Hugh was pleased to see the spark of interest which passed between the performers.
“Encore!” Miss Kershaw called with a wide smile.
Flushing, Sarah shuffled the music sheets and conversed with Luke.
Hugh clapped his encouragement, but his attention was caught by Miss Kershaw and her delightful smile, warm and inviting. Emotion stirred within him, a need to grow closer, to know her completely. He’d come close to losing control once before when he’d briefly held her as he’d assisted her from the carriage, and he needed to keep his distance until Isabel was married. But what if Nash still pursued her? Her grace and beauty made it impossible for her to be overlooked, plus the rumor of her father’s connections, which would be attractive to men, some respectable and some not.
It would be easier if Sarah stopped throwing Miss Kershaw in his way. Hugh suspected his sister had decided they were meant for each other. He needed to cool his heels until he was viewed as entirely free of any commitment. While he did so, he’d make inquiries about Mr. Rattray. If, as Miss Kershaw had said, the man was interested in marrying her aunt, why had he watched Miss Kershaw so closely at the card party?
Chapter Ten
Amaid withpurple bags under her eyes accompanied them in the landau when Lord Dorchester drove Lucy back to her aunt’s townhouse. It was late afternoon, and shadows stole across the lawns in Green Park.
He broke the companionable silence which had grown between them. The maid, poor woman, had fallen asleep in the seat behind them. “Luke told me what he witnessed between Sarah and Viscount Cardew in Hyde Park. I confess to being very alarmed and very angry. I’ve been considering whether to act on it.”
“That might make matters worse.” Lucy looked askance at him, fearing this could lead to violence. He might be hurt, or worse. She trembled at the thought. “And could send Sarah into his arms,” she added, hoping to dissuade him.
“Mm, it might at that,” he said noncommittally.
That didn’t completely reassure her, but she was pleased he’d confided in her. She could offer little without breaking Sarah’s confidence. “I hoped Mr. Beaufort would tell you. Lord Cardew said he’s leaving for Bath within a day or so. Perhaps that will be the end of it?”
His worried gaze came to rest on her questioning eyes. “That remains to be seen. Do you think Sarah is still in danger of being influenced by him?”
“I honestly can’t say. Surely, it’s unlikely he will bother her again, not now he is about to become betrothed.”
“It won’t be easy for Sarah to accept the fellow is out of her life.”
Lucy studied his handsome profile as he guided the horses along a narrow road. “It might take a while. But once she meets someone else…”
“Cardew has been a constant presence since they met years ago. Nothing was formally declared, but promises were made. He gave Sarah to understand they would marry.” He frowned. “Was that all he wanted to see her about when he whisked her away from Rotten Row? Only to tell her of his betrothal? I doubt it. Why did he need to have her to himself?”
Lucy deliberated whether she should break Sarah’s confidence and then decided it was unnecessary because Lord Cardew no longer appeared to be a threat. “I don’t know what occurred before Mr. Beaufort and I rode up to them, so I really cannot say, my lord.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “Sarah must have confided something to you about what happened between them.”
“She did tell me a little of what was said. But I promised not to reveal it.” She flushed, embarrassed. “You must ask her.”
“Very well, Miss Kershaw.” He interrupted her with a sigh. “You would make an excellent spy.”
Lucy laughed. “I’m not sure how I’d react to torture.”
“I’m glad you will never find out. Nothing should ever mar your perfect beauty.” When his gaze settled on her mouth, she caught her breath.
She feared she was blushing. “My grandmother used to say, ‘Beauty is as beauty does.’”
“Chaucer, I believe. I merely speak the truth. You are lovely in many ways, Lucy.”
Her pulse raced. He had called her by her Christian name. His audacity made her smile, despite herself. He was soon to marry. But she still yearned to hear more from him—like whathe admired about her, apart from her appearance. Would it be enough to cancel her terrible lie? Lucy became annoyed with herself. If only she could stop building castles in the air.
The phaeton turned onto her aunt’s street, the slumbering maid so silent behind them, Lucy had almost forgotten she was there. A moment later, he pulled the horses to a stop. He sat glancing down at the reins in his hands, while she waited, biting her lip, wondering what he might say.
“I need to travel north for a few weeks on business,” he said finally. “It’s my hope that you will see more of Sarah in my absence.” He hesitated. “I believe you are a steadying influence on her. And am I right in assuming you enjoy my sister’s company?”
“I do. I have grown very fond of Sarah.” But it was not her place to instigate the course of their friendship, although she didn’t say so. He would be as aware of the strict conventions as she was.
“When you are with my sister, or at any other time, always take a servant or groom with you.” He looked at her, his gaze drifting over her face. “And be careful who you take up with, Lucy. London can be a dangerous place for young women,” he added after a moment. Then before she could question him, he turned away and jumped down from the carriage.
What did he mean? Must he be so obscure? Was it because of the young maid’s presence? It hadn’t seemed to bother him before. His touch was impersonal as he helped Lucy to the footpath, and nothing like before, when they’d lingered too close, growing breathless, and despite knowing he could never be hers, and how foolish she was, she still hoped he might kiss her. That at least, she’d have that memory to hold to her heart.
