Page 34 of When the Duke Met His Match

Like a knife to her heart, she choked back the regret.

Until that moment, Odette had no idea what she was doing. She didn’t form the plan herself and was blindly following Theophilus, hoping for the best. She was running away to France, where she didn’t have anyone, not her family or friends.

It would be the same as winding up alone on a deserted island with only the officer to pass the time. She would have no choices moving forward—she couldn’t visit her family, participate in the life she tried so hard to avoid, or feel those familiar comforts of home.

She would be a fugitive forever, a runaway girl and traitor to the English crown. She knew such a thing would never be forgiven.

The burn of tears returned to her eyes, and she took in a shaky breath. Her hands trembled, and she crossed her arms over her chest. She felt another wave of distress preparing to fall over her, but Theophilus’ voice echoed in her mind.

You just need to be strong. I’ll be there every step of the way.

He was right. She needed to have faith in not only herself but his plan as well. It was far too soon for her to give in and throw everything away.

She needed to be prepared for what was to come.

A tug of her long coat stirred Odette from her stupor, and Theophilus pulled her with him into a shadowed corner behind one of the buildings. He pointed toward a large merchant’s carriage where the team of horses waited.

“That one’s going to Dover. We must go now.”

More than ready to put London behind her, she waited while he checked to see if anyone was nearby, then he gestured for her to follow. At once, she scurried in tow until they reached the carriage.

She reached for the first horse to smell her hand. It breathed a wave of air against it and nibbled at her with its lips. She scratched its nose with a small smile, which gave her a sound of appeasement in return.

Odette moved on to the next one, caressing their muzzles while Theophilus inspected the carriage.

“This way, quickly,” he murmured to her, standing behind it. He put a hand out for her, which she took graciously.

She was helped inside the enclosed carriage, where she found boxes and crates stacked to the ceiling. It was packed with goods, and she carefully made her way to a small corner in the back.

Theophilus closed the door and followed behind her until they settled into the far side. A small gap in the large boxes was big enough for them to wedge between.

It wasn’t the most comfortable seat, but it would have to do.

Once they stilled, a foul, intense smell hit Odette’s nose. Her face scrunched with horror, her eyes immediately going to him.

“What is that smell?” she asked, disgusted by how it made her stomach turn.

He shrugged apologetically with a low chuckle. “The merchant is transporting meats and other cold cuts.”

Despite the seriousness of their situation, she made a gagging sound and quickly covered her mouth and nose with the extra coat material around her.

Theophilus laughed at her, seemingly amused by her suffering. He leaned against the back wall and wiped at his eyes.

She glared at him. “I’ll never eat meat again.”

Chapter Twenty-One

THEOPHILUS

As the journey to Dover continued, dampness filled the air due to the persistent rain. The sky was painted in dark gray colors and despite the uncomfortable ride on an old and worn-out road, Theophilus kept himself awake, determined to stay alert in case of any unexpected incidents.

He looked at Odette and saw that she had closed her eyes and was hugging herself tightly. He felt sympathy for her and decided to remove his coat and put it over her to offer warmth.

He settled back into place, listening to her even breaths.

He fervently hoped that they would arrive in Dover soon without arousing suspicion, both for his and her sake. He wished to see her comfortable in a proper bed and able to get a good night’s sleep. He also shared this aspiration for himself, as the cramped boxes they were hiding in hardly provided the comfort he needed to feel rested and rejuvenated.

Even so, it was better than walking or being captured and locked away.