Page 50 of How to Wed a Courtesan

This time he didn’t bother sending his footman up the path, but went himself instead. He marched up to the door and rapped the brass knocker.

There was no answer.

Surely she hadn’t dismissed her butler? Where the devil was the old man?

Evander knocked again. And again. And again.

A window next door opened and a scowling face glowered down at him. ‘Enough of that racket.’

‘I daresay I will continue to knock until this door opens,’ Evander said loudly.

Over the past two years since they had been reunited Lottie had turned him away often. Time and time again he had given her the space she requested, waiting sometimes months before returning. But this was different. He’d never before been this close to a chance with her again, and he’d be damned if he lost it now.

Truth be told, he was worried about her. And he wanted to console her after the way she’d been treated. No one deserved to be spoken to as Devonington had to her. Least of all Lottie, whose heart was as golden as they came.

The repetitive metallic bang of the knocker echoed in his mind, pounding into his brain. His forefinger had begun to go numb, but still he continued. Suddenly the knocker was ripped out of his hand as the door flew open, revealing Lottie’s maid.

Her gaze fell on him first, studied him, then went to the flowers in his hand.

‘Good God,’ he said, affronted. ‘Where is the butler? Has something happened?’

‘The servants have all been given the day off.’ She glanced to the carriage. ‘I imagine the butler would have told your footman as much, prior to leaving for the day.’

The information had not been conveyed, apparently.

Evander tried to glance past her into the empty hall, in the hope of seeing something that might offer a clue as to what was going on. ‘Lottie—’

‘She’s as well as can be expected.’ The woman spoke with a considerable amount of sympathy.

‘I’m sorry to hear she has been affected so badly.’

The maid’s brow furrowed. ‘I imagine it would affect most.’

‘Last night was indeed upsetting. I swear, if I could have another five minutes alone with Devonington...’

The older woman frowned and tilted her head, studying him. ‘Do you know what today is?’

‘It’s Wednesday.’

She tsked softly.

Taken aback, he went over the days in this head. Yes, he was correct. It was indeed Wednesday.

‘May I see her?’

The maid hesitated. ‘She wouldn’t like that. Forgive me, my lord, but I must say no.’

‘Please.’ Desperation edged into his voice. ‘I’m worried about her.’

The maid’s chin jutted outward in a stubborn fashion she had most likely implemented her entire life. ‘I’m worried about her too, truth be told. This may be the act that finally has me thrown out, but...’ She opened the door. ‘I believe Lottie needs you right now.’

He didn’t bother to stop and question why her maid referred to her so informally, or to feel the incredulity that a servant had allowed him in when her mistress had clearly given instructions to be left alone. All he cared about was Lottie and the opportunity to see her once more.

The maid led him swiftly up the stairs and rapped upon a door on the left.

‘Leave me be, Sarah,’ Lottie replied, her voice thick with tears.

Evander’s heart crumpled in his chest at the sound. He was aching to do what he could to offer her comfort.