Once, Liberty had been his best friend, and someone he’d believed would always be in his life. Now they were strangers.
He’d watched her from afar and this Liberty was nothing like the hoyden he’d known. Toby knew age had to have changed her like him, but she’d seemed almost a different person. He knew why he was now like he was, but not her, and hated that she may have suffered as he had.
They’d not spoken, just a nod occasionally, but for the most, they’d avoided each other.
Toby watched as she said something to her maid, and then they were walking toward him, which was the only way out of the village. Reaching him, both women dropped into a curtsey.
“Lord Corbyn.” Liberty’s voice was so cold it was amazing he didn’t turn into an ice sculpture.
“Lady Liberty, Helen,” Toby said, bowing. “I hope you are well?”
A flash of pain, which she quickly masked, accompanied the surprise on her face.
“I am, thank you.” There was a tense silence before she added, “I’m sure the villagers are as shocked as I to see you here, my lord.”
Before Toby could answer, she’d walked on leaving him feeling raw and exposed. He’d heard the anger in her words, and they were justified. He resisted the urge to watch her walk away from him.
Toby kept his expression blank and entered the bakery to purchase a wedge of gingerbread from a young woman he didn’t know, thankfully, so there was no censuring look accompanying his purchase. He then walked slowly back up the street, eating it as he took in everything around him. Of Liberty, there was no sign.
Reaching his carriage, he climbed inside and began the long journey back to London, knowing he now had many hours to think about seeing her again, and the flash of pain on her face.
Chapter Three
Liberty kept walkingwith her head high, eyes focused on the road ahead. Beside her, her maid did the same. To anyone watching, they were just two women strolling. Not that anyone was watching. Something felt wrong here. Usually it was a bustling hub of activity. Even for a small village there was someone waving or calling out, but not today.
Liberty held two pieces of gingerbread in a gloved hand, but the thought of eating them now made her feel ill.Damn you, Tobias Corbyn.She hated when he suddenly appeared like that. Usually, she could walk the other way, or at least force a fake smile onto her lips, which was expected in society. But the shock of seeing him here had reduced her to a mute statue for long seconds.
Why was he in Bidham after all this time?
Lord Corbyn was a rake who seemed to relish in shocking people. He’d also once been her best friend.
“Lady Liberty, how wonderful to see you, and here of all places.”
“Lord Michael,” Liberty said surprised to find this man at the entrance to the village of Bidham. “My father’s estate is nearby, my lord, and what is your reason for being here?”
His smile was genuine. They’d had many conversations on a variety of topics while dancing. The man was always interesting to chat with, and unlike other men, actually thought she was capable of intelligent conversation.
“Of course, I had quite forgotten you live nearby. I am here visiting Mr. Landon. We hoped to see the Great Comet through his telescope.”
“I’m sure it was spectacular,” Liberty said, and meant it. She’d always wanted to see the night sky through a telescope.
“Unfortunately, we could not see it due to cloud cover. But I have not given up hope and will be returning until I do.”
Not overly tall, the man had a smile that reached all corners of his face, and made his eyes twinkle. Unassuming, he was not flamboyant in his dress like many.
“Well, good day to you, my lord. We are to return to London now.”
“Good day, and I will look forward to our next dance. But right now, I shall get a slice of the gingerbread you are carrying, as it smells delicious.”
“Indeed it is, and I highly recommend it.”
He raised a hand and walked toward the village.
Thankfully, there were no further sightings of the perfidious Lord Corbyn as Liberty and Helen made their way to the carriage. She was not looking forward to the hours cooped up inside, and yet her family insisted she return to London today.
They had left two days ago as her parents had an important dinner they had to attend, and as she’d been suffering from a stomach upset, it was decided that Liberty recover completely first. So, today, accompanied by Helen, a footman, and driver, she would start the day long return journey to London.
Liberty, however, had no wish to reenter the horrid and treacherous waters of society, which she passionately disliked, and had for the three years she’d been forced to endure them. At eighteen, just before she was to enter society, Liberty had a horse-riding accident. It had taken her three years before she was ready to contemplate society. By then she’d been twenty-one, and too old to be a debutante.
