Page 65 of Seducing the Marquess (Lords and Ladies in Love 1)

“Bellows!” The book clutched in his hand, he bounded down the steps. “Where is her ladyship?”

“That was what I tried to tell you when you rushed past me before. Lady Devon left a note for you and then insisted on departing tonight for Devonshire.”

Devon raked his fingers through is hair. “And you let her go? In the middle of the night?”

“My lord, I am the butler, not her jailer.” Bellows drew himself up. “However, Sally accompanied her, and I sent along three footmen, as well.”

“Yes. Right. Thank you for that.” He headed to the library, unfolding the note as he went.

My Lord,

I have retired to Devonshire since I no longer find life in London acceptable. If you would be so kind, please arrange for the rest of my things to be sent on.

E.

Devon poured himself a brandy and considered his next step. Eugenia was hurt. If she did indeed overhear his conversation—and nothing else seemed to fit her fleeing to the country—he’d wounded her deeply. She’d been trying to seduce him, and he had behaved like a cad.

“Bellows!”

“My lord?”

Devon jumped as Bellows appeared at his back seconds after he shouted. “Have Jake pack a bag for travel and then arrange to have the rest of her ladyship’s belongings, as well as mine, sent to Devonshire.”

“You are leaving as well, my lord?”

“Yes. Lady Devon and I are retiring to the country for the rest of the Season.” He grinned and moved past the wide-eyed butler. “Possibly for the rest of our lives.” Devon turned back. “Tell the housekeeper to close up the house and move everyone to Devonshire. I will send further instructions soon. Right now have the stable master prepare my horse Reggie for a trip. I intend to leave as soon as possible.”

Eugenia could not have gone far. Thankfully, there was a bright moon, so her travel would not be too dangerous. Although, he would like to throttle her for putting herself in any danger at all. Most likely she would travel a short distance, anxious to be away from him, and then take a room for the rest of the night.

In less than a half hour, Devon mounted Reggie and headed out of town, leaving Jake with instructions to follow him with all of their belongings in another carriage. The book was tucked snugly into his pocket, and he was unable to suppress the grin on his face.

The sun was just making its presence known when he stopped at the third inn. Eugenia had made better time than he’d thought. But at this stop, he’d spotted his carriage in front of the inn. Most likely his lady was already preparing to leave.

He turned Reggie over to the groom and approached the driver and footmen, who glanced nervously at one another. “We will be staying the day here. Be ready to leave for Devonshire first thing tomorrow morning.” When the men just stared at him, he added, “You may have the day off.”

“Good morning, my lord.” The innkeeper hurried up to him. “Lady Devon is right now taking her breakfast in the private dining room, if you will be joining her.”

“Thank you, Russell. I assume her ladyship is planning on departing this morning?”

The innkeeper nodded.

&n

bsp; “Her plans have changed. We will be staying one more night. She no doubt occupied the room at the back?”

“Yes, my lord. As you know, it is the best we have to offer.”

“Please arrange for a hearty breakfast to be sent to that room in about an hour.” After settling that matter, he straightened his jacket, raked his fingers through his hair, and entered the dining room, prepared to do battle.

The most important battle of his life.

…

Eugenia’s eyes felt gritty from a lack of sleep. She’d dozed a bit in the carriage and a tiny bit in the bed she’d been given when they’d stopped at the inn. She smiled her thanks at the young woman who brought her tea and breakfast of toast and jam. Even though she had no appetite, if she didn’t eat something she would never make it through the day.

Right now all she wanted was to remove herself as far away from London as possible. She stirred her tea and picked up the cup to take a sip when her attention was caught by a man standing in the doorway. With the light behind him, it was hard to see, and her heart thumped, wondering if she were in danger.

“Eugenia?”