“That must be it! Up ahead.” Chloe closed her eyes and inhaled. “You can smell the sea in the air.”
Her companion for the two-day journey was either intentionally ignoring Priscilla’s panic or oblivious to it.
“I can’t go through with it,” Priscilla gasped, her knuckles white from clutching her reticule. Numbness had long since taken over her hands and feet, and as they neared their destination, breathing became more and more difficult.
“Very well. If you truly feel that way, I’ll instruct Coachman John to turn around,” Chloe quipped.
But Priscilla caught the outrageous girl’s fist before she could pound it on the ceiling. “You know what I mean. I’ll do it. I have to do it.”
But it was going to be like walking on the edge of a sword.
Chloe allowed her a sympathetic wince before turning to stare out the window again. “It really is quite majestic. It’s a shame you couldn’t just marry him yourself.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” When Lord Hardwood discovered that she’d lied to him, he would hate her.
If he discovered that she’d lied.
Hopefully, it wouldn’t ever come to that.
But Chloe had turned back around to face her. “You could always just tell him the truth and offer yourself as an alternative. I never did understand why you entered teaching, not with a brother—”
“I didn’t have a choice. Trust me.” Priscilla rarely, if ever, discussed her past with anyone. The entire affair had all been too humiliating—too embarrassing. And but for a little luck, the incident could have resulted in an even greater tragedy than it already had. “Besides, I thought you didn’t believe in marriage.”
“I don’t,” Chloe agreed. “Not for me. That doesn’t mean it wouldn’t suit someone like you.”
Priscilla ignored Chloe’s suggestion as tall gray towers appeared outside the window. They brought to mind soldiers standing guard as though to protect the inhabitants of the imposing manor.
It wasn’t a house at all but more of a fortress.
“I am Allison Meadowbrook. I am seven and ten, and I have no wish to marry—not now, perhaps never.”
Chloe caught Priscilla's hand and squeezed. “And I am your most dedicated chaperone, who has accompanied you to ensure all goes as planned.”
Priscilla nodded, and the two ladies fell silent as the carriage maneuvered the drive along the rocky cliffs. Was Chloe imagining all that could go wrong as well?
At the last turn, Hardwood Cliffhouse came into view. The household had obviously been alerted that a carriage was approaching, for no less than twenty individuals seemed to be awaiting their arrival.
One side was obviously servants decked out in various uniforms. Across from them, a line of young girls wearing assorted colors of coats, hats, and scarves—his sisters, no doubt. And a more dignified woman was standing and clutching the arm of a familiar gentleman.
Priscilla’s heart jumped. Because the arm she clutched belonged to non-other than Lord Hardwood. Even if she didn’t recognize the familiar top hat and coat, she would have known it was him by the set of his shoulders and the tilt of his head.
And by the butterflies, which were at it again.
Two other gentlemen stood on his opposite side, one with his arms folded across his chest and the other his hands clasped behind his back.
But Priscilla had eyes only for her host.
And as though he could see in the window, he lifted one hand in greeting. “He only wants your money, please, remember that.” Chloe seemed to sense Priscilla’s weakness already.
“Allison’s money,” Priscilla said. “He wants Allison’s money.” He’d been quite plain regarding his motivations.
The reminder should have quieted Priscilla’s heart and put a damper on her attraction, but ironically, it had the opposite effect. Such honesty in his dealings revealed a strength of character she hadn’t expected.
The carriage drew to a halt, and before one of their outriders could jump off to perform the task, Lord Hardwood himself stepped forward and to open the door.
Priscilla remained seated, reeling in her emotions, while Chloe exited first. And still, by the time Lord Hardwood peered into the carriage a second time, her numb nervousness remained.
“Allison.” He extended a hand toward her. “I’m pleased not to have had to come looking for you after all.”
