He was no fool; he knew too well the fallout that would follow, once their plan was fulfilled. Hannah would hate him.
He resigned himself to that. But why was the woman he was paying handsomely to lie the only one kind enough to ask if he really wanted the job done? And why did he feel grateful that she had?
Elias cleared the tightness in his throat.
“Perhaps we ought to straighten out some of the minutiae of our relationship. As you divulged earlier, we appear to have corresponded. Would you refresh my memory? Who has written to whom, pray tell?”
“Why, you, of course.” She did not miss a beat, breezing on as if he had not just frozen up and refused to answer. “Our shared childhood memories of swimming along the coast have brought you much solace after your father’s passing.”
Elias stilled. He hadn’t told her about Father. She had a habit of catching him off-guard, somehow convincing his mind to forget that she was a hired professional, and he was a constant topic of discussion. It had been foolish to expect she would not do her research. He certainly would not get in bed with somebody he did not know—then again, what a lie. With such a lovely companion, he was sorely tempted. He’d have to content himself with testing the bounds of their connection instead… while the opportunity allowed.
“That will do.” He turned aside. “I am holding a hunt on the morrow. You are, of course, expected to join us. I have already taken the liberty of ordering your riding habit. The maid will make sure you are equipped as necessary.”
“A hunt?” That earned him a proper reaction. She turned in her chair to gaze up at him. “What are you planning?”
He offered no reassurance. “You need not venture down tonight. I’ll tell the servants to bring you a tray. We do not want to shatter your mystique too soon.”
“My mystique? Has Your Grace ever considered writing plays? For you certainly seem to have a knack for it.”
“You wound me, Cousin. Now, get some rest. You will need it for tomorrow.” He could not help pausing as he stepped into the corridor. “Should you want for anything, let me know.”
There was no answer but for the soft sound of the door clicking shut behind him.
CHAPTER THREE
There was no getting out of that forsaken hunt. May stared into the vanity mirror, intent on smoothing her curls, and gave herself a start instead. Gone was the lady’s maid. Clad in the riding habit chosen by the duke, she looked nothing like she felt. The illusion of legitimacy wrapped her snugly with every seam and thread. When May descended to join the others outside, nobody singled her out for the intruder that she was.
But rather than feel at ease in this dream, it formed into a nightmare. Lady Hannah engaged her in friendly conversation, but as the horses were brought out, all May could do was feign a familiarity with the hunt preparations. May eyed her mare with foreboding. There was no excuse under the sun that would get her out of participating. However, it would take divine intervention for her to make it through the day without revealing her lack of riding skills. May watched Lady Hannah mount her horse with great attention, as if it were something she could imitate by observing.
Would her act really come to an end as soon as it began?
Then, it was her turn, and by some form of miracle, the groom helped maneuver her upward.Just don’t fall off.
The duke’s voice broke through her anxious thoughts.
“Lord Spencer, would you kindly accompany my cousin? I do believe the two of you might be better suited to keep each other’s pace.”
“Brother!” Lady Hannah threw him a surprised look. “That is hardly fair.”
May could not help but wonder just how well Lady Hannah knew her brother. May had known him for a little over two weeks, but that was enough to get the size of him.
It was not enough that the duke stocked her wardrobe full of clothes she’d only seen on fashion plates, or that he’d orchestrated an introduction that put her through her paces. He truly left nothing to chance, hellbent on manufacturing a compromising moment. At least, she need not spend another minute alone with that flirtatious schemer. It was a marvel she’d made it through last night without her heart jumping straight out of her chest as he spoke of how they ought to... help one another.
“They do not know the lay of the land yet, my dear,” answered the duke smoothly. “It would be dangerous to drive our newcomers to competition on this uneven terrain.”
She could breathe somewhat easier, at least.
“That is most considerate of you, Southam.” Lord Spencer inclined his head in abject politeness. “I shall be honored to keep Lady May company. We are to be family very soon, after all.”
But the wedding bells had not rung just yet.
Very well. May intended to make the most of this occasion. It was a blessing when the duke and Lady Hannah took off first down the forest path, leaving her with Lord Spencer. Let him think of her as an uneducated, poor relative from the country. Itwas much preferable to the duke’s shrewd eyes spotting her so ill-at-ease and wondering why a lady was so unskilled.
Lord Spencer led his horse forward and thankfully, May’s own mare followed meekly after. She steadied her breathing.Chin up, May.
“Do you often hunt, My Lady?” Lord Spencer maintained a carefully neutral expression.
“Not at all, My Lord. I confess I am a novice at such things. I am afraid I am holding you back from rejoining Lady Hannah.”
