y to read as a page in an open book.”
“It is a book of great depth and wisdom.”
“That is what Emily admires about him.” Miss Darling sighed. “London is but thirty miles away. I do not have to be seen at Falaura Glen every day. What if you brought me home twice during the week? I could go into Flamstead, attend church. The locals would be none the wiser. Mrs Bitton can say I’m ill should anyone call.”
Lockhart watched her intently as she continued with her garbled excuses.
“You’re not worried about the gossips,” he said, sensing the real cause of her anxiety. “You’re worried about how your sister will cope in your absence.”
She looked at him from beneath half-closed lids. “Is it so obvious? Emily craves independence, but I’m frightened to let her go.”
Lockhart couldn’t help but smile. “That is the most honest thing you’ve said all evening.” There was hope yet, hope that they could form a union strong enough to bring down every devious scoundrel ever to darken his door. “What if I escort you home three times during the week? Between Dariell and your housekeeper, I am confident we can come up with a plan that will work to our mutual benefit.”
A genuine smile brightened her countenance. “You would do that?”
“It is the least I can do under the circumstances. Besides, I sense your sister is desperate for a challenge.”
Miss Darling’s striking blue gaze dropped to his lips. “I imagine it will be a challenge for us all.”
Chapter Five
For an hour, Lockhart had sat opposite Miss Darling, as his newly purchased carriage rattled along the narrow lanes and bobbed up and down in rain-filled ruts, and neither had spoken.
Tension sucked all air from the confined space. The draught blowing in from the small gap in the open window did little to relieve her anxiety.
The lady had sobbed upon leaving her sister. Tears welled in her eyes whenever she noticed a milestone marking the distance to London. Perhaps he should have drawn the blinds. But plunging them into darkness would only send her nerves scattering.
Doubtless, he had made a mistake.
Despite Miss Darling’s protestations to the contrary, he feared she would collapse under the weight of his burden. The week would bring many trials. Danger lurked in the shadows. Evil lingered behind warm smiles and kind gestures. The ton behaved like the devil’s brood come to wreak mischief and mayhem.
“Are you cold?” he suddenly asked when the silence became deafening. For all his confidence and courage, he needed some reassurance that she would keep her end of the bargain. “I can close the window.”
“No. I hardly slept a wink last night, and the cool breeze is keeping me awake.”
“The bustling streets of London are but an hour away. Take a nap. It might help to liven your spirits.”
For the first time since setting out on their journey, she looked at him directly. “I couldn’t possibly sleep knowing you’re watching me.”
Lockhart snorted. “What do you think I’ll be doing tonight when we climb into bed? I like to read for an hour and suspect the late nights will leave you exhausted.”
The lady was used to country hours. Supper at six, not midnight. Snoozing by the fire, not dancing and making merry.
“You mean you’re serious about that?”
Lockhart frowned. “Balls and routs go on until the early hours.”
“No, I mean you’re serious about us sharing a bed. It’s not as though your family will storm into your bedchamber and demand evidence of our betrothal.”
“We will sleep together, Miss Darling.” The serious edge to his tone should leave her in no doubt. “It is for the servants’ sake that I insist.”
“The servants?” She drew her brows tightly together. “Why would they care?”
Clearly the lady knew nothing of life in town. “My friend Lord Greystone hired all the staff from the Registry. Consequently, they have no loyalty and may accept bribes for information.”
Her shoulders sagged. “So home will be a potential battleground, too?”
Home? There was no such place. Not anymore.