A small earthenware jar sailed through the broken window and landed with a thud on the carriage floor. Hart stared at the lit fuse burning bright in the dark. His brain finally comprehending the danger, he flung open the door and vaulted onto the cobblestones. Turning, he reached out a hand. “Quick—”
The blast knocked him backward onto the hard pavement. Searing pain raced over his arm and chest. The smell of burning fabric filled his nostrils. Flames surrounded him. He flailed at them with his hands, but he could not fill his lungs with enough breath to call for help. Then he heard yelling and the heavy fall of footsteps. He was enveloped in black cloth that smelled of horse. The flames were extinguished. As the heavy cloth lifted, he tried to focus on the face above him. When he blinked, a sharp tearing agony tore through his right eye. His scream rent the air, and his vision dimmed as he slid into unconsciousness.
Chapter One
One year later
The moonlight enticedLucy to step outside the ballroom. Night air, fresh and cool, skated over her overheated skin. The dancing inside was in full swing. Not a soul lingered on the veranda. Lucy fled down the steps that led down to the gardens. Her gaze scanned the great hedges that cast long shadows across the manicured lawn. Realizing she was alone, Lucy glanced backward at the lights spilling from the house. There were plenty of young debutants for men to dance with; no one would miss her. She followed the moonlight through the opening in the boxwoods and into the center courtyard that featured a large stone fountain.
She came to a stop and turned her face to the sky. What a beautiful night. It was a shame she must attend these social functions. Tonight would be a perfect night for stargazing. The scent of jasmine filled her nose, and she drew in a breath to savor the sweet smell. In the next moment, that breath left her in a sharp gasp as a pair of arms banded around her from behind.
“Miss Middleton, didn’t anyone tell you young ladies should not be found unchaperoned in the gardens?”
She closed her eyes.Fitzwilliam.Blast the persistent rogue. “Unhand me immediately, or you will certainly regret the consequences,” Lucy growled.
The man who stood behind her, pinning her arms to her sides, chuckled into her ear. “Miss Middleton, how could I possibly regret the consequences of being caught in a compromising position with you? That is exactly my objective. You are what I want. And I always take what I want.”
“And if I don’t want to be taken?”
“That is inconsequential, my dear. You will marry me. This will ensure that you will. Don’t worry; you’ll enjoy it as much as I will.” He licked the shell of her ear.
Lucy choked on her outrage. Fitzwilliam really didn’t know how to take no for an answer. The despicable bastard thought he could coerce her?Unbelievable!She lifted her foot and stomped down hard on his instep with her heeled dancing shoe, his grunt of pain satisfying. His arms loosened enough for her to turn and thrust the heel of her hand sharply up at his weak chin. He stumbled back a step. She hiked her skirts up and delivered a swift kick between his legs like her father had taught her. Fitzwilliam crumpled to his knees with a wheeze.
Lucy sent him a look of disdain as she smoothed her skirts. “I told you that you would regret the consequences. Do not come near me again.”
Fitzwilliam’s eyes burned like hot coals as he stared up at her from the grass. “You bitch,” he hissed. “You will marry me. And mark my words; I will punish you for this.”
A sharp sliver of fear pierced her chest. Lucy filled her lungs with cool night air. He couldn’t make her do anything. Although this had been a close call. She had not realized he’d followed her from the ballroom. A foolish mistake on her part to wander outside to the gardens by herself. But she had so desperately needed some fresh air.Stupid.She turned on her heel and strode away.
Her footsteps crunched on the pea gravel of the path. At the break in the hedge, she paused to glance around. No one was in her vicinity. Although she could see people further down the veranda. She quickly made her way through the shadows to the last door, which led into the ballroom. Spotting Aunt Trudy, she slowed her pace as she made her way to her, smiling at people that she knew. She let out a breath of relief as she stepped up to Trudy’s side.
Aunt Trudy looked her up and down with her shrewd blue-grey eyes. “What’s happened?”
“Whatever do you mean?” Lucy replied.
“You are clearly flustered. And your dress looks wrinkled.”
Lucy smoothed her gloved hands down the peach silk of her gown. Damn him to hell. She stepped closer to Trudy and opened her fan in front of her mouth. “I was ambushed by Lord Fitzwilliam, whose intention was to compromise me so that I would consent to marry the snake.”
“He did what?!” Trudy raised her own fan to cover her shocked expression.
Lucy nodded. “He came up behind me and pinned me against him. He spelled his intentions out very clearly.”
“Well! And I thought he was halfway decent. I hope you took care of him.”
Lucy nodded. “But I fear he will only be more of a problem now. He was incensed.”
Trudy let out a long sigh.
She tucked her arm through Lucy’s. “Time to go home. We will figure something out.”
*
The next day,Lucy joined Aunt Trudy in the morning room for breakfast. The older woman sent her a bright smile. “Good morning, dear.”
“Good morning, Trudy. You are up early.” Lucy sat down. A footman poured her tea. The fragrant smell of orange blossom wafted pleasantly from her cup.
“Yes, I can’t seem to sleep well anymore. Age ruins that for you. My rheumatism made me ache.”
