“Do not force me to cause a scene,” she said as she tugged on her hand.
“We shall avoid that at all costs.” With that, he took an even firmer hold on her arm and pulled her out the door.
Eliza’s heart raced when she nearly stumbled in response. Surely someone had witnessed his treatment of her and would aid her.
“See?” he asked once they stood outside, his grip still tight. “This isn’t so terrible.” He leaned close as if sharing a confidence. “It’s for your benefit as much as mine. The air in the ballroom is stifling.”
She drew a deep breath and then another for good measure despite the actual pressure of her corset. “There. All better. I’m returning inside.”
“Not so quickly.” He studied her for a long moment. “My cousin seems to have taken an interest in you of late. I confess that I was curious as to why.” His gaze lingered on her neckline. “Now that I’ve had a closer look, I’m starting to understand.”
Eliza’s heart pounded with fear when he forced her closer, the liquor on his breath making her feel even more unsafe.
“Why shouldn’t I have a taste of you to know for certain.”
“Release me at once,” she demanded. Yet an icy cold shiver crept up her spine at the menacing look in his eyes.
The fact that they were just outside of a ballroom filled with people should’ve been reassuring but it wasn’t.
She couldn’t count on anyone to assist her in this moment or for the rest of her life. It had been that way since well before the death of her parents. She needed to save herself without causing a scene because the last thing she wanted was to be compromised by Delbert.
“Soon.” He offered a lazy smile. “But first a kiss.”
“No.”
“One kiss and I’ll set you free.”
Absolutely not. But telling him that would gain her nothing.
He bent toward her as if assuming she’d comply. Her best hope—her only hope—was to act complacent so he’d relax his grip.
“One kiss?” she asked, forcing herself to stop fighting his hold.
His triumphant expression made her stomach turn. “Yes. You have my word.”
His word meant nothing. She already knew better than to trust him.
His focus shifted to her mouth. This was her chance. It was now or never. She stomped on his foot and jerked her hand free just as she saw something move out of the corner of her eye.
“Lady Eliza?” a feminine voice said.
Her heart flew to her throat at the thought of being caught like this. She looked to see Lady Millicent and Miss Davies exiting the terrace door.
“Is all well?” Lady Millicent asked as they walked closer, her worried gaze holding on Eliza.
“It is now.” She stepped away from Delbert with a glare and joined her friends, hoping their presence meant safety rather than witnesses. She didn’t want them to sound the alarm.
They moved to flank her and continued to glare at Delbert with suspicion. To think her new friends noted her absence and had come to her rescue warmed her from the inside out.
“You weren’t out here alone with Lady Eliza, were you, my lord?” Lady Millicent asked. “That simply isn’t done.”
“No, it isn’t,” Miss Davies added.
“Eliza?”
She turned to see Philip standing in the open doorway, his brow furrowed. The lights from the ballroom kept her from truly being able to see his expression, but his tone suggested he wasn’t pleased.
Neither was she. She had nearly been ruined.
