She looked sideways at his words, and realized anyone could have seen them. Reality returned with violent speed. Horrified at what she had been a part of, and allowed him to do, Beth sat back quickly, lowering her eyes as embarrassment swept over her.
“I’m not sorry I touched and kissed you, Beth, only that I did so in a carriage where anyone could have seen us.”
His voice was hoarse, and one hand clenched tight on his thigh.
“It should not have happened, will not happen again... ever. I want you to call off the betrothal now, tonight.”
“No.” Just one word, but Beth heard the finality in it. She dared to look up at him. His jaw was clenched, and the embers of passion still smoldered in his eyes.
“You must see it is for the best. This, whatever it is, cannot continue. Everything has changed. Stop this madness now, Leo, and you go back to your life and I mine.”
“It will not be that simple, as you very well know, especially after the display we put on for Lady Blanchly and the evil breaker of hearts. And let us also add the fact that I just ravished you in a hackney.”
“Harriet!” Beth snapped. “And what happened was simply momentary madness and nothing more.”
“I would not call what just took place between us madness, in fact far from it.” His eyes were so dark now, fired with emotion as he looked at her.
“Leo, please see reason,” she begged him.
“I will not walk away from you now when trouble is dogging your every step. Especially if, as I believe, you are being blackmailed. In fact, after what we just shared, I don’t think I want this betrothal to end at all.”
Beth stared at him in horror. Surely he had not said those words? “You cannot be serious,” she whispered. “W-we loathe each other.”
“Do we?” He raised a brow as he held her gaze. “That certainly wasn’t loathing we felt just minutes ago.”
“Stop this!” Panic gripped her as he gave her a gentle smile, the kind of smile she had seen Nick give Grace. No, no, no, this was not happening. She did not care for him, and he felt absolutely nothing for her.
Beth flung open the door as she felt the carriage start to slow. Lifting her skirts she then jumped to the ground, and hurried toward her house.
“Beth!”
Leo was hot on her heels as she ran up the steps to the front door. She opened it, slammed it behind her, and locked it.
“Miss Whitlow.” Her butler appeared.
“Let no one enter, please, I have a headache and wish to rest.”
Ignoring the pounding on the wood, she took the stairs two at a time and did not stop running until she reached her room. Once there she took out her writing things and sat to compose a note. Handing it to her footman fifteen minutes later, she asked that he deliver it at once, before the doubts would stop her sending it. She then waited, and prayed.
