“No, but thank you. I simply need a time to compose my thoughts. But the tea would be lovely. Thank you.”
“I’ll send over the tea and a bit of cake for the extra sugar. My wife swears by it after a fright. If you need anything else, I am at your service.” The kind innkeeper left her sitting in a corner of the room.
Just as she struggled to hold back tears of fear and frustration, another person entered the establishment. She wasn’t sure why she looked up, but when she did, she couldn’t believe her eyes. It was him. As though she had conjured him up, he was here.
The Duke of Weston looked around and spied her. In a few steps he stood before her, his expression a mix of concern and determination and possibly relief. Without a word, he took charge of the situation, his calm demeanor wrapping around her like a protective shield. She felt a wave of relief wash over her as he assumed control with practiced ease, his presence anchoring her.
She had been gone for several weeks, and this was the first time she had welcomed the attentions of a man who was not an innkeeper. She had been able to extricate herself from the previous ones, but this man, the duke, was not one she could likely shake loose. Nor did she want to.
Being accosted by road bandits was one distressing event she couldn’t forget. And she shot a man. She didn’t think he was dead, for he could move still as they drove away, but the reality was the same to her. The panic returned. Her breath came harder, her chest tightened.
“Come on, my dear. We have all had a fright today and you have had the worst of it. I told the innkeeper I was your husband and had just heard the news. I will take care of you. He seemed relieved that you didn’t have to stay alone. I am too.”
She nodded, still struggling to breathe easily but finding his presence comforting. Once he had them in a tiny private room off in the corner of the establishment, she inched down onto the seating as food was carried in for them.
“I have brought out food for your men, as well, and found places for them to sleep the night, Your Grace. If you require anything else, let me know. I will return shortly.” The innkeeper stopped and turned around to say, “Your duchess, Your Grace, saved the occupants in the coach by taking the first shot quickly. She hit true. The rest responded after that, but she is a good shot. She was well taught.”
Oliver gave her a look of appreciation and something else. “She was indeed.” The stew and bread, along with a new pot of tea, were welcome. “Have you eaten today, my dear?”
“At breakfast. We were going to stop to eat our lunch but things happened.”
“The robbery.”
“Yes. I guess you have already heard all the news. Well obviously, since the innkeeper must have already spoken to you to know the story to comment on it.” Lilli was feeling testy.
“Yes. And I want to hear about it from you but not until you have eaten your fill and had some tea. You must still be in shock. Shall I get you some brandy? I want you to feel better about things.”
“Things?” She shook her head and took a bite.
It was savory and warm. Just what she needed. Oliver took her cue and ate his dinner.
“Why are you here?” she asked him after having eaten her fill. “You are supposed to be at home taking care of Heatherfield. That is quite irresponsible.”
“Irresponsible?” He sounded a very undignified snort. “Who left without permission or an escort? Who has been traipsing about the countryside without anyone knowing her whereabouts? No, Heatherfield is where you are supposed to be, waiting for me to return.”
“Am I to wait for you now? I have things that must be done.” A beat of time passed. “Return? From where?”
“Don’t tell me you did not know that I was out of the country? You took the opportunity to slip away. You had everyone worried.”
“I thought you were at home. How was I to know you were galivanting about the world?” Lilli shook her head and leaned back in her chair. “It doesn’t matter. I was mourning my grandmother. How would I have time to worry about where you were? Rather arrogant, wouldn’t you say? And I am always responsible. Besides, I have things to take care of. I informed you. Who did you leave to watch my place? My people are good but they like to talk about the direction of the estate.”
“I thought you needed a Daddy and I needed my little one. You do and I do, but for right now, you need a spanking more.”
“I need a… No, just no. How dare you insult me and in public.”
He ran his fingers through his hair. “We are in a private room, my dear,” he said dryly. “The better question is where are you going? What has kept you gone for weeks?” His voice betrayed his weariness and confusion.
“Nowhere that you need concern yourself. Besides, I already told you. To find my father. And I know you read my message or else you would not have been here.”
His voice lowered and deepened. “Lilliana, I will not play games. I am too tired and irritated. You will answer me truthfully and completely, or I will…”
“What? Beat me?” She realized, too late, that she had pushed too far, but dammit, she was done in.
“Have you gotten a room here yet?”
“Yes.”
“Good, I will share with you.”
