“Yes. That might actually work.” He grasped her arm and pulled her over to a chair. She sat, still acting as though she was sick. “Stay right there and I’ll locate a servant for you.”
“As you wish, Father.” She closed her eyes, but as soon as she heard his boot steps growing lighter, she peeked from underneath her lashes. He was out of her vision, so she opened her eyes and scanned the room for Vincent. He stood nearby, and she motioned him over.
He reached her and held her hand. “What did he say?”
“He wants us to take one of the maids here as a chaperone.” He scowled, and she quickly shook her head. “But she can ride atop the coach with the driver and footman.”
A smile stretched across Vincent’s face. “Yes, that is the perfect spot for her to sit.”
It didn’t take long before a maid was located, and Ellie’s wrap was brought to her. Vincent walked beside her father as they headed out to the coach.
“I trust you will be a gentleman,” the duke said to Vincent.
His cheeks darkened, and he nodded. “But of course. Haven’t I been that to your daughter this whole time?”
“Uh, yes…except the time when I caught you sharing a kiss at our last ball.”
Vincent forced a laugh. She cringed, hoping he didn’t overdo it in front of her father.
“Well, since then, of course,” Vincent added.
“I’m still reluctant.”
Ellie didn’t like her father’s answer, but she didn’t argue. She still held a hand to her stomach and the other to her head, walking as if she barely could stand. “Father, don’t be ridiculous. Lord Trenton wouldn’t take advantage of me in this condition.”
Her father threw Vincent a glare. “He’d better not.”
She didn’t want to let her father know that within two minutes of leaving the party, she wouldn’t be inthis conditionany longer.
Once she was settled into the coach with Vincent sitting across from her, the footman closed the door. Her heart beat erratically, but she dared not move. She didn’t want to say anything for fear she would bring bad luck to their plans.
The vehicle jerked into motion, and she breathed a sigh of relief. She’d been meeting Vincent’s gaze, and he, too, expelled a gust of air. After a few minutes, he chuckled, and she joined him. Of course they made certain they didn’t laugh too loud. She was sure her father had paid the driver or footman to bring him a report.
Vincent moved from his seat and scooted beside her. Taking her hand in his, he lifted it to his mouth and brushed his lips over her knuckles.
“Why do I feel like a boy in my youth again? Do you know how long it’s been since I fooled my parents like that?”
Nodding, she grinned. “Probably as long since I have done it.”
“You gave a great performance.” He winked.
“And you, my lord, lied to my father.” She bumped him with her shoulder.
“So did you.” He bumped her back.
“I know, and I’m sure I’ll feel guilty about it later, but right now I’m going to bask in the knowledge that he fell for our story.”
He relaxed against the seat. “Do you think the servants will listen to us?”
“I know they will. My father will expect them to.”
The coach only had a small lamp inside, and it was turned up bright. Her father was more than likely the culprit. But at least she could stare into Vincent’s adorable, blue, smoldering eyes.
Slowly, the humor on his face disappeared as seriousness took over. He slipped his arm around her shoulders and gently tugged her back to rest against him. She adjusted herself so that she could continue to gaze into his eyes without breaking her neck.
Her breathing quickened, and he hadn’t really done anything. She hadn’t really lied about her stomach jumping, because right now it felt as if butterflies were whirling around inside her. She trembled, but with anticipation.
He brought up a hand and stroked her cheek. “I don’t think I told you tonight, but you’re a vision of loveliness. When I saw you walk into the ballroom, I nearly lost my breath.”
