Lady Vivian Defies a Duke - By Samantha Grace Page 0,2
Brighthurst House this early? And where was his coach? “Uh, I-I don’t—”
He frowned as he mounted his horse. “Don’t tell me you are unfamiliar with Lady Brighthurst.”
She wouldn’t say she was unfamiliar with her, for it was best to avoid speaking falsehoods whenever possible. “You might have gone—” She waggled her finger. “Go that way.”
His gaze followed her wavering finger. “Which way? The way I came?”
“Yes, I think. Maybe.”
“Yes or maybe?”
“Uh… Perhaps you should find someone else to ask.”
He raised a brow and looked pointedly around the area. “Ask someone else? Who, pray tell?”
“Forgive me, sir, but I really must go.” She swam for the opposite bank, reaching her destination and clinging to the rocky ledge.
“Just a moment. I require an answer. Do I go back the way I came or not?”
“Um, yes!” Dear Lord, she had just lied after all. To an earl. Vivi’s heart pounded in her ears, blocking out his reply. She blinked. “Pardon?”
“I asked if you would like something for your trouble. A shilling or two?”
“No!” Good heavens, no. She couldn’t take his money, too. Her knuckles ached as she fought against the current trying to sweep her downstream.
He walked his horse a little ways into the water. “Are you certain you don’t require assistance? You appear in danger of drowning again.”
“I know how to swim,” she said through clenched teeth.
The gentleman rubbed his forehead, appearing to mull over the wisdom of leaving her.
She eyed the steep incline on her side of the creek. It would take a bit of effort, but she could scale the hill. If the gentleman would leave. “Thank you for your concern, but you may go now.”
A slow smile eased across his mouth like honey dripping from a spoon. “You are too cheeky by half, chit. Take care when climbing to the top. I wouldn’t like to see you hurt.”
“I will be fine, but thank you again.”
With a shake of his head, he flicked the reins and turned his horse back toward the trees.
Lud! She didn’t have much time. As soon as rider and horse disappeared from sight, Vivi levered her elbow against the rock ledge, flopped her leg on top, and then climbed from the water with a soft grunt. Pushing to her feet, she kicked free of the chemise tangled around her legs and grabbed a large tree root dangling down the side of the embankment. She scurried up the hill hand over hand, her mind awhirl.
What was Lord Ellis doing at Brighthurst this early? And why did he have to arrive at this exact moment? She had the worst luck of any person she knew.
Her feet slipped on the dark dirt, stirring up an earthy scent. She held tighter, ignoring the burn in her palms, and continued her climb. When she made it to the top, she dashed for her clothes.
Lord Ellis couldn’t reach the house before her. He just couldn’t. She needed a moment to think, to sort out what to do before he arrived. She had to find a way to salvage her situation, because she couldn’t bear to be a disappointment to Cousin Patrice again.
In the distance, someone called her name. It was her maid.
“Lady Vivian, here you are. I have been searching everywhere for you.” Winifred marched through the meadow in her direction. “It looks like another storm is blowing in. You better come back to the house.”
A gust of wind sent the meadow grass into a frantic dance. Vivi snatched up her crumpled gown from the ground. “Winnie! Come quickly. Something awful has happened.”
Her maid broke into a run. “My lady, what is it? Have you been injured?”
“No, nothing of the sort, but please help me with my dress.” Winnie grabbed her corset and petticoats, but Vivi waved them away. “There isn’t time. You may dress me properly once we reach my chambers.”
“I don’t understand, my lady. What happened?” Her maid draped the undergarments over her shoulder and tossed the gown over Vivi’s head, yanking the skirts down her body inch by inch as the Indian muslin stuck to her wet skin.
When her head emerged, she saw a thick cloud dull the bright sun. The air seemed stagnant and heavy. In the distance, foreboding storm clouds hovered on the horizon as if getting into formation to launch an attack. It was moving in quickly, catching her unawares, much as Lord Ellis had.
Before her maid could fasten her gown, Vivi linked arms and dragged her through the meadow back toward Brighthurst House.