“I’ve been guilty of that myself. I can’t wait to hear your story London.”
“I know,” she averts her gaze and stifles a yawn.
“The doctor left medicine for you to take, London,” he suggests.
“I don’t need it.”
Declan sighs, “Surely you understand that rest is a required part of healing.”
“I’m acutely aware of that, Lord Sheridan,” she stands, and he follows quickly.
“Then what reason could you possibly have…”
“I have my reasons. You've been extremely kind to me considering the situation we've found ourselves in, but I won't be bullied, nor will I be told what to do. I would like to retire for the evening,” she whirls and hurries to her room, slamming the door behind her. London glances at the door and prays he doesn't try to enter. Part of her knows better, but her memory reminds her of the hard-learned lessons in the past few years.
London picks up a chair carefully, avoiding her wound and sets it beneath the doorknob, securing the room, and allowing her to relax.
Declan listens, and his face goes pale when he hears her setting a chair against the door. “She doesn't trust me.” His pride is wounded for a moment, but that quickly fades when he thinks about the day's events. It takes time to earn someone's trust, he reminds himself.
“Rest well, little Mouse,” he sighs as he makes his way to his own suite. Exhaustion and stress from the past few weeks have taken its toll. It's time to sleep, and tomorrow his new bride will learn what it means to be Lady Sheridan. He's smiling as he thinks of their first kiss and prays that it won't be their last.
Chapter 17
“Lord Sheridan, we need to talk,” she mutters as she paces inside her suite, her dark purple skirt rustles around her legs as she moves. London is nervous. How much does he really need to know? Definitely, he needs to understand the threat, but what about the shares of his business? Yes, of course, London. He's probably worried sick about it. Taking an envelope, she writes a letter and slips the ticker tape inside, showing her purchase of the shares. “This will make a perfect wedding present,” she smiles.
Stepping into the empty, quiet suite, she's shocked to find herself alone. Where is he?
A soft knock at the door causes her to jump. “Breakfast,” the voice calls out.
London opens the door and stares at the rolling cart and backs up to allow the maid inside. “Lord Sheridan asked that your breakfast be served in your suite.” She rolls the cart over to the table and stands up straight. “He also asked that we pack you and let you know that your train leaves in one hour.”
“We? Train?” she frowns.
“Yes, my Lady,” the maid moves back to the door and signals allowing in two more maids to help pack and make sure she’s ready to travel. “We will see you to Lord Sheridan once you’ve eaten.”
“Thank you,” she sits down and forces herself to eat some fruit and toast, while they work, packing her belongings. On the silver tray sits a folded-up newspaper. London gasps the moment she opens it and sees her picture on the front page!
“No!” London leaps to her feet and stares at the image of her smiling at her new husband. It’s a full-face photograph of her and Declan.
Ladies Maid strikes Gold! The headline is in huge, bold print, and London is shocked. “Who is this mystery woman who stole Lord Sheridan’s heart?”
London's hands are trembling as she reads. The moment Tessa sees this, she will go crazy! A smile crosses her mouth when she realizes that this means that Reagan is happily married to the man of her dreams. Her smile fades when she thinks of Tessa stuck with a potentially violent man who will do whatever it takes to win at business. Maybe it's a good thing they are leaving the city for a while.
***
Tessa shouts for her maid, only to huff in displeasure at the noise outside her chamber. “What's going on?” she demands after ripping open the door. Cook is standing outside her door with two maids, and they are staring at her, not sure if they want to answer her or not.
“Well?” she demands. “Where is my tray, and where is the Mouse?”
“I have your tray, Lady Hubbard.” Cook rolls the tray forward into her suite and suggests that she sit down for her breakfast.
“Thank you,” she sits and sighs while Cook pours her tea. On the tray is the morning newspaper. Cook hands the paper to her and steps back to watch.
“Surely the Mouse isn't still at the hotel after that fiasco last night… oh, that's right. My husband fired her. Well, no matter, we will find her and re-hire her,” her voice fades as Cook interrupts her.
“I don’t think that’s possible. This paper will explain.” The cook watches as Tessa sets her teacup down and opens up the paper.
The resulting scream of outrage is heard all over the house. “I,” she jumps to her feet, “It can't be, no, that's not possible!” she screeches as she stares at the image of the Mouse and Declan on the front page. The dark hair is gone as well as the thick clothing, but she'd know her face anywhere!
“Get out!” Tessa shouts at the running staff. “Oh, you're a sneaky one,” she glares as she reads. “Look at her, smiling at him! He was going to be my ticket to more!” she slams the paper down, and her mind begins whirling. “Who is she indeed?”
Glancing back at the paper, she points, “You're going
