“I see.” My God, Haddon basically abducted me from Bond Street in broad daylight.
“Once we were settled in our carriage, I was shocked when Papa held you in his lap all the way home. I would go so far as to say he cradled you. Rather improperly, I might add.”
Marissa swallowed. “Well, I was unconscious and could not correct him. I rarely faint but I suppose with the shock of the boxes falling atop me . . .” She stared right back at Jordana. “I shall bring him to task for creating a scene.”
“I would call it more a spectacle.” Jordana sat back with a look of satisfaction.
“You’re enjoying this far too much.” All of London was probably aware of what had occurred on Bond Street, and if not now, they surely would be this evening. Everyone would know she was at Haddon’s and speculate on their relationship.
A tiny thrill ran through her.
Very much like a Viking marauder. One who saved my shoe and my hat. And now me.
“I’m fairly certain my father won’t be marrying Lady Christina.”
“The future is not set in stone.” But Jordana was probably right. Lord Stanton would never allow his daughter to marry Haddon under the circumstances, even if Haddon wished it. And Marissa didn’t think he did. “You should not sound so pleased, Jordana.” It appeared the scandal she’d wished to avoid had found her anyway.
Although it was satisfying to know Lady Christina’s hopes had been dashed by an elderly widow.
Marissa’s stomach growled. Loudly. “Jordana, dear, did I miss supper?”
“I’m afraid you did.” She stood and clasped the large book to her chest. “I’m to let Papa know the moment you are awake.”
“I’m sure that isn’t necessary.” Haddon had staked his claim on Marissa in front of a large percentage of the ton. It was wildly inappropriate. And terribly romantic. He’d declared his intentions toward her. Publicly.
There will be no going back now.
The soft flutter started again in her chest. His presence in her life was either going to give her apoplexy or keep her heart beating. She thought the latter.
“I don’t wish to bother him,” Marissa said.
“It isn’t any bother. I’m sure he’ll be up directly. And I’ll have something for you to eat sent up.” She nodded to a small valise next to the bed which Marissa recognized as hers. “And a maid.”
“Thank you, dear.”
Jordana paused before the door. “I am grateful you weren’t seriously hurt, Marissa.” Her gaze fell to the floor as her toe drew a design in the rug. “Even though I’ve not grown used to society or London, I find I have grown used to you. You’ve made London bearable for me.” The shy, almost tentative smile crossing her lips transformed Jordana’s entire face, giving Marissa a glimpse into the striking woman Jordana would one day become.
Jordana is lovely, and best of all, she doesn’t know it.
“I’ll send a maid right up.” Jordana shut the door softly behind her.
Both father and daughter have such a hold on my heart.
Marissa turned her eyes back to the perusal of the hideous canopy above her head, wiping another tear from her cheek.
21
A tray arrived a short time later, a bowl of hearty soup and fresh-baked bread with butter. Marissa felt immeasurably better after eating and after the arrival of a maid who brushed out her hair and helped her see to her needs. Her ankle felt much better as did the ache in her head.
“My lady,” the young maid said. “Shall I help you into this?” She held up a plain cotton nightgown from the valise Marissa’s own maid, Felice, had sent over.
Marissa looked down at Haddon’s robe which she was still wearing. She’d rolled up the sleeves and belted it tightly to help hide the fact she’d discarded her chemise to wash earlier. Toying with the sash, Marissa shook her head.
A decision of sorts had been reached between her and Haddon. Unspoken, but there, all the same. Marissa had known from the second she’d awoken to Haddon at her bedside, holding her hand with no concern over Dr. Steward observing them.
The dream she’d had earlier came back to her. Reggie obviously approved.
“I believe I’ll stay in the robe.”
The maid only nodded and began folding up the nightgown to place back in the valise.
“My ankle is paining me,” Marissa hastened to explain to the girl. “I’m much more comfortable as I am.”
“Very good, my lady.” The maid bobbed and left the room.
Once the girl left, Marissa’s head fell back on the pillows. A delicious scent lingered on the silk as if she were enfolded in Haddon’s embrace. For the first time in years, at least in recent memory, Marissa could do nothing but allow someone to take care of her.
It was a novel concept, one she’d never been faced with before.
Her first husband, Kelso, had been such a flagrant rake, he’d never spared a thought for her comfort or well-being. Shortly after their marriage, he’d left Marissa in charge of everything; it was Marissa who had ended up managing Kelso’s holdings as well as the household.
A blessing, as it turned out. It had prepared her for the future.
Once she had given birth to Spencer, she had rarely seen her husband at all.
Reggie, bless him, had truly loved her, but even so, she’d always come in second to his love of rocks and minerals. When he’d disappeared, she had been suddenly left to manage the affairs of both her young sons until they could do so on their own. When her brother and his wife had died, Marissa had taken on the care of Nick and Arabella, her niece and nephew. Those years
