Page 44 of How to Best a Marquess

The thought of telling Hugh crossed her mind. He had frightened the baron into staying away from his wife, but this was different. Baron Willoughby knew his wife had lied. He could drink too much and lose his temper at any time. One swing of his fist could end his young wife’s life. Even Hugh could not prevent such a tragedy.

“She has to leave London,” Violet said.

Ellie steeled herself for Violet’s instructions. “How do you intend to fake her death?”

“There is no time. She must go,” Violet said.

“Will she agree?”

Violet set down the tin and picked up another. “I believe she is wise enough to recognize her plight.”

“When?”

“Two evenings from tonight,” Violet said. “She must arrive at the club and you will usher her out the back. My carriage will be waiting for her in the mews.”

Two evenings.

That’s when Ellie had planned to open her ladies’ gambling club. All her hard work and preparation had been in anticipation for that night. Could she do both? Open her room and arrange to ferry Samantha Willoughby to safety? She would have to. Another thought occurred to her: it would be the perfect distraction. No one would notice her missing for an hour. She’d arranged for a competent staff who were well experienced, and Brooks could oversee everything while she claimed she needed to work upstairs.

“It’ll work,” Ellie said.

Violet waved at the shopkeeper and smiled. The older man left the couple he’d been helping and nearly tripped over his feet in his haste to assist her.

After Violet paid for her purchase and departed, Ellie remained by the table. Her eyes glazed over the tins of snuff. Her mind was in tumult over what she’d just learned. The shop’s bells jingled, but Ellie didn’t turn to see who had entered. She had much work to do in two days’ time. As if in a daze, she turned to head for the counter to make her purchase, when a hand settled on her elbow.

“I didn’t know you preferred snuff.”

She whirled to find Hugh standing behind her. Dressed in a brown greatcoat that emphasized his broad shoulders, he watched her. His heated gaze made her breath catch and her belly tighten.

Her eyes narrowed. “Are you following me?”