He brushed her wet hair to the side Her bonnet had fallen back in the water. “Let’s take you home now. I wouldn’t want you to catch an illness from this. Later, when you’re dry and had time to compose yourself, we’ll talk. I want to know why Lord Eaton acted as if he owns you.”
She shook her head. “No.”
“Yes,” he said confidently. He didn’t like how resolved her denial seemed to be, but he’d change her mind. He could be persuasive when necessary. “He needs to understand he can’t harass you. He won’t stop unless someone he’ll listen to tells him to stop.” Ezra stood and then helped her to her feet. “It’s either me or Graystone, but you should know even if you choose to tell your tale to the duke, I will be involved.”
“I need to check on my maid,” she said. She could change the topic of conversation all she wanted, but he would not let her get away with it for long. He would ensure his uncle never hurt her again. “Lord Eaton did something to her. After I’m certain she’s all right, I want you to escort us home.” Teddy didn’t argue with him, so he assumed she was done quarreling. At least he hoped so. Graystone would want to know why she was soaked to the skin. He’d follow her lead for now, but if she didn’t confess to him, Ezra would ensure she told someone. He hoped she would trust him. Either way though, his uncle deserved a beating, or perhaps something worse. Teddy’s tale would determine the course of action.
Chapter 7
Teddy sat on her bed, closed her eyes and then took a deep breath. Lord Carrolton, Ezra, had saved from the evil baron. Lord Eaton had attempted to abduct her, and if he had… She didn’t fully understand why the baron had wanted to take her with him. That night, so many years ago, he’d attempted to force himself on her, and it seemed as if he wanted to finish what he had started then. Why he thought she somehow owed him something, she didn’t know. When he couldn’t take her with him, he’d pushed her into the Serpentine. Probably so he could escape Ezra’s wrath. He’d been so angry.
Now he wanted her to tell him everything. She wasn’t certain she could. To tell Ezra how Lord Eaton had hurt her years ago, and what he intended to do to her now… Teddy swallowed hard. It was embarrassing, and it made her anxious. If she could, she would avoid Ezra for as long as possible. He wouldn’t allow her to do so for long though. He would go to Zachary and tell him about it, and then she’d have to tell them both everything.
A knock echoed through the room, the door opened, and then Billie stuck her head inside. “How are you feeling?”
“You might as well come inside,” Teddy told her. “We’re not going to converse with you half in, and half out of the room.”
Billie entered the bedchamber and closed the door behind her, then walked over to sit with Teddy on the bed. She stared at Teddy with concern etched on her face. Her forehead was crinkled as she frowned. “I still cannot believe you fell into the Serpentine. Thank heavens that Lord Carrolton was there to save you.” She held her hand over her chest. “I don’t know what I would have done if…” Billie closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “I cannot lose anyone else. Do you hear me? Don’t scare me like that ever again.”
Guilt filled her for worrying her sister. “It’s not as if I intended to take an unexpected dip in the lake,” she told Billie. “You know I can’t swim. I promise to be more careful in the future.” If Billie had all the information, she’d be far more scared. Teddy had never told a soul what had happened three years ago. She’d been so embarrassed. Her father had known, of course, but then he died, and therefore couldn’t tell anyone her shame. Not that she believed he ever would have.
“I know you didn’t purposely fall into the lake. That is ridiculous.” Billie waved her hand. “It’s…” She let the word trail off. “You know what I mean.”
“I do,” Teddy said, and then smiled. “Quit worrying. I’m all right.”
Billie crossed the room and hugged her. “I know you are. I do. It helps that I can reassure myself that you are.” She stepped back and cupped Teddy’s cheek in her palm. “Are you ready for tonight?”
At first she thought her sister was asking if Teddy was prepared for Ezra’s interrogation. Then she remembered. “It’s my official launch into society.” She believed it was silly. There had been several balls and soirees she’d already attended this season. But tonight’s ball was in her honor. “Why wouldn’t I be?” She lifted a brow. “Are you ready?” Teddy wasn’t. How the hell was she going to make it through the entire ball? She couldn’t let Billie down.
“I am,” Billie said. “The staff has been working for days, and the ballroom is so lovely. I cannot wait for you to see it.” She nibbled on her bottom lip. “You should rest for a little while. Soon, you’ll need to prepare for tonight, and you will not be able to rest for some hours afterward. Yesterday was very trying for you.”
“I fell into the lake,” Teddy said dryly. “I’m quite over the experience.” What she couldn’t get past was how Lord Carrolton had treated her afterward. He had been so kind, and protective. He’d attempted to claim her as
