Ladies of Deception 02 - Misleading Lord Martineau by Ginny Hartman Page B

the most beautiful creature he had ever seen—she was petite with fine boned features and vivid blue eyes. Her hair was like golden rays of sunshine and her radiant smile caused his heart to beat an erratic rhythm in his chest. He had formed a habit of following her around the manor as she scurried about seeing to her various chores. At first she seemed flattered by his attention but as the days wore on, she seemed to withdraw from his advances which only served to make him confused and upset.
    Clinton was snapped out of his reverie when his carriage came to an abrupt halt, causing him to jerk forward in his seat. He cursed before looking out of the window and noticing they were parked in front of the Spotted Pig. He had been so lost in his musings he hadn’t realized that his driver must have already seen Felicity home before bringing him to the inn. Alighting from the carriage he cursed once more, ruing the day that Elliot Martineau ever interfered in his life.

Chapter 7
    Felicity dreaded returning home, knowing that she looked affright and that Aunt Agatha was sure to bombard her with questions. Her dress, though now dry, was crumpled and stained, and she desperately hoped it could be salvaged. It was one of the few nice gowns she owned and she couldn’t afford to have it replaced. She was sure her face wasn’t much better, she had spent the better part of the carriage ride home with tears coursing down her cheeks.
    She couldn’t believe how fresh the pain of Elliot’s abandonment felt and how after all of this time he could attempt to waltz back into her life and claim her as if no time had passed. She had been so sure when her father had found out that Elliot had ruined her that he would have come to her and insist on making it right, wedding her immediately to prevent further scandal from befalling her. She had been both shocked and brokenhearted when the only response she had ever received from him was word from her father that he refused to have anything to do with her.
    Elliot’s betrayal would have been horrendous enough to handle on its own, but coupled with her father’s resentment and drastic actions as punishment for her behavior she had become forlorn, barely able to cope with her newfound existence. She didn’t want to dwell on the past however, knowing full well that her future and what awaited her at home required all of her mental energy and attention.
    Everything was dark and silent when she walked into the house. The only sound she heard was Aunt Agatha scurrying across the hall. She looked up to see the old woman approaching her with what appeared to be a note clutched in one wrinkled hand.
    “Oh Felicity, I’m so glad you’re home.”
    “ Whatever is the matter? Is it—”
    Aunt Agatha cut her off mid-sentence, thrusting the missive into her hands, “I wasn’t sure things could get worse.”
    Felicity sunk onto the stairs and straightened the paper in her hands, squinting to make out the words in the dark.
    My darling cousin,
    I have found out about your devious scheme to pose as a widow in order to acquire a husband of quality. Did you really think I wouldn’t find out what you were up to or where you had gone? I grow weary of your childish games. Now that I know your whereabouts, I fully intend to make good on my previous threat. You ruined my life and I plan to return the favor, all in good time.
    Clinton
    Felicity dropped the offending paper in her lap and looked up with horror, “How did he find us?”
    “ I don’t know child, but it was only a matter of time. We are staying at one of your father’s properties which now rightfully belongs to him. What are we going to do?”
    “ I haven’t a clue, there’s nowhere else for us to go.”
    “ The only way to be free from your odious cousin is to legally belong to someone else. What about Lord Wadsworth? Do you think you can persuade him to propose marriage soon?”
    Felicity sighed, “Oh Aunt Agatha, I doubt it. He’s shown