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“No. I will see that the butler is called away, then I will make my escape. None of the guests will think to look twice at someone leaving the party. They’ll assume it’s just a lady departing early. Then you simply drive me to my friend’s house, and your debt is paid for eavesdropping on my conversation.”
Andrew glared at her. “Now you needn’t bring that up. I already apologized for the incident. Besides,” he said with a sheepish grin, “how do you know I’m not some rake who will steal you away for my own?”
The young lady’s mouth fell open for a moment before she schooled her expression. She met Andrew’s stare for a second before putting her hands on her hips and sweeping her gaze over him, as if sizing up his worth. The gesture made Andrew feel oddly off kilter. He’d never been on the receiving end of such a look.
Finally, Miss Crestwood spoke. “Lord Claridge, I believe you are a decent man who would not take advantage of a lady in my precarious situation.”
I’ll be damned. She trusts me.
It was the first time in a long time that Andrew could remember anyone having faith in him.
When he peered into her eyes, he saw a mixture of hope and turmoil. He was her last option. Andrew prayed he wouldn’t come to regret his decision.
For so long he’d played the rake who had nothing to live for but gaming and women. Perhaps it was time to make a change in his life, a new start, and what better way than rescuing a damsel in distress? Even if it was a futile plan, in his opinion. What woman in her position has a say in her life? It was her burden to bear as the fairer sex, and she must accept it. But if he could give her just a little taste of freedom, then why not? He would never see her again after tonight.
He gave a slight bow. “My carriage will be outside at midnight, as you have asked, but nothing more.”
She let out a cry of relief, and in her enthusiasm, the lady stepped up to Andrew and laid her hand on his chest. As she prepared to speak, Andrew brought his hands up to cover hers. They looked at each other, kindred spirits for the moment, both wanting to change their fates.
After tonight, he wouldn’t see Miss Crestwood again. Odd that the idea saddened him. It would have been interesting to spend more time with her.
As the couple stood in the middle of the library, hands clasped, the door to the library suddenly swung open. Through the doorway came an older couple, who Andrew assumed to be Lord and Lady Bedford, followed closely by Lord Vance. All three came to an abrupt halt when they spied the couple holding hands like a pair of lovers in a clandestine meeting.
Bloody hell!
CHAPTER3
When the trio entered, Miss Crestwood quickly pulled away from Andrew. A flush of embarrassment colored her cheeks. Nothing good would come of this encounter. Andrew distanced himself from the lady, taking a defensive stance, ready for the confrontation about to take place. So much for being the knight in shining armor. Now he would be pinned as the villain, maliciously taking advantage of a young woman.
This was not the way Andrew had intended for his evening to go. He should have been on his way to a night of gaming and debauchery. Instead, he was in a hell of his own making. The first woman who had caught his attention in months would be his undoing. There had to be a way to get out of this fix, preferably without a marriage contract.
Lord Vance was the first to speak since Miss Crestwood’s parents, most especially her mother, were still in shock.
“What is the meaning of this? I come in here looking for Miss Crestwood and I find you,” Vance exclaimed, pointing at Andrew. “A scoundrel trying to sully my intended’s reputation. Who are you, sir? Speak quickly.”
“My lord,” Andrew spoke, indicating the Viscount and ignoring Lord Vance. “I must apologize for what must look to be, at first glance, a compromising situation, but if you would allow me to explain.”
Lady Bedford made to reply, but her husband promptly put his hand out to still any response. “Lord Claridge, if I remember from earlier this evening.” Andrew bowed his head in acknowledgment. “My lord, I will give you the opportunity to explain how you came to be alone with my daughter, under my very roof.”
Andrew had to come up with the best lie of his life.
“Thank you, sir. I wandered out to the gardens earlier for some fresh air and lost my way. When I found entry back into the house, I was walking down the hall when I heard voices. Not wanting to be discovered where I shouldn’t be, I stole into the library. Miss Crestwood was in here, and my presence startled her. As she tried to leave, she stumbled. Naturally, being a gentleman, I saved her before she fell. That is what you saw when you entered, my lord.”
Andrew held his breath, hoping the excuse was good enough for both Lord Bedford and Lord Vance not to press further. He didn’t want to be called out for compromising the girl’s reputation.
“Is what Lord Claridge said true, Tabby?” asked her father.
Andrew looked at the lady and gave a small nod for her to corroborate his story. She knew the consequences of an unmarried girl found alone with a man. Andrew prayed she would make them believe his explanation. It was their only chance.
Putting on her most convincing smile, Miss Crestwood met her father’s questioning stare.
“Yes, Papa, what his lordship said is true. After mother left, I was sitting on the couch when I was startled by his lordship’s entry. I leapt up and made a dash for the door and in my haste stumbled. Luckily, his lordship grabbed me before I fell into the table. I’m sorry to cause you such distress. And you, your lordship,” she said, turning her gaze to Lord Vance. “I hope you know this was not intended. I’m certain my mother returned to your side as soon as she left me, so you know only a short amount of time had passed. Surely, you can see nothing has happened. Besides, this is the first time I have made the acquaintance of Lord Claridge.”
Andrew watched Lord Vance, studying his face to see if the man accepted their lie. Hopefully he would believe Miss Crestwood and wouldn’t cause a scene. After what seemed an eternity, Lord Vance gave the young lady a smile.
“Of course, I believe you, my dear. You are absolutely right; your dear mother came to me but a few short moments ago. When she told me you were in the library, I came as quickly as I could to see if you were all right. Lord Claridge,” he spoke, turning to Andrew. “I must thank you for your candor and honesty. It can be rare to find in a gentleman. Now, I believe we should all return to the ballroom and put this minor incident behind us. Don’t you agree, Lady Bedford?”
“Of course, my lord. I agree with you whole-heartedly. Let us return to the festivities.” With that, Lord Bedford offered his wife his arm, leaving the two gentlemen with Miss Crestwood. Lord Vance was the first to offer his arm, which she took and was led out of the library.
