She wouldn’t lie.But he was on the edge of really hurting her.She could feel the anger vibrating through him.“It’s time we really talked.”
His gave a curt nod before he looked back at Charlotte.“My ward and I need a private word, my lady.Get.Out.”The sharpness of his tone might have cut glass.
Charlotte had gone pale, but she gave a quick nod as she started for the door.She turned back to look at Priscilla.Giving her friend a smile she hoped was encouraging, Priscilla tried to appear calm.“Go on.I’ll be fine.”
But inside she didn’t feel fine.She felt…broken.
* * *
Wyatt stoodin the corner of the small park, watching as the Countess of Westmoreland left the Earl of Purlington’s home.
Something wasn’t right.
The countess, a tall and statuesque woman, was hunched over, her arms crossed about her stomach.
She stopped, looking back at the house several times as she made her way to her carriage.
Wyatt squinted as he covered his eyes with his hand, trying to discern what might be wrong.He’d arrived a bit early, anxious to see Priscilla and hoping…
Well, he’d hoped to have a bit more time with her.He had so much to say, Ralph’s words from yesterday swirling in his thoughts.
But his own worries were pushed aside as he watched Lady Westmoreland turn, start back up the steps, stop, and then return to her carriage.
That same feeling that twisted his gut when he stalked criminals filled him now.Without another moment’s delay, he started across the park, his long strides making quick work of the ground.The carriage door snapped open as the footman reached out to hand the countess into the vehicle.“Lady Westmoreland,” Wyatt called, waving a hand in the air.
She saw him, halfway into the carriage and stopped, balancing precariously on the step.“Lord Ware?What are you doing here?”
He picked up his pace, half running as he reached her carriage.“Priscilla and I had a meeting in the park at four.We’ve final details to discuss.”
Lady Westmoreland grew even more pale as she wobbled on the step.
Her footman reached up a hand to steady her as Wyatt grabbed the countess by the waist, setting her back on the ground.She trembled under his hands.“My lady.What’s wrong?”
She shook her head.“I don’t even know where to start.”And then her eyes strayed to the doorway.“I…”
The hair on the back of his neck stood as he followed her gaze to the door.“Is Priscilla in danger?”
“I’m not certain,” she whispered.“He commanded I leave and then dragged her from the room.I—” The countess’s voice broke.“I didn’t mean to cause trouble.I?—”
Wyatt let out a frustrated breath.“Do I need to go in there?”
One of Charlotte’s hands fluttered to her mouth.“I’m not sure.I don’t know.Eugene is often a selfish boar but he’s never hurt her.Not physically, anyway.But today…”
“Tell me what’s happened.”
In quick words, the countess confessed that she’d been there to warn Priscilla, not of Eugene but of himself.“I saw you with those men.The thieves and I thought Priscilla had a right to know.”
Wyatt’s heart nearly fell from his chest.
Because he knew what this meant.Priscilla would not marry him if she thought him a thief.In fact, she might even worry that he was there to take her funds.
Ralph’s parting comment echoed through his mind.Honesty?He’d given far too little too late.
“Lady Westmoreland,” he rasped, trying to calm his racing heart.“I’m not a thief.I put those men in prison.I’m?—”
“Oh dear,” she murmured, her eyes wide with disbelief as she stared at him as thought seeing him for the first time.“You’re not…”
He looked at her, watching the truth dawn in her eyes.
