Page 51 of Avenging the Earl's Lady
She watched him, awed by his vulnerability, and wondered…if she slid from the bed would he wake?If the door to the corridor opened, would he be instantly alert?If she touched him…?
She snuggled closer and one eye opened, and then an arm snaked around her.
He slept, but she could not.This was a night to wonder at.After thirty-nine years of life, she knew what it truly was to make love to a man.
ButmarryShaldon?
His bed talk…those were just words.Before tonight, she’d only seen his reserved public face, but in fact, he’d sired a bastard and beguiled secrets from countless women in his travels.
No.She couldn’t promise to marry him.
Quentin needed her help.She must sell the painting tomorrow.But—what if Shaldon would buy it?
He’d acknowledged her theft and said nothing about buying it.Perhaps he thought a night bringing her pleasure was payment enough.And then what?
Her son needed help.She couldn’t rely on the wily Spy Lord.
In the early dawn,she woke alone.
Propped on the pillow next to her was a note and the letter Jenny had handed her, the letter she’d put aside last night.
She glanced at the note, squinting in the half light.
I will see you tonight at Lady Kennerly’s affair.Do be sure to read your letter.All will be well.
No words of love, no signature, not even an “S”.A guarded man was Lord Shaldon.She must remember that.
And she had no plans to attend Lady Kennerly’s affair.The man’s high-handedness knew no bounds.
The seal on the letter snapped easily, the paper unfolding to reveal a few lines of masculine script.
My dear Lady, I hope you will forgive my rudeness today.
She blinked and looked away, hands shaking and wondered if Shaldon had compelled this letter.
I assure you the harsh words were spoken out of shock and my embarrassment at my circumstances.I should like, if you are willing, to have a private moment with you at Lady Kennerly’s musicale tonight.There will be no need for further sacrifice from you, as Lord Shaldon has offered me a position.
Most sincerely, Q.P.
She flung the paper aside, sprang from the bed, and began to pace.
She was twice a fool.It was happening again.Shaldon was recruiting her son into danger, just as he’d done her brother and Reginald.
He’d made love to her only to soften her.Marriage?Pah.He wanted her agreement, her compliance.
Oh yes, he’d keep his word and follow through with a marriage—a union destined to be miserable.Shaldon never took half-measures in his managing.He wanted her—and her son—under his thumb.
But why?Why?She had no state secrets.She’d never betrayed England, nor had her son.
She squeezed her eyes on hot tears.In the short time she’d known Quentin, in the few social encounters they’d had since she’d met him, having heard the tales of his gambling and debts, she’d realized he was not suited for Shaldon’s type of work.He would be foolish.He would also meet an untimely death.
She must save him.
She hurriedly washed and grabbed a gown.Before she could struggle into her clothing, Jenny appeared.
“You’re up, my lady?”Jenny glanced at the bed where both notes lay scattered and the bedsheets and pillows were tumbled.The girl blinked once, and without further comment, went about helping her dress.
“I’m going out tonight.”She must make that meeting and convince him to decline Shaldon’s offer.“I’ll need one of my better gowns.Could you have a note carried to Lady Sirena?She’ll find something in my clothes press to send.”
“Yes, my lady.Shall we have your whole wardrobe brought here?”
Once her business here was settled, she would leave London quickly, which meant most of her wardrobe would stay behind.Perhaps Madame’s seamstresses would like some of her older dresses.
“No.I couldn’t possibly keep imposing on Lady Hackwell’s hospitality.I’m sure I’m a burden for the Lewises as well.And for you, Jenny.”
“No, my lady.”Jenny fastened the last hook and tugged Jane’s skirts into place.“I’ll deliver your note to Shaldon House myself.His lordship knows we’re both here, and I doubt he’ll clap me in irons.Are you visiting the modiste today?I’ll bring whatever gown Lady Sirena chooses to you there.”
While the maid went for a paper and quill, Jane twisted her hair into a knot.
