Hint of Desire by Lavinia Kent

his son’s.
    “Enter. ” Westlake’s voice echoed down the hall.
    “Excuse me, your grace. There are some men I think you should see.”
    Listening carefully, Lily could he ar the scrape of a chair as Westlake rose.
    “I am rather occupied, Jeffers . What do they want?”
    “I am not sure, your grace, but I think it’s about Lady Elizabeth. They’re looking for somebody. And she suits the description.”
    Without actually hearing it, Lily could sense the deep sigh that met the remark. She pictured Westlake’s still face as he contemplated his answer.
    “Where are they?”
    “At the kitchen door.”
    “Send them around and I’ll meet them in the yard when I’ve finished here.”
    Jeffers walked back down the hall, leaving the study door ajar. For several minutes there was no sound from within.
    Lily stood still, counting her breaths . This couldn’t be happening now. She hadn’t had time to plan, to prepare. As the fear threatened to overtake her and freeze her to the spot, she forced herself to move.
    She stole into the hall, slowly and silently shutting the door behind her . She hesitated but a moment. She longed to creep after Westlake and eavesdrop on his conversation. Her fingers curled at her sides as she tried to think of a way. She caught her lip between her teeth until blood welled beneath the skin.
    No, it was too great a risk.
    Turning, she plodded back up the stairs. It was an effort to climb each stair; she longed so deeply to sneak out and listen. Her mind whirled with possibilities and plans.
    It was her hesitation that caught her . She had nearly reached the top when the study door swung wide and Westlake came striding out. He headed towards the back of the house, each step covering a wide expanse of the fine carpet. Then, he stopped. Lily did not know how she had given herself away, but his eyes swung to her and locked. His glance swept over her, taking in her bare toes and the light wool of her shawl. She could feel herself blanch beneath his gaze. Her knees wobbled, and for a moment she was afraid she would tumble down the stairs. Westlake took one step towards her, firmed his lips and then, without a word, continued away.
    Lily’s knees did give out then, and she sat hard on the top stair, hugging the baluster, her chest heavy and her eyes prickling. She fought for a calming breath and refused to give in to the terror that threatened to swamp her. She had to be strong for Simon’s sake. Somehow she would get through this labyrinth.

 

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Four
     
    Westlake found himself cursing under his breath as he tramped out towards the stable yard. He should have had the men brought into his study, but something in Jeffers’ tone prevented him. After all the years Jeffers had been with him, Arthur had learned to understand the tiniest inflection, and it was clear that these were not men who would be welcome in his home.
    He could have had them brought round to the front, but again he’d stopped. It was only when he’d glanced up and seen Lady Elizabeth perched at the top of the stairs, looking like she could melt away with the slightest breeze, that he’d realized what had drawn him from the normal course of action. He didn’t want anything unpleasant coming anywhere near her, and judging from the edge to Jeffers’ tone, this could be very unpleasant.
    Approaching the door, he saw the two men stomping impatiently. He understood instantly why Jeffers had not had them wait inside. In fact, he almost called for Jeffers again to take care of them. They weren’t much dirtier or more badly dressed than the average stable hand, but they reeked of disrepair. He would never have allowed anyone so disheveled into his own service. Still, he needed to find out what they wanted, and if they were searching for Lady Elizabeth, he could scarcely ignore this chance for information.
    Unaware that he was observed , the larger of the two men brushed back a lank strand of hair