Page 76 of How to Best a Marquess

Her heart danced with joy. She’d marry him. She felt as if a weight was lifted from her chest, that she knew she was making the right decision. Rather than face her brother about their competition for the club, Hugh could ask for her hand, and they could both walk away as winners.

Ellie pushed away from the window and headed for the door. Just as she reached for the handle, a knock sounded.

She opened the door to find one of the club’s servants. Swallowing her frustration at the slight delay, she nodded at the man. “Yes.”

He handed her a piece of foolscap. “This was just delivered for you, my lady. The messenger said it was urgent.”

“Thank you.” She accepted the missive, and shut the door. Her heat pounded as she recognized the script and broke the seal.

Meet me immediately in the back of the club.

Violet

Ellie’s heart pounded. Violet had never asked to see her outside the club before. Something must have happened. Something bad. Was it Lady Willoughby? Had the baron found her?

The thought made her stomach sink. She needed to see Violet and find out.

She hurried down the stairs, scanning the casino floor for Hugh, but he was nowhere in sight. He must have already departed.

Hugh would want to know. He’d asked her to tell him everything. He didn’t like that she associated with Violet and believed the courtesan made her act dangerously. In hindsight, he was right, but it was a risk she had always been willing to take.

But she wouldn’t be purposely deceiving him. She had yet to accept his proposal.

Making up her mind, Ellie rushed past the gaming tables, threw open the back door, and stepped into the alley.

Ellie did not see Violet’s black carriage. A stray cat knocked over a crate and made her jump. “Violet,” she whispered.

No answer.

“Violet!” she said a bit louder this time.

“Over here!” a feminine voice answered.