Page 5 of Avenging the Earl's Lady
A scratching at the door brought the maid, Jenny.
“I’m to help you start packing, Lady Perry,” she said.
“Packing?”Perry said.
The girl nodded.“His lordship says you’re to leave tomorrow for London.”
Perry shot to her feet.“Tomorrow?”She plopped her hands on her hips.
Once they returned to Shaldon House and the watchful eyes of the staff, Perry might not have the freedom to sneak into Fox’s bed.
“I for one, will be glad to get back,” Jane said.“And I suppose, Fox will visit Doctor’s Commons so you can marry with a Special License.”
Perry chewed on her lip, nodding.
Jenny coughed.“Mr.Fox was to stay here, I heard his lordship say.Him and Mr.Kincaid, and you, Lady Jane, to look after Mr.Kincaid until he heals enough to travel.”
Her face grew warm, her fingers again curled around the letters.
Would he try to break up the engagement he’d just approved?Perry might even now be with child—one night of passion was enough forthat.As for herself…the letters in her hand reminded her she needed to return to London immediately.
And somehow, secure a thousand pounds.
She smoothed out the paper and took in a breath.She had no one she could turn to for the funds.Her cousin Cheswick had stood by her in her very worst years, agreeing to her plans and supplementing her inheritance, allowing her the life she’d pleaded for.With estates and tenants, and his own children to raise, he was too cash-strapped to offer much more than hospitality, even if she dared to ask it, and as her solicitor had said, he’d never allow her to touch the principle of her accounts that were under his control.If he knew she’d withdrawn from Great Aunt Mildred’s bequest, he would think she’d been reckless.
There was Sirena, like herself, the daughter and cousin of an earl.Sirena had served as Jane’s companion in the humble rooms they’d taken upon their arrival in London last year, before they’d both moved into the large Shaldon townhouse in Mayfair.
But if Sirena learned her secret, Bakeley would also, and surely then Shaldon would find out.
Shaldon, the man who’d taken her into his home, the man who’d kissed her yesterday, expected her to stay here and nurse the blasted man she’d stitched up twice because the fool would not stay put.She couldn’t bear to have Shaldon discover this piece of her past.There was no telling how he’d use it against her.
She wouldn’t seek charity that would destroy friendships, nor would she sell herself into a loathsome marriage.
Enough dithering—she’d sell what she had of value, and for the rest, she’d do what she must.
“No,” Perry said, pulling her out of her thoughts.“That won’t do.The coronation is in days and Jane wants to attend the parties.I don’t give two shakes about them.”
God’s truth, the joy had gone out of the coronation celebration.The money she’d eked out for gowns would go to a different use now, and she’d have to find a great deal more, and soon, by whatever means necessary.
She’d seen a Limoges vase in this parlor and some quality books in the small library.All of this would be Lady Perry’s upon her marriage and perhaps she’d understand.
Jane would take them to London and seek Barton’s and Madame’s help selling them.
But…the items would be the devil to carry, and she would not like to travel alone.
“And what of you, Jenny?Are you to accompany Lady Perry?”The sensible little maid had been Perry’s companion in her flight to freedom.
The girl blinked.“His lordship didn’t say.”
Perry’s gaze met Jenny’s.“Lady Jane will need you more.”
“I would like that,” Jane said.
Jenny could stay here with her, and then what?She couldn’t involve the girl in her plotting…in her theft.If caught and prosecuted, she might get transportation at the worst, but Jenny would hang.
She stood and began to pace.She must think this through.She needed money, and she needed to make haste to London and…
The painting.It was a Spanish masterpiece.A thing of value, Perry had said, a painting that was to have been hers, and one she didn’t care about.Not hard to carry if one rolled it up.And if one rich man wanted it badly, others would also.Jane had heard whispers that Madame’s cousin dealt in such matters.
