CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Leosearched the last few pews in the church, then looked around, but had no idea what he was actually looking for. He was convinced Beth had left something in here, and his instinct had been to search the entire church thoroughly, and yet if he did that she would get away without him questioning her further.
Frustrated, he left the church intent on grabbing her and shaking some sense into her if he must. His eyes went to the park, but she was not there, so he searched the street and found Beth standing beside a carriage, back straight, hands clenched at her sides, which indicated she was no happier than he that the carriage held Lady Blanchly, one of society’s biggest gossips, and the evil breaker of hearts. Looking at Harriet’s perfect features, Leo waited for the pain, but it didn’t come. Looking at Beth, however, he definitely felt something, which he found interesting. Unsettling, yes, but also interesting.
“Our love is truly a wondrous thing, Lady Hyndmarsh. It transcends the simple terms of flowery prose often used, and we communicate with just a look or a smile.”
Leo swallowed his snort at Beth’s words.
“Indeed it is, my sweet. Wondrous in no way covers the joy I feel upon rising each and every day with the knowledge that shortly you, my love, my life, will be mine.”
“Lord Vereton.” Harriet gave him a simpering smile that made his teeth snap together. How had he allowed himself to be so taken in by this woman?
“Lady Blanchly, Lady Hyndmarsh.” He bowed, and enjoyed the tightening of Harriet’s lips as she noted he’d addressed her second, even though hers was the higher rank.
“My lord, we were just discussing the fact that Miss Whitlow was out here alone,” Harriet said with a smile on her face that did not reach her eyes.
Leo made a show of looking around him. “Her maid is there, and as I was a few feet away conversing with an acquaintance, she was never alone. But of course your concern is heartwarming, my dear Lady Hyndmarsh.”
Beth made a choking sound, and he rubbed his hand up her spine, which made it straighten more, almost an impossible feat, he would have thought.
“Are you all right, my love?”
“Quite... thank you.”
“You are very forward in your endearments in a public setting, Lord Vereton,” Lady Blanchly said with a sniff.
Leo smiled, and took Beth’s hand in his, kissing her knuckles. He then placed it on his arm.
“When you finally find love, my lady, you want to let everyone share in your happiness.”
Beth made a gagging sound this time, but the ladies did not hear.
“My love for this woman consumes me,” he continued, now enjoying himself hugely. Worry still nagged at him over what Beth was up to, but he’d find out, even if he had to watch her every move. For now he was quite happy to make her extremely uncomfortable. “She has completed me,” he said, placing a hand on his chest. “And I believe I have completed her, is that not so, my sweet Miss Whitlow?”
She looked up at him, and although her lips curved upward, her eyes shot sparks. Leo loved it.
“Oh, my dear Lord Vereton, your words are too much.” She rummaged about in her reticule and found a handkerchief, which she then dabbed at her eyes. Her fingers pinched his skin through his sleeve... hard.
“Well, we cannot stand here all day,” Harriet said, shooting Beth and him a final glare. “Good day.”
They watched the carriage until it had left their sight, and Leo waited for Beth to unleash a torrent of anger on him. He was not disappointed.
“What did you think you were doing!”
“Enforcing the belief that we are to be married for love, my sweet, and as I was simply following your lead I fail to see how you can censure me. After all, our love transcends the simple terms of flowery prose.”
Even angry she was beautiful, Leo thought. Her eyes were narrowed, and focused on him. A soft band of pink rode high on her cheekbones, and those long lashes fluttered over dark blue eyes, that in this light had a touch of gray around the iris of the left one. Her hands were now on her trim hips, and if she could have done him bodily harm, he thought she would. Looking at all that fire and beauty made him want to kiss her, which of course he would not do as he wasn’t sure he’d walk away unscathed in her current mood.
“If you ever want a chance to have that woman at your side, you just ruined it.”
“Why would you believe I wish to be with her?” Leo was unsure where this conversation was heading, but was sure he would not like it.
“Because you once loved her, and while you have vowed you no longer do so, I am not certain you speak the truth.”
Leo shook his head. Surely she was not serious?
“In fact, I believe I will tell Lady Hyndmarsh that you could not wed me as you still love her.”
