“Why do you say that?” the countess inquired of the dowager before taking another sip of her soup.
“Just that my son’s nursemaid is named Louisa, and we think she was separated from her family a long time ago.”
Knowing his mother wasn’t tactfully trying to squeeze in the information, Trevor quickly covered his mother’s hand with his. “Now, Mother. I do not think your guests want to hear about my nursemaid’s memory loss.”
“Memory loss, you say?” the earl asked in an anxious voice.
“Oh, yes.” The dowager nodded to the earl before looking back at Trevor. “Go ahead, dear. Tell them about how Louisa cannot remember anything about her past.”
“I would like to know.” The countess leaned forward in her chair, her eyes resting on Trevor.
“As you wish.” He took a deep breath. “Approximately a month ago, I was riding home from a dinner party, when someone ran out in front of me from the shadows of the trees.” Not daring to go into much detail especially about Macgregor or stating the man’s name, Trevor explained about how he came to meet Louisa, and how she couldn’t remember anything. “The fascinating thing about all of this is that out of the few things she can remember, one of them is being raised by parents of Quality.”
“Fascinating indeed.” The earl nodded. “How old is this young woman?”
Trevor shrugged. “I wish I knew. The poor woman does not even remember. But if I can calculate, I would say she was…” He looked at Eliza. “Probably around Miss Watson’s age. She is a lovely woman with beautiful blonde hair, and the most amazing green eyes…”
Miss Watson groaned and fell against Wellesley in a swoon. Those around her jumped to assist. Although Trevor stood, he didn’t rush to the woman’s side. Even from where he sat, he could tell it was all an act. Indeed, this woman knew something, and he was certain the truth would not be pleasant for Louisa—or the Danverses—to hear.
After a few minutes of everyone fussing over Miss Watson, the earl shook his head and gazed at the dowager. “I fear we must cut our evening short. Miss Watson has been out of sorts all evening—even before we came. I think we should get her home.”
“I agree.” Trevor’s mother frowned. “This poor girl needs to rest.”
“Indeed, she does.” Wellesley lifted Miss Watson in his arms as she groaned and placed her hand over her eyes.
As Trey and Dominic assisted the women out to their carriages. Elation rushed through Trevor. The truth of Louisa’s past would be out soon, but not soon enough. He couldn’t rush things with the Danverses, but tonight when he returned home, he would certainly ask Louisa to be his wife.
*
Louisa paced herbedroom floor, wringing her hands like she would wet rags. Her body felt as limp, as well. She’d overheard Trevor and Lord Hawthorne discussing their plans for the evening. Thankfully, they had not closed the door and she’d heard their conversation clearly. Of course it didn’t help that she snuck toward the room to listen, anyway.
Dread grew in a lump at the pit of her belly the longer she thought about Trevor and Lord Hawthorne’s conversation. Trevor would know the truth soon enough, which was what Louisa wanted. But she first wanted Macgregor taken care of so he would leave the ones she loved alone.
Her dream of being happy for the rest of her life with Trevor and his children fizzled quickly, leaving a gaping hole in her heart. All she had now were memories of their times together to cherish.
She’d watched him and Lord Hawthorne leave atop their horses not more than ten minutes ago. Praying Trevor would forgive her for what she was about to do, she rushed to her closet and located the maid’s uniform she had worn when she first started working for Trevor.
It didn’t take her long to change, and she threw on her black cloak and bonnet before leaving the room. She crept down the servants’ stairs and out the back door. By now, Trevor and Lord Hawthorne would have arrived at the dowager’s estate, the very same place Louisa planned to go.
But for very different reasons.
Night had fallen completely, and the half-moon didn’t leave Louisa much light. She couldn’t complain. She was used to sneaking around in the dark. She’d been an expert at this for six years and had hated every minute.
Getting a horse was a little more difficult, but soon she pulled a mare out of the stable, mounted, and was on her way. The small wind tugged at her bonnet, threatening to remove the hat, but she didn’t care.
Tears stung her eyes, but she refused to cry. Showing emotion would do her no good. As much as she hated returning to her former life, she must. Trevor and the twins meant more to her than anything, and she couldn’t allow Macgregor to harm them.
Even if it meant stealing the dowager’s jewels.
Tonight while wrapped in Trevor’s arms, it had been heaven. She never wanted to leave. When he had told her he’d loved her, she had tried to stop the words by pressing her mouth to his. Hearing those three little words had been a dream come true, but then reality sank in, dragging her down like a boulder to the bottom of the ocean, she knew now that their love could never be. Once he discovered her past—and what she was going to do tonight—he would never want her for his wife. Her chest ached when she thought of a life without him and the twins, but it was something she would have to sacrifice in order to keep them safe.
Not only that, her parents were better off not knowing about her past mistakes. All those terrible things she did while working for Macgregor. None of it could be forgiven, and she knew not to ask. It was better that her parents believed she had drowned.
And Eliza…
May Eliza rot inhellfor what she had put Louisa through!
Louisa knew not why her so-called friend had done this to her, but eventually Louisa would find out and make Eliza pay dearly for all those lost years.
