Karla Darcy - [Sweet Deception Regency 04] by The Scandalous Ward Page B

so." Leslie's eyes turned cloudy in remembrance. "Of course, when I was growing up it seemed perfectly natural he should treat me like a boy, leaving me pretty much on my own. There were few English families at the places he was posted, so I had little opportunity to compare. When I was old enough to see what was required of English girls, I was relieved at how much simpler my life was. It wasn't Pax's fault, milady. I had many years to perfect my role."
    "Men, my dear, are seldom perceptive. They pride themselves on being able to see the big picture, which only means they cannot see the details of life that make everything so much more interesting," the old lady concluded drily.
    Leslie sank down on the window seat, smiling affectionately at the comfortable little woman. Despite her outlandish costumes, there was a warm, honest quality that emanated from Lady Titwiliver like the cloud of lavender scent that surrounded her. How different Leslie's own life might have been, had she known this woman in her early years. Even now she yearned to unburden herself, securely cushioned against the ample bosom of the older woman.
    "Things have a way of working out for the best," Nell remarked in the face of the young girl's bleak expression. "You're totally compromised, gel. Your wedding will stop most of the talk although even at that, it will be a nine days' wonder. Perhaps it's not the most promising start, but your marriage to my nephew may have a surprising conclusion." The old woman did not miss Leslie's defiant look and clenched fists, and her own forehead furrowed in concern. There was a stubborn, iron-willed streak in the child in sharp contrast to Leslie's meekly spoken agreement. Thoughtfully, Nell rose to her feet, balancing precariously on her heels. Leaning down she gently kissed Leslie on the cheek.
    Leslie clung for a moment, enveloped in the lavender embrace, then reluctantly she released the older woman. Her eyes were tearful as she thanked Lady Titwiliver for coming, in her heart wishing it were possible to meet again at another time. Alone, Leslie washed her face, relishing the cold water on her feverish skin. Anticipation of the night ahead lent a false brightness to her eyes and a slight tremor to her hands. With a quivering sigh, Leslie looked around the room for the last time. Then straightening her shoulders, she stalked resolutely to the door.
    Fog shrouded the buildings, miasmic fingers swirling before Leslie's eyes. She stumbled against a tree root, stopping to get her bearings in the unreality of the night. A muffled whinny off to her left pulled her in the correct direction to the anxious group waiting beside the glade of trees.
    "Here, Daffadar." Manji's whisper was harsh as he reached out and grasped the arm of the little figure. Quickly, he enveloped her in the warm greatcoat and pushed a beaver hat onto her curls. Then, before Leslie could speak, he threw her up onto the back of one of the hunters and reached for the reins of his own horse. Jacko was already mounted and led the others in a slow walk across the fields and away from Windhaven. Steadily, their speed increased until they connected with the main road. As the moonlit ribbon of road unraveled ahead of them, the threesome sprang their horses and galloped through the light misting rain. It was almost ten-thirty before they reached the coaching inn, the Silver Stallion.
    "Khuda Hafiz, little one."
    "God protect you also, Manji." Leslie threw herself into the mighty embrace of her friend, shaken at their imminent separation. Although she was frightened at leaving him behind, she knew Manji was correct. With him in their party, they would be far too noticeable. "We will get word to you as soon as we are settled."
    "We will meet again," Manji said fatalistically. He stood immobile as Leslie and Jacko boarded the mail coach, his eyes never leaving the boyish figure until the coach wheeled out of the innyard.
    Wedged between Jacko and the window,