Page 95 of The Notorious Lady

Ford swatted at her. “We are here by necessity. It isn’t a romantic liaison.”

She lifted her brows. “Mhmm… What you were doing upstairs”—she paused—“was obviously by necessity.”

“Eloise!” Ford reprimanded but she waved his concern away.

“I am a married lady now, I know these things.”

Ford grimaced, “I don’t want to know about you knowing these things. To me, you are still an innocent little girl.”

Eloise just chuckled and took a sip of tea. “I like Grace. I always thought you’d make a good match.”

I will not marry you. I will never marry anyone. I have too much to lose.

Obviously, Grace didn’t agree. Now that Hades and Eloise were here, reality had slipped into their little fantasy cottage.

They would have to leave this place soon. Grace would go back to her brothel, and they would not see each other again.

His heart squeezed. Perhaps, he would convince her to reconsider.

There was still a possibility she was with child from their encounter on the horse. And if that were the case, he would forever be tied to her. A smile tugged at his lips at the thought.

“Tell me, how was your vacation?”

Eloise’s face split into a beautiful smile and then she proceeded to tell him all about their adventures, her face animated, laughter easily spilling from her lips.

He’d missed his little sister. But he almost didn’t recognize her like this. He had to admit, whatever he thought about Hades, he made Eloise happier than she had ever been.

Grace had been right from the start. He never should have judged the man for his past. He only hoped she would take her own advice and not judge him for his.

* * *

The missive from the Earl of Payne came the next day.

Porter had been killed. William had been captured for his and all the other aristocrats’ murders. He was currently in the gaol, awaiting his execution.

A chill ran through Grace as absorbed the news. The decision was easy. They were going back to London to attempt to save their friend’s life.

Conflicting feelings assailed Grace: happiness that she could return home, fear for William’s life, and dread at the thought of separating from Ford.

They collected their belongings as Hades prepared the carriage.

As Grace tied her meager belongings she’d acquired here with twine, she glanced at Ford, who had a pensive look on his face.

“I wouldn’t worry about William,” she said, knowing they must have been close since William was the one who brought Ford into Grace’s life. “He has a way with locks. I am certain he will escape before we even get there.”

Ford’s frown deepened. “I wasn’t worried about him at all.”

“Then what’s wrong? You look… troubled.”

He let out a deep sigh. “When we return to London, what does it mean for us?”

She swallowed. Good question. She wished they could be together. She wished he could accept Grace as his lifelong companion, if not his wife, without any stipulations. “We go back to the way things were.”

“Back where?”

“Back to where we led separate lives.” She cleared her throat, for her voice had gone hoarse.

“What if I don’t want them to?” His voice was quiet.