Page 53 of Captivating the Earl (Lords and Ladies in Love 5)

“She will be of assistance if you need to relieve yourself.”

A slight blush rose on her face. “Oh, yes. Of course. Thank you.”

“I actually prefer to do it myself, since I don’t want you to go anywhere without me.”

Lizzie sucked in a breath. “That is not possible. You certainly can’t accompany me everywhere!”

“You are in danger. Even though it appears no one is following us, I can’t take any chances with your safety. Embarrassment is a small price to pay for your life.”

The door opened, and the innkeeper’s wife entered. “My lord, my lady. I am Mrs. Dubbs. I am having tea prepared for you. I assume you would like luncheon, as well?”

“Yes, please.” Hawk stood and helped Lizzie up. “My wife has suffered an injury and will need your assistance.”

The woman bustled across the room. “Of course.” She nodded and took Lizzie’s arm. “You may leave us, my lord. I will see to your wife’s needs.”

Hawk hesitated, but then realized he would be right outside in the common room, and a quick glance around assured him there were no windows or another door beside the common room for anyone to enter while he was gone. “As you wish. I will be right outside.”

He slumped in one of the chairs and waved at the innkeeper to bring him an ale. He would feel so much better once they were at Cam’s house. Even with all the armed outriders, it remained dangerous for Lizzie to be on the road.

…

Lizzie finished using the chamber pot with the help from the innkeeper’s wife, then she returned to the chair. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure, my lady. I will send your husband in now. Your food should be ready very soon.”

Your husband.

How long could they continue to pass themselves off as married before someone from the ton learned of their chicanery? But it appeared Hawk’s plan was for them to marry as soon as they arrived at Lord Campbell’s house. Of course, once they married, he might end up a widower, if they could not get this straightened out.

She shuddered at the thought.

The door to the private dining room opened, and Lizzie stiffened. She’d become so jumpy of late. She relaxed as Hawk strolled through. He smiled, and her heart thumped. He sat in the chair next to her. “Everything is going well. My outrider saw no one following us.”

“That is a relief. How long will this trip take?”

“We should arrive in London the day after next. I don’t want to put in too many hours on the road because of your injury.” He patted her hand. “It will be fine. I don’t want you to worry. That’s my job.”

Lizzie huffed. It might be his job, but it was her life.

Mrs. Dubbs entered with a tray of food. “Here you are, my lord, my lady. I just took the bread out of the oven, so it’s nice and warm.” She placed a large bowl of some type of stew on the table, along with a dish of pickles, stewed parsnips, cheese, and the promised warm bread.

“This looks wonderful,” Lizzie said, taking a deep sniff of the food. “I didn’t think I was hungry, but your food has whetted my appetite.”

The innkeeper’s wife flushed bright red and dipped. “Thank you, my lady. ’Tis so kind of you to say that.”

Lizzie turned to her food. The stew was delicious and hearty, the bread everything the scent of it promised. “Tell me about Lord Campbell.”

Hawk wiped his mouth with the napkin and placed it by his side. “He is a confirmed bachelor, and I think he will not be snagged for a long time.”

“Isn’t he part of the group that tracked down my father after he escaped from prison?” As much as it pained her to hear of that horrific night, she needed to learn more about the men who were present when her father died.

“Yes. He, Bedford, me, and Templeton were all there.” He reached out and patted her hand. “It’s probably best if we don’t speak of it.”

Lizzie shook her head. “No. I really need to put this all behind me, and I don’t think I will until I know exactly what happened.” His prior explanation of the happenings that night had not satisfied her. Hawk had been holding back, most likely not wanting to upset her sensibilities. But now she was ready to hear more.

He drew in a deep breath and leaned back in his chair. “Once your father escaped from prison, he traveled to Bedford’s estate. We never did find out why he did that. But once Bedford and his wife returned to London, your father kidnapped Her Grace.”

She closed her eyes for a moment. “Was she injured?”