Chapter Seven
The sixth Marquis of Hawksbury paced in front of the fireplace of his library, trying to think of a way to acquire what was rightfully his. He and Lord Lane, Earl of Claybourne had made a deal! It was no matter that the man was well into his cups by then. He had promised his daughter's hand in marriage to him and he was not going to back out now. Besides, Hawksbury, thought, everyone already thinks we will wed and I'll be damned if Claybourne will make a fool out of me.
The note had read that Victoria had decided that she did not wish to wed with him and he apologized for all the trouble. He knew it because she was had not forgotten about that scoundrel's bastard son Tyler Hamilton. Well, when that chit was his wife, he would bring her to heel and she would learn a woman did not make her own decisions. Women did not beling in control. Their addle-brained ideas would surely ruin all the progress men had made. That's it! I'll make it clear to her that she has no choice and rid her of her thoughts of Lord Hamilton once and for all.
"Munson!" Hawksbury bellowed.
Munson, Hawksbury's steward immediately appeared. "Yes, my lord?" "I need you to take a note for me. Address it to Miss Victoria Lane, please...."
* * *
"Miss Victoria?"
"What is it Lucy?" Victoria asked, looking up from her book.
"You really shouldn't sit like that, m'lady. You know sitting cross-legged is not atall proper." Victoria sighed and put her stockinged feet on the floor. Lucy once again gasped at seeing that she also was not wearing slippers. "What did you really interrupt me for, Lucy?"
"A messenger has brought you a note, m'lady." she said and held out a tray with a piece of paper on it. "Did you recognize the messenger, Lucy?"
"No, m'lady. 'Twas merely a young lad."
Puzzled, Victoria accepted the paper and unfolded it.
Dearest Victoria,
She looked up at Lucy who was watching her mistress expectantly.
I truly apologize for not meeting with you sooner.
I was
delayed by the Ministry. Please meet me in Hyde Park
at noon, by the gardens.
Yours,
Tyler
Her heart was beating so fast she felt as if she had just run miles and miles and miles. Tyler was here and wanted to see her? She knew it! She knew it was him!
"Lucy, quickly, you must help me get ready! It's almost noon!" Victoria squealed and shoved the crumpled note at her maid. Lucy, smoothed out the paper and read it for herself.
Her eyes lighting up, she took off after her mistress, thanking God that her prayers had finally been answered. Tyler was home!