Protected by the Major by Anne Herries Page B

grateful to be away from her husband’s house and the hateful attentions of the marquis.
    ‘It is not fitting for you, my lady,’ Sally said, glancing around the bedchamber they had been given. It was furnished with the essentials, but not pretty or comfortable enough for a lady of quality. ‘We did not have much time to plan, but we must find somewhere more suitable as soon as we can.’
    ‘I do not object to the room for it is clean and adequate,’ Madeline replied with a little smile. ‘If the bed is comfortable, I shall sleep well enough. Yet I fear that I shall be seen sooner or later and my husband will discover where I am. I must find somewhere else to stay—somewhere quiet where I can remain hidden.’
    ‘You will not return to your father’s house?’
    ‘I shall send word that I have left my husband,’ Madeline said.
    She would tell her father that his notes were burned and that he was free of the debts that had shamed him, but he was in general an honourable man and she feared that he might feel it his duty to tell Lethbridge where she was staying. She might be forced to return to him under the law. She was, after all, still his wife and some might say as much his property as his horse or dog—and therefore in his gift if he chose. It was barbaric that a woman should be obedient to a husband who treated her ill, but the law was too often on his side. Madeline could not prove that he had been planning to sell her to another man. Society would be shocked if they believed her, but he would deny it and the scandal would be unbearable either way. No, she must simply hide until she could find somewhere she might live in safety—perhaps abroad?
    ‘I have a little jewellery. Perhaps Thomas could sell some of it for me? It might pay our way until I can find work of some kind.’
    ‘You cannot work, my lady. Who would employ you?’ Sally frowned. ‘We must take a rented cottage somewhere and Thomas and I will work to keep us all.’
    ‘I could not ask so much of you,’ Madeline said. ‘If Major Ravenscar gets my message, it may not be necessary. He promised to help me if I left my husband.’
    ‘Then I am sure he will come as soon as he has your letter,’ Sally said. ‘Now let me unlace you, my lady, for I think you must be tired. You will not mind my sleeping in your room? I do not snore—at least, I do not think so...’
    ‘Of course I do not mind,’ Madeline said and laughed softly. ‘I am no longer a grand lady, Sally. I must learn to live by my own means somehow.’
    She stood patiently while Sally helped her to disrobe and put on the nightgown her thoughtful maid had packed for her. Sally had smuggled her things downstairs to Thomas, who had carried them away from the house, to the carriage, which had brought them to his brother’s inn. Madeline had observed that the young footman was devoted to her maid and knew that she was his reason for risking so much for her sake. He’d given up a good position and would not find it easy to find another in society without a reference, but Sally had asked and he’d agreed because he loved her.
    ‘You know that I will give you a reference, Thomas, but my word will not carry against that of my husband.’ Madeline had told him when he helped her from the carriage on their arrival at the inn. ‘I can never tell you how grateful I am.’
    ‘It’s time I stood on my own feet, milady,’ the young footman said and grinned. ‘I’ve been saving my money and I’ll be buying an inn myself soon enough. The truth is, I should have left your husband’s employ long ago if Sally would’ve come with me—but she refuses to leave you.’
    ‘She is very loyal, but I would not wish to stand in the way of her happiness if she loves you, Thomas.’
    ‘She’ll come round when she sees you happily settled, milady. And I can wait.’
    Madeline had thanked them both again. Now, as she lay in the bed, which had proved both clean and comfortable, she allowed herself