“Of course not,” he snapped. “Because you were not born of the nobility, nor do you have to remain in the good graces of powerful people who can make your life difficult. Even my seat in Parliament can be called into question if they think I cannot manage my own estate.”
Digesting his real concern, shame truly was starting to rest upon her shoulders.
“I had best go inside and hope Sarah didn’t miss me. Perhaps you’ll think of another solution.”
“Do not worry yourself,” he said. “As you said, I’m a rakehell. I’ll bed her so hard she won’t be able to walk for a week.”
His words rattled her as he helped her down onto the street. She most certainly didn’t want him doing any such thing to anyone — except her!
“I’ll watch and make sure you safely reach your front door,” he offered, his tone softening.
A gallant rake! One would almost say a caring rake,she mused.
“One more thing, Miss Sudbury. When last you were in my bedchamber, did you steal from me?”
How dare he!Narrowing her eyes into slits, she told him, “You had nothing I wanted.”
“Are you saying if I had, then you would have stolen from me?”
“Of course not. I don’t do such things.” She glanced around to make sure no one was listening, then added, “And if I did, I wouldn’t want your silly mother-of-pearl buttons or ugly king’s medal, nor your gold pocket watch, and certainly not the pittance you left lying around. Like a trap.” She tilted her chin.
He laughed. “I noticed every damn thing was exactly where I left it on the globe desk you were examining, although it seems you took careful inventory.”
“I’m no petty thief,” she insisted.
“No, you prefer the grand larceny of jewels, don’t you?”
Turning away, Julia waved her hand in his direction, before hurrying up the steps to her sister’s home, in better standing than when she left. The threat over her head was gone, but the threat to her heart had increased ten-fold.
Chapter Nineteen
“Although London’s citizens have a massive thirst for ale, the terrible accident at Meux's Brewery this evening was not a welcome one, despite the suds flowing in the streets for anyone to enjoy.”
-The Times
Awakening two morningslater from a nightmare in which both LordandLady Chandron were chasing her, Julia threw back the covers and set her feet on the floor.
