––––––––
Lilly slammed into the doors and they gave way. She bolted down the terrace steps, knowing he was right behind her.
“Lady St. James!” he hissed angrily as he pursued her.
She looked back, but never lost pace until her slipper slid on a pebble as she rounded a hedge, and she fell forward onto her stomach, knocking the breath from her.
Nevil landed on top of her and subdued her arms, then he covered her mouth and hauled her to her feet. She tried to struggle, but he wrapped his arm around her like a steel band.
“Shhh, this is supposed to look like a lovers’ tryst, not rape. Try to play along.”
Lilly squealed in anger. He tried to pull towards the terrace, but she struggled as hard as she could. He changed directions and pulled her into a topiary garden, which was walled with ivy-covered stone. In the center was a gravel courtyard shaded by a large willow overhanging a stone bench.
He carried her forward, cursing and grumbling until he dropped her before the bench.
“Why are you doing this?” Lilly cried.
“I told you. I will be paid very handsomely. Although our scenery has changed, I have every hope of collecting. However, permanent damage must be done first.”
“No.” Lilly’s eyes widened. “You can’t mean to—”
“Absolutely my love, I have wanted you for some time.” He laughed. “Half the men in that ballroom do.”
“Stay away from me or you will regret it.” Lilly used the bench to get to her feet. Her knees were shaking terribly.
Lord Hughes smiled and reached for her. Lilly instinctively struck him. Her small fist hit his nose with all the strength she could muster.
“Son of a—” Lord Hughes grabbed his nose and cursed as blood began to pour. “Where did you learn to hit like that?”
“Devon Brentton, thank you very much.” For a moment Lilly smiled at her small victory.
“I’m going to get you for that.” He lunged to grab her.
“Don’t touch her,” a voice said.
Lilly nearly screamed in joy as Dominic stepped into view.
“This is a private conversation. Find your own,” Lord Hughes growled.
“If you wish to keep living, I recommend you leave now.”
“I saw her first,” Lord Hughes bellowed angrily, and charged Dominic.
Dominic sidestepped Lord Hughes and laughed when he hit the ground. He stood to face Dominic and swung his fists wildly. Dominic dodged the hits and placed a well-timed uppercut to his opponent’s jaw. Lord Hughes dropped like a stone on the gravel path.
Lilly bolted into Dominic’s arms as soon as Lord Hughes hit the ground.
Dominic caught her in a fierce hug. “Are you okay?”
“Yes,” she cried into his neck.
“Did he...?”
“No, nowhere near,” Lilly said frantically. “You saved me again.”
Dominic held her tighter against him. “I was ready to kill him,” he admitted.
“I was ready to let you.” She pulled away and looked into his eyes, smiling.
“You have dirt on your coat. What happened to you?” She stepped back and looked him over.
“I’ll explain later, something—” He stilled. The crunch of gravel was their first warning, then came the chatter echoing off the enclosing walls. Dominic pulled Lilly off the path, into the shadows behind a large shrub shaped like a giant blooming flower. He pulled Lilly close as a small group of ladies entered the topiary garden. Lady Seavers led the group, talking excitedly. They all gasped at once when they came upon Lord Hughes crumpled on the ground.
***
“Oh my! Is he dead?” Lady Carrington shrieked.
Lady Brewstone stepped closer. “No, he’s breathing. Let’s go.”
“We can’t leave him!” Lady Carrington cried. “Oh, why my ball! This will be all over the papers.”
“I’ll stay with Lord Hughes,” Lady Seavers finally said. “You two can summon help.”
The two ladies happily agreed to leave as Lady Seavers knelt beside him.
“Nevil,” she whispered. “Nevil!” She shook his arm. When he didn’t respond she slapped him across the face.
Lord Hughes woke up swinging wildly, barely missing Lady Seavers.
“Calm down, you oaf!” she snapped. “What in God’s name happened to you?”
He looked around, somewhat dazed, before his gaze focused on her. “That bitch hit me,” he snarled. He winced and rubbed his rapidly bruising jaw.
“Somehow that doesn’t surprise me,” Lady Seavers sneered. “But where is she? Did you do the deed? I was severely disappointed when you were not in the morning room, but the open doors led us straight here. Why?”
“She ran and she fought hard.” Nevil grimaced. “I caught her, but then her damned warrior found us.”
“What!” Lady Seavers screeched in alarm. “He saw you forcing her?”
“I didn’t get anywhere near her before he laid me out.”
“How did he—how!” she sputtered in rage.
“Do I still get my blunt?” Nevil slurred.
“No, you imbecile. She wasn’t compromised, therefore you get nothing. Where do you think the money would have come from? If my daughter does not marry Redwick, we have nothing!” Lady Seavers turned and strode away, leaving Nevil to stumble after her.