Page 1 of Pride of Lyons

Chapter One

London, June 1818

The brilliant summer afternoon sunlight filtered through the trees that bordered Hyde Park as a gentle breeze caressed Honoria Quinn’s neck. She strolled through the park at a leisurely pace, reveling in the solitude afforded her once a week when Mrs. Edwards shooed her out of the house. She often came to the park in good weather to listen to the sounds of nature and nurture her soul a little before returning to the house and her duties as Lady Danford’s mother’s companion.

Honoria didn’t mind helping her charge, who was somewhat of an invalid, with her day-to-day activities, playing cards, arranging flowers for her room, or simply sitting and talking with the elderly woman. Those were the accustomed duties of a companion that she’d mastered while engaged with her previous lady. What she did mind, more than a little, was the manner in which Lord Danford followed her with his gaze, or stood too close to her whenever they had occasion to meet alone.

Sighing, Honoria shook her head. Time and again, she tried to convince herself she was imagining things. Unfortunately, these unwanted attentions had begun to happen more frequently in the six months she’d had the position here. Perhaps Lord Danford was merely curious about his mother-in-law’s companion or wished to make certain Honoria was qualified to serve as such.

He’d always struck Honoria as a man who was fond of his wife, so he’d naturally want the best companion possible to attend her mother. He had become quite attentive as well. Just last evening he’d popped his head into Mrs. Edwards’s sitting room, startling all three of the ladies gathered there. He’d asked if Lady Danford needed anything before he retired. The lady had smiled, and when she’d answered no, he’d said goodnight and withdrew. But his gaze had seemed to linger on Honoria as he slowly closed the door.

Something in that prolonged scrutiny had prompted Honoria to spend her time alone here in the park. Away from Danford House. Away from Lord Danford.

Honoria sighed again. She’d been walking about here for at least an hour, and her feet were beginning to hurt. Perhaps she could wander through the park toward the cake house and purchase a syllabub or cheesecake. As it was not yet three o’clock, she had plenty of time to explore the park or the nearby shops. Of course, spending the day away from the house wouldn’t solve the problem of Lord Danford’s apparent interest, but at least it would make her feel better for a little while.

Rising from her seat, Honoria scanned the park to get her bearings, then set out away from the Serpentine, which was currently at her back. A brisk stroll would put her into good spirits, with a treat at the end of her walk. Honoria held her head up, squared her shoulders, and set out. She’d reached the wide carriage drive that circled the park when someone called out, “Miss Quinn.”

Startled, Honoria stopped and looked around. Who on earth would be calling her? Then she saw him. James, the groom, perched atop the family carriage next to the coachman, waved to her. “Miss Quinn, thank goodness we’ve found you.”

Confused, Honoria stepped cautiously toward the shiny black vehicle. “Why ever were you looking for me, James? Mrs. Edwards assured me she planned to rest this afternoon.” A flicker of annoyance set in. She was given so few hours to herself, and every one was precious. Now it seemed even those fleeting minutes might be snatched away. “I shouldn’t be needed until after dinner.”

“That’s just the thing, Miss Quinn.” The groom clambered down from the box, his face set in grave lines. “Mrs. Edwards has been taken real bad, sudden like. They’ve sent for the doctor to see to her. But Lady Danford said you should be fetched, so John and me were sent to find you.”

Dear Lord. Honoria tightened her fingers on her reticule. How horrible for Mrs. Edwards. Lady Danford must be worried sick about her mother. Of course, she must go at once. So much for Honoria’s plans to treat herself, but that must wait for another time. Her charge needed her.

Resolute, she marched toward the carriage. James held the door open for her and helped her up the two steps into the luxurious vehicle. She sank back into the soft black leather seat as James shut the door and returned to the box. Moments later, the carriage started, and Honoria stared out the window, frowning in worry for the sweet, elderly little woman.

The carriage ran smoothly along the sandy pathway, as well-sprung a vehicle as she’d ever ridden in. She’d only traveled in it once before, when Lady Danford had had her fetched from her home in Lower Clapton when she’d originally come to Danford House. She’d enjoyed that ride immensely and while this one would not be as joyous, she could still take some pleasure in it. Sinking back into the seat, she forced her shoulders to relax and simply watch the world go by.

