that you will find valuable.
John Carston
“It’s from the Bow Street Runner we hired,” Justin said, a grim look on his face.
“Why would he go alone?” Jillian asked, dread clenching her stomach. Lady Bea reached out and grasped her hand in comfort.
“I think he didn’t want to encroach on our evening. I don’t like it though,” he said frowning. “Sweetheart, I am going after him. I’ll have a footman escort you to your room as soon as the ball is over and remain on guard outside your door.”
“Do not worry about me,” she said quickly. “You must hurry if you are to catch up with him.”
He kissed her hand and quickly made his way towards the door, leaving Jillian standing next to Lady Bea.
“Come, my dear, try not to worry.” She took Jillian’s arm and led her over to where Lady Cecilia, Lady Burlington and Adela Farnsworth were standing. They offered their congratulations to Jillian and immediately started a commentary on the attendants of the ball.
Jillian tried to pay attention to what the ladies were saying, but her thoughts were centered on Justin and Case. When Lord Munsford approached her for a dance, she tried to beg off, but Lady Bea urged her forward. “Go on, my dear. It will take your mind off other matters.”
Reluctantly, she allowed Lord Munsford to lead her onto the floor. She smiled brightly and responded appropriately to his conversation. He was witty and charming, and by the end of the dance, she’d managed to relax.
As the last note died, a familiar voice sounded behind her. “I do believe the next dance is mine, Lady Penroth.”
She froze, prickles of apprehension running down her spine. She felt hot then cold, and bile rose in her throat. Her palms grew sweaty. Dear God, it couldn’t be! She slowly turned around, her dread growing with each breath. Finally, she stopped and then looked into the eyes of Satan himself. The entire room had fallen silent and then a horrible buzzing began sounding in her ears.
“Fortunately for me, I returned when I did, darling. It wouldn’t do for you to marry another man.”
“You’redead,” she whispered as darkness overcame her.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Lucas caught her as she fell. Silly bitch had unwittingly made things much easier for him. He was careful to keep his emotions in check as he turned to face the throng of people that had crowded around. “My lady is overcome in her joy at my return,” he said smiling broadly at his peers.
He picked her up and began to shove through the astonished people. “Make way! She needs air.”
The crowd parted, a mixture of shock and interest on their faces. He strode rapidly toward the door, anxious to escape their inquisitive stares. Just as the doorway was within reach, Lady Bea and three other women hurried to bar his exit.
Lady Bea drew herself up to her full imposing height and stood abreast of the other women. “Lord Penroth, as she has been residing with me these last few weeks, you may take her to the parlor and I will summon the physician.”
“No need,” he ground out. “My wife and I require privacy for our reunion.”
“Lord Penroth, I insist! She must remain here. These are highly unusual circumstances.”
“Remove yourself, you old hag,” he said in a dangerously low voice. “If you don’t, I will remove you myself.”
The ladies blanched. “Well, I never!” Lady Cecilia sputtered.
Taking advantage of their uncertainty, he elbowed past them. Once outside, he barked an order to the footman to summon his carriage. He was furious that a man of his station had been forced to arrive in a hackney. Worse, he’d had to bluster his way past the butler since he had no invitation.
He looked down in disgust at Jillian. It was all her fault, but she would pay for his suffering.
###
Justin hurried along the waterfront in the direction of East Street. The wind was bitterly cold tonight, and the only illumination was from sparsely lit street lamps. Ahead, he saw the outline of two men and hoped it was Case and the runner. He fingered the pistol in his jacket, just in case.
As he drew near, the two men looked up warily and he saw, with relief, that it was indeed Case.
“Justin! What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to make sure you were safe,” he said grimly. “That was a foolhardy thing to do coming out here alone. You should have told me of your plans.”
