Page 44 of Wicked Designs
“I swear it. She is still as innocent as the day she was born… Well, more or less.”
Ashton’s eyes narrowed. “Swear to me on the stones of Magdalene College.” The stones of their college at Cambridge were the foundation of the League’s relationship. An oath upon them was tantamount to swearing on the Bible.
“I swear on the stones.”
Ashton’s shoulders slumped with relief. “Thank God. I lay awake all night worrying that I’d done the wrong thing, leaving her with you. You had that glint in your eye.”
“She worked me up into a good temper but calmed me just as easily. We have worked out a bargain.”
“Oh?” Ashton slid a tray of toast in Godric’s direction.
“Emily vows she won’t make any escape attempts between the hours of ten at night and six in the morning.”
“And what did she get out of that arrangement?”
“My solemn promise not to seduce her between those hours. The rest of the day is fair game.”
“My, my, Godric, you came out on top of that bargain, didn’t you?” Ashton had returned to his usual lighthearted countenance.
The door to the breakfast room opened once more as Lucien strolled in, Emily at his side. Ashton and Godric rose to their feet as she took a seat next to Godric. Her green dress, the shade of summer grass, lit up her lilac colored eyes. The gown’s sleeves were loosely puffed about her shoulders, and gathered at her back in gentle pleats that were not severe on her form, as other dresses might be. It displayed Emily’s natural beauty by accenting her curves and the maid had pulled Emily’s hair into a loose tangle, gathered back by green ribbons.
“So, did everyone have a good evening? I thought I heard sounds of a party…” Lucien watched Emily and Godric as he sat next to Ashton on the other side of the table. “In fact, if I didn’t know better—” Ashton kicked him sharply, and Lucien winced. “I’ve been informed that I do not.”
Emily reached for a plate near Ashton’s elbow. He immediately passed it to her; she blushed. Godric noticed her look and rose from the table, catching Lucien’s eye.
“I say, Lucien, have you spoken to Cedric? I thought we might go see what has become of him…and rouse Charles, no doubt still asleep.” Godric started for the door.
Lucien sighed and followed him. “I suppose.”
“May I…may I have an audience with you, my lord?” Emily tried to keep her voice from shaking, but failed.
“Of course, Miss Parr,” Ashton replied.
She bit her bottom lip. How Ashton must hate her, if he refused to call her by her given name.
“My lord, about last night…” She swallowed hard. She hated apologizing, especially for something she felt she’d done right. But an apology was worth her new friend. Somewhere between her capture and this moment, she’d grown fond of the cool, collected baron. He was kind and courteous and had defended her honor.
“Please, Miss Parr, don’t distress yourself on such a small matter.” His tone was reassuring, but she needed him to understand. She needed to know he wouldn’t abandon her again.
“I…I am sorry that I lied to you. I shouldn’t have.”
I should hate them. I should wish them dead for what they’ve done. But the rage wouldn’t come. The short span of time she’d been in their company, she had been strangely happy. Godric had shown her passion, theothers companionship. She couldn’t let lies, even lies to secure her freedom, ruin her bond with them. How such a thing was possible she did not know.
“Miss Parr, it is I who seeks forgiveness. You did what was necessary to protect yourself from unscrupulous rakehells.” Ashton pushed his chair back and walked over to her. He grasped her hands between his, holding them against his chest. “I would have acted no different in the same circumstances. I daresay I’d have done worse.”
“Then…then you are not angry, my lord?”
“Miss Parr—”
“Please, don’t call me that!”
“Emily, you were forgiven the moment I left your room last night.”
Her head tilted. “Then why were you so quiet this morning?”
“I feared you’d not forgiven me for abandoning you. Did he harm you?” Ashton pulled Emily up on her feet and spun her around, as though inspecting her for obvious signs of harm, but there were none.
“He yelled dreadfully, but he didn’t hurt me. My lord—”