Leaving the park, the horses struck out onto the paved road, and the carriage bounced slightly with the change. They turned right, which was odd considering Danford House was in the middle of Mayfair. But perhaps the traffic, of which there was plenty, had dictated this more roundabout way. They turned left onto a broad road, Piccadilly, if she didn’t miss her guess. This was certainly an odd way to go to Mayfair. Had John mistaken his way? She needed to get home as quickly as possible. Mrs. Edwards needed her.

Another turn and Honoria peered out the window at the totally unfamiliar buildings. John had certainly taken a wrong turn. The carriage slowed to a stop. Honoria stood up and rapped on the trap with her gloved fist. “John? Are we lost?”

She didn’t believe coachmen ever got lost.

No response. She hoped she hadn’t offended him. “John? Are we turning around now?”

Suddenly the carriage door opened, the metal steps clanged down, and Lord Danford’s smiling face appeared mere inches from hers.

Startled by his unexpected presence, Honoria froze like a rabbit in a trap. He was so close all she could see were predatory teeth in his widely grinning mouth.

“Miss Quinn. How do you do? Please, you must sit down.” He grasped her arm and pushed her onto the rear-facing seat. “When the carriage starts, you’ll be thrown off balance. John!” Lord Danford called to the coachman and sat opposite her. “Drive on.”

The carriage jerked forward, throwing Honoria back into the seat as they commenced their journey once more.

Trying not to panic, Honoria gripped her hands in her lap. Her fingers were like ice inside her gloves. Her whole body seemed to have grown cold, and she fought the trembling that threatened to overtake her. Lord Danford had done nothing to her so far, save try to keep her from falling. However, her slight suspicions earlier had become a full-fledged certainty that his intentions were anything but honorable. He stared at her now, his dark eyes as intent upon her as a wolf’s might be as he stared at a rabbit he wanted to devour. When his tongue darted out to lick his full lips, Honoria fought the urge to swoon. The man was bent on ravishing her; she’d wager her soul on it. “Begging your pardon, my lord, but why are you here?”

Impossibly, his smile widened and Honoria’s stomach sank. “You seem somewhat distraught, my dear. Pray, do be at ease.” He patted her hands, and Honoria’s flesh crawled. “I had sent for the carriage to collect me from my club. When Mrs. Edwards became ill, I saw no reason we couldn’t share the vehicle for the short journey.”

A plausible story that was almost believable. However, Mrs. Edward’s illness—if she was indeed ill—had come on suddenly, according to James. If Lord Danford had been at his club, how would he know of it? No, Honoria was in a tight pinch. If she were to avoid scandal and ruination, she’d best come up with some way to escape this carriage. Perhaps if she summoned the specter of Lady Danford, his lordship would think better of any scheme he had concerning Honoria. “But won’t it look odd for you to be seen sharing the carriage with your mother-in-law’s companion? Without a chaperone?”

Lord Danford waved that away with a casual flip of his wrist. “Oh, no one will know a thing about it, my dear. I assure you,” he slid his hand onto her knee, “I have a talent for being discrete.”

A shiver of revulsion slithered down Honoria’s back. Her breath was coming in sharp, quick gasps, making her lightheaded. She mustn’t swoon and make his debauchery that much easier. Summoning every ounce of strength she possessed, Honoria pushed his hand off her knee and slid as far from him as she could possibly get. “My lord, you forget yourself.”

“How could I in your presence, my dear?” He eased closer to her, and she strained against the corner of the carriage, unable to go any further. “I’ve been watching you ever since Lady Danford brought you home. Watching and waiting and wondering what it would be like to kiss that luscious mouth.” He leaned in toward her until his lips almost touched hers. All she could do was arch her neck to avoid him. “To run my fingers through your lovely golden hair.” One of his hands slid up to grasp the nape of her neck, urging her face down toward him. “To feel your naked body beneath mine.”

Her heart stopped. Dear God, this couldn’t be happening to her. “No, my lord.” It came out a whisper as she tried to stop the tears that had sprung to her eyes. “You cannot do such a thing.”