Page 15 of Her Summer Duke

“Do not meddle, Lucy, it is unbecoming of you.”

Margaret began to dress, with Lucy’s assistance.

“I understand, my Lady, but you know that I only ask out of concern for you. Now do sit, and I will pin up your hair.” Margaret sat as requested. “Should… should I go with you, my Lady?”

Margaret glanced at her maid.

Lucy was dressed in a plain simple gown, one not at all suited to the outdoors, especially at night.

“I will return shortly. You may watch for me from my chamber windows. If I am not back before sunrise, then…”

“Then I may announce that you have actually eloped!” Lucy gleefully proclaimed.

“No. You may tell Lady Mantrell that I have been kidnapped.”

“Kidnapped! Oh! surely His Grace of Saltonbury would not lower himself to such a deed.”

Margaret threw her shawl over her shoulders and nodded,

“I suspect that he might. Keep a keen watch at the window, Lucy.”

“I will.”

As she pulled the chamber door closed, she briefly entertained the thought that perhaps Saltonbury might actually kidnap her, and carry her off to the Americas. Her thoughts raced.

What if the note had been a ruse to trap her? For all she knew, she would meet him on the bridge and he would throw a sack over her head and carry her away. Oh, would not this be a clever deception? As she began to tip-toe down the winding staircase, she had another thought. The note lacked Saltonbury’s seal – it was sealed with plain wax. Perhaps he had forgotten to apply it, or perhaps the note had been sent by someone else who wanted to ravish her.

She spun, ran up the stairs, and back into her chamber, much to Lucy’s surprise.