Page 34 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“Someone is sure to see you. I did not think this through well enough. I see now you could end up in prison.”

Oscar turned right and dim light filtered through the foliage up ahead. He brushed past large hedges and stepped onto another path.

“Is someone there?” a woman called.

Eve and Oscar halted and his head jerked in her direction.

Eve’s heart jumped into her throat. “One of the maids,” she whispered. “Quickly, get the earl into the carriage. If I am not there in five minutes go—”

“Who is it?” the maid called.

Eve shoved Oscar toward the hedge and called to the woman, “It is I, Miss Crenshaw.”

“Miss Crenshaw?”

Eve hurried toward the voice beyond the foliage in the direction of the mansion. She stepped into the opening and saw a young woman carrying a burlap sack that Eve wagered was full of apples from the orchard. Lady Grendall’s cook was known for baking the best apple tarts in London and she served them fresh from the oven at Lady Grendall’s soirees.

“Pardon me, Miss,” the maid said. “Are you all right? It is not safe for a lady alone in the gardens at night.”

“I needed a bit of fresh air,” Eve joined the girl. “I got lost.”

“It is best if you return with me. I can show you to the hallway leading to the ballroom from the kitchen.”

Eve hesitated. If she returned to the party she risked taking too long to get to the carriage. “Is there another exit?” she asked.

“Exit?”

“Yes. I am not feeling well and I would like to go home.”

“You can leave by the main entrance,” she said.

“I prefer a more discreet exit. My future husband is insisting I stay and I have no wish to argue with him.”

The girl laughed. “Men can be demanding when they want their way.”

“Indeed they can,” Eve agreed.

“The servants' entrance is on the west side of the mansion. I’ll show you.”

Eve laid a hand on her arm. “No need. I can find my way.”

“Oh no, Miss, you mustn’t be walking alone in the gardens.”

“Just as you shouldn’t be walking back to the house alone,” Eve replied. “Not to mention, there is no reason to anger the housekeeper by you being gone longer than necessary.”

“Mrs. Childs is a reasonable woman,” the girl replied.

“How fortunate for you,” Eve said. “Now, the east side you said? So I follow this path straight on around the house and I will find the gate?”

“Yes, but you won’t come out where the carriages are waiting.”

Eve leaned forward and whispered in a conspiratorial tone, “I sent word for my carriage to await me on the side street. Truth be told, the servant’s gate is exactly where I was headed.” The girl’s brow furrowed and Eve shrugged. “My betrothed really is a bore. Can you keep a secret?”

The maid’s face brightened. “I can, Miss. Especially if it means pulling one over on the gentleman.”

Eve nodded. “Fine then. I will find my way to the gate and the gentleman can find someone else to order about this evening.”

The girl nodded quick agreement, and Eve left. Two minutes later, she spotted the servants’ entrance up ahead. Wind rustled the foliage as she neared, then a sound behind her caught her attention and she started to turn. A hand clamped over her mouth and yanked her against a hard body. She clawed at the fingers in an effort to free her mouth, but hot breath on her ear froze her.