Page 41 of Stealing the Rake's Heart
“You’re hurting me,” Abigail managed, forcing herself to meet Lady Diana’s eyes.
The woman sneered. “Don’t think I don’t know about your penniless little family. You’re nothing but a dull little Miss, quite past your best. I shouldn’t even have to have this conversation with you. You should know that Lord Alexander Willenshire is not for the likes of you. Not that I truly believe you could steal his attention from me, but…”
“If I’m not a threat,” Abigail interrupted, before she could stop herself, “why on earth have you gone to all this trouble to warn me off?”
Anger flared in Lady Diana’s eyes. “Why, you little…”
“Now, now, Lady Lockwell, I hope you aren’t about to treat us to some unladylike language.”
Both women froze at a familiar masculine voice. Glancing over Lady Diana’s shoulder, Abigail saw none other than Lord Graham Donovan step out from behind a clump of trees, hands shoved in his pockets. He smiled thinly at her and glanced at Lady Diana.
“I believe Miss Atwater said you were hurting her, Lady Lockwell,” he remarked. “Better let go of her, eh?”
There was a heartbeat of silence, then Lady Diana abruptly released Abigail’s arms. Staggering backward, Abigail resisted the urge to rub the sore spots. The woman still glared down at her, and Abigail lifted her chin and glared right back.
“I didn’t see you at breakfast,” Lady Diana spat.
“No,” he agreed, “I don’t suppose you would.”
Abigail cleared her throat. “It’s been a charming walk,” she heard herself say, “but I think I’d rather go on by myself.”
“Alone?” Lady Diana spat out.
“I shan’t be alone. Lucy is here.”
Lady Diana hesitated, glancing over her shoulder at Lord Donovan, who was now lounging against a tree and looking bored.
“You’re a boring walking companion anyway,” she ground out, turning on her heel and storming off, pushing past Lucy as she went.
“What’s going on, Miss Atwater?” Lucy asked, bewildered.
“I might ask the same,” Lord Donovan remarked, stepping forward with a smile. “You looked terrified.”
“I felt terrified,” Abigail confessed, finally letting herself rub her arms with a wince. There’d be bruises there, she wagered. “The woman is mad.”
“Not mad, exactly,” Lord Donovan shrugged, glancing down at Lady Diana’s retreating figure. “Just determined. And clever enough to get what she wants. You’ve gotten in her way, I fear.”
Abigail froze. “How… how much of what she said did you hear?”
His gaze bored into her face. “Enough.”
“Well, she’s… she’s mad, like I said,” Abigail managed lamely. “I should pay her no mind.”
“I won’t,” he said, voice quiet. “Now, will you continue with your walk, or will you return to the house.”
Abigail glanced at Lady Diana once more.Shewas almost certainly retreating to the house, so perhaps it would be wise for Abigail to steer clear.
“I’ll walk on, I think. I’ve already climbed this hill, so I might as well see what’s at the top of it.”
Lord Donovan nodded slowly. “Can I offer myself as a walking partner? It would not be inappropriate, not with your maid here.”
Abigail looked away. “I… I’m grateful for your intervention, Lord Donovan, but I really think I’d rather walk alone.”
Disappointment crossed his face, just for a moment, but he nodded, stepping back.
“I see. Well, I’m sure I’ll see you again.”
He turned to go, but Abigail found herself speaking again.
