you crying. He might get cross with us.” Her teasing tone was comforting. Zehra could not tell Emily or the others that she might have very little time left in which to see her grandfather, whether her grandfather welcomed her into his home ornot.
Lawrence was the first to reach them. “Zehra. How would you feel about a ball tomorrow night? A small one in Lord Essex’s house? Would you likethat?”
Zehra rose and clasped her hands together. “Yes, that would bewonderful.”
“Excellent.” Lucien came up behind Lawrence and slapped him on the back. “I told you it was a goodidea.”
Lawrence glared at his brother. “Of course it’s a good idea—it wasmyidea.”
“Of course.” Lucien winked at Zehra. “We are to have a private ball, it seems. The trick will be to keep Mother from findingout.”
Lawrence paled. “Damnation, I hadn’t thought of her. She’s a damned bloodhound, able to sniff out any social event. What about Linus? Surely he could distract her, take her to the opera for the evening orsomething?”
“It might work,” Lucienagreed.
Zehra tried not to smile as she watched Lawrence and Lucien confer. It was a bit like a man talking to his ownreflection.
