Page 85 of Avenging the Earl's Lady
She forced herself to lean back against the squab.Patience?She was deadly sick of summoning her patience, completely dry of it.
She rubbed a thumb over the soft seat.This was another Shaldon coach, discreetly elegant with velvet upholstery and good padding underneath.
If she could but have a second chance, if she could wean the Earl away from his dallying, this could be hers.
Could have beenhers.She’d seen the Major at the musicale—given the opportunity, the Major would kill.
No.Shaldon was no wilting fern.He was a tall, strong, active man, a hard man.
But his opponent was built like a bull.And he was many years younger.
She gripped her hands and looked out the window, watching the play of the wind on the river.Clouds were moving in, dark and filled with angry moisture.
It had rained the night Reginald and her brother died.It had rained the night before their death, the night when Shaldon appeared at their home to join them for dinner.Father had not been happy to set the extra place at table, but one did not refuse hospitality to a powerful earl.
Shaldon had been gracious and reserved that night.He had spoken to her, a mere young girl.He had noticed her, politely, distantly, and she had noticed him, the way one notices a handsome, older, unattainable man one has no interest in.
And she’d been jealous.When Shaldon beckoned, Reginald went, and her brother also, in the way of men everywhere.Men’s men, they were, and the ladies could be satisfied with the crumbs of attention cast their way.
“And there’s the cart, my lady.”
Ewen’s voice ripped her back from her dark memories.The wide country cart passed and their coach began to move, crawling across the decrepit wooden bridge.They turned down a carriage path and stopped again.
“What is it this time?”Jane asked.
“I’ll check.”Ewan jumped out, and the Captain followed him.Moments later, they moved forward, pulling to the side, and another coach passed.
Captain Kingsley pushed Charley Everly in and climbed in behind him.
