“Isabella, I—”Sheheld her breathas she waited for that glorious moment, the one that would gain her the happily ever after she’d always dreamed of—with the man whohad ever been, or would be,deserving of her affection.
“Isabella!”
Ridge broke off asa prominent feminine voice intruded.Isabellasighed, for shetrulycouldn’t believethe extent of her mother’s horrible timing.Lady Ashfieldrounded the corner and came upon them. “Claudiasaid I would find you here. Oh.” She halted mid-stride. “I didn’t realize we had a…guest.”
The termwasused lightly,and Isabellahad to grit her teeth. Unfortunately, thatwas just her mother’s way. Like most matrons of theton, she was concerned about appearances and as she glanced at Ridge in his simple attire, her face turned positively rigid. There was no expensive tailoring gracing any part of his body, butthat washow Isabella preferred it. But sheknewher mother wouldn’t be quite so forgiving.
While Lady Ashfield’s hair was adeeper shade ofauburn than her daughter’s,theyhad the same dark eyes,butithad always beentheir mannerisms that set them apartfrom one another. Her mother was sharp and direct, anddidn’t hold back her opinions.Isabella took after her father who was a bit more reserved.
“Mother.” Isabella stepped forward, turning the lady’s focus back on her. “You said you were looking for me?”
“Indeed.” She lifted her chin “Come along to the house. Your father has something to discuss with you. It is of the utmost urgency regarding your impending marriage.”
The fine hair rose on the back of her neck. “Pardon?”
Her mother rolled her eyes impatiently. “Don’t pretend ignorance with me, Isabella.Lord Liverpoolcame byour townhousein Londonyesterday, and I know hediscussed these particular matters with youbecause he said so.While there will be a blistering scandal resulting from your actions either way, as long asyou are properly secured, we may yet be able to salvage some of your crumbling reputation.”
Isabella’s mouth promptly fell open. It was true that the earl had spoken with her, but she just didn’t realize things would happen so…fast. She thought she might have had a bit more time to prepare for her journey to America. Now, it appeared she would have to travel sooner than expected. At least Korina had replied to hermissivewith the assurance that her great-auntwas stillin New York, and would beable to look after Isabellauntil she was properly settled.
But now shedared to glanceat Ridge, who had stood by and silently watched the exchange take place. While he wore a frown,it didn’t appear that he would be intervening. The moment for any sort of admission was obviously passed, and perhaps she’dmerelyimagined that he was about to declare himself.
In the end, she lowered her head and said, “Yes, Mama.”
Astheystarted to walk away,Ridge’sdeep voice stoppedthem. “Wait.”Hewalked forward to stand beside her, facing off against her mother as a united front. “Lady Ashfield.” He inclined his head in polite acknowledgement of her title. “If you will permit me to have a word with your husband—”
The marchioness pinned him with a glare. “And just who are you?”
Isabella saw Ridge’s jaw tighten. She hazarded a guess that he wasn’t a particular fan of theton. “My name is Ridge Claymoore.”
“And?”Her mother practically snapped.
“If you are inquiring about my history,” he saidcurtly, his dark eyes sparking. “I’m a bastard who grew up in a brothel.”
Isabella had never seen her mother’s mouth fall open quite so thoroughly. However, she snapped it closed and demanded, “If that is true, then what, may I ask, could possibly bring youontoAshfield property?”
Isabella clenched her fists. Her motherwas trying to make him out to be some sort of interloping vagrant. Shewouldn’t stand for it.“Mr. Claymoore works for the Home Office, Mama. He was assigned to protect me at Walmer.”
Lady Ashfield flicked a glance at her. “I thought this Montgomery individual had that position now?”
“He does, but—”
“Then I see no reason to continue this pointless conversation.” The marchioness turned back to Ridge. “Good day to you, Mr. Claymoore.”
With that, she took Isabella’s arm and led her away.
***
Ridge wasn’t exactly sure what had happened, but he wasn’t happy about it. He’d arrived at Ashfield Hall intending to seek out Isabella and attempt to tell her how he felt, which wasn’t an easy task on the best of days.He was relieved when he rode down the impressive drive and sawa flash ofherbluegowndisappear around a corner of thehouse. While the manor itself was daunting,reminding him that Isabella was so far above him in station,he refused to allow anything to mar this moment. He’d come this far. It was too late to back down now.
But just when he was about to wax poetic, this termagant of a woman came barreling forward and cut him off before he had a chance to pour out his soul.With a shake of his head, he supposed there was nothing left to do but return to London, where hecould lick his wounds in private.
But just as the stable hand brought his horse and Ridge was about to climb into the saddle, someone called out to him.
“Claymoore!”
Heblewoutalongbreath as Logan came walking toward him. Just what hedidn’tneedright now. “Montgomery,” he returned stiffly.
“What are you doing here?”the other manasked curiously.
