“I wonder if it will ever truly be over.”
“It has to be,” Beth said attempting to sound determined when inside she felt the same as her mother.
“Your father has done as he was asked for years, and now you. How will it end? Can it end?”
“I refuse to believe this is our life, Mother. We must find a way to end it.” They hugged once more.
“You received another invitation today,” her mother said slowly as Beth released her.
“What invitation?”
“We are invited to the theatre three nights from now. We will sit in the royal box. Our king will not be present, but we are there at the request of Mr. Valentine.”
“Well, that is excellent news,” Beth said with a lack of enthusiasm. “Perhaps this really will be over soon.”
“I want you to listen to me, Beth.” Her mother took her hands in hers.
“I’m listening.”
“You will do nothing but what must be done. You will not sacrifice yourself in other ways to achieve what you must. Do you understand me?” Her shoulders were gripped.
“I do.” This, of course, had been her fear. Was she to give her body to a man just to secure what she needed to keep her family safe? Would it come to that with Logan? He’d made no secret of the fact he wanted her.
“We will take breakfast, then go for a walk, and then you will go riding with your friend and her horrid sister and be the young and carefree woman I so wish for you to be again, if only for a day.”
Beth doubted she’d ever be young and carefree again but kept those thoughts to herself.
…
“You must have a care if you see that man again.”
Beth had just left her room dressed for her ride in the park when she found Lucas lurking in the hallway.
“What man?”
“The one from last night. You may think you had him fooled with your silly voice and mask, but he is a cunning one.”
“Firstly, how do you know that I am acquainted with him, and secondly, why do you think he is cunning?” Beth asked.
“I saw the way you reacted to him, and the kiss.”
Color filled Beth’s cheeks at his words.
“He also fights like five men and is a man who knows things. Why would a nobleman be there if not seeking out information?”
Where did Nathan learn to fight as he had last night?
“He has no idea who I am.”
“But you do know him because I doubt you would kiss a stranger.”
“I am acquainted with him and will take care in his company. But it is you who must not speak in his presence or get too close if Mr. Deville is anywhere in our vicinity.” Which he likely wouldn’t be, as he could not tolerate her.
On that depressing thought, she hurried past the footman and down the stairs with him on her heels.
“Is he the one who put those shadows in your eyes when you returned suddenly from London?”
She stopped at the bottom and looked over her shoulder. He was giving her a steady look. Beth often forgot that Lucas saw more than she gave him credit for.
