Whatever his reasons, and no matter her feelings of hurt, she must move forward. Certainly, she hadn’t hoped that a romance might bloom from their acquaintance. She’d had no brief imaginings of her raising Elizabeth and keeping his home. Indeed not. Juliana had enjoyed a very satisfying tryst with the man and would not allow her feelings to be engaged any further on the matter.
For pity’s sake, he still did not know her name. That nagging guilt bit at her once more, but she stifled her wince, tying the knot in her front-lacing stays and lifting her frock over her head. It was for the best that she had not shared her true name, for the maid’s intrusion would have ruined her otherwise. Juliana cared naught for her own reputation, of course, but she did wish for her brother to make a happy union one day, his ill treatment of her notwithstanding. And her good friends, Maria and Heather, might incur thehaut ton’s wrath merely by associating with Juliana. That, she could not abide.
She finished fastening her frock and became aware of Leo’s movement behind her. He’d donned his trousers and was slipping a foot into one boot, his bared back rippling and bunching with his movements. It was entirely captivating.
“I-I…” She cleared her throat and licked at her suddenly dried lips. “I ought to bid Miss Elizabeth farewell.”
He returned her gaze, his blue eyes dark with anguish. “Juliana, I—”
A hard knock sounded at the door, cutting off Leo’s words. Before Juliana could call entrance, the door swung inward and Percy marched in.
“Miss Smi— Oh.” His dark gaze darted from Juliana to Leo, then landed on the bed. His jaw jumped, and he closed the door before facing them both once more. “The estate has been compromised.”
“What do you mean?” Juliana asked, nervousness buzzing suddenly in her abdomen.
The man’s lips thinned. “Several of our horses have been lamed, three stable hands injured, and the carriages have been destroyed.”
“Has the bastard been apprehended?” Leo came forward, his face tight with dread.
Percy shook his head once. “No. He continues to evade our men and has hidden himself somewhere on the property.”
“Elizabeth,” Juliana breathed.
“I will take Miss Elizabeth and armed footmen on the curricle and accompanying mounts,” Percy added. “You both will have to ride.”
* * *
With a softclunk,the door closed behind them. Leonard caught Percy’s narrowed eyes in the dim light of the corridor, and his guilt swelled.
“I know what you will say,” Leo grumbled. “You believe that I ought to do right by her.”
“I am not your conscience. And I believe I told you that sex mi—”
“Tsst! Percy, for Christ’s sake, lower your voice,” Leo hissed. He bit at his bottom lip as they strode to his bedchamber.
Percy’s lips thinned. “Mayhap you ought to have locked the door.”
“I hadn’t entered her bedchamber with the thought of—” Leo growled. “Confound it, man, you know why I am no good for the woman.”
Percy remained silent as they entered Leo’s bedchamber and found his saddlebags. The silence between them as they hurriedly packed was almost worse than any recrimination.
Leo’s guilt built, weighing on his soul and crushing the wind from his chest.
“I will take Miss Elizabeth north,” Percy said into the silence.
“To the hunting box in Scotland?” Leo clarified.
Percy inclined his head.
“Very good. I will write to you once the danger has passed so that you might bring Lizzy home.”
His friend gave a mock salute. “Good luck, sir.”
* * *
London
Maria Roberts pacedher familial town house’s parlour, awaiting a response to a summons. She’d already received a reply from Heather stating that she could not attend due to prior obligations with her cousins—the odious hate mongers who treated her like a servant. Now, Maria waited on the Duke of Derby.
