Free Stages of Desire by Julia Tagan Page A

almost dropping the trunk as she did, but recovered and set it down with a thud on the floor of the wagon.
    â€œMy lord.” She let out a slow exhale.
    The others jumped to their feet and gave William a wild range of responses, ranging from a deep, painful curtsy by the colorful lady to an unsure bob of the head by the boy. An older man shuffled forward and gazed at William with astonishment.
    â€œMy God!” The old man wrung his hat with his hands. “The spitting image.”
    â€œI’m sorry?” When the man kept on staring, William ignored him and turned back to Miss Farley. “Miss Farley. I would like an answer to my question.”
    She leaped down from the wagon, landing as lightly as a cat. Her back was ramrod straight as she approached him, and she met his eyes with an unwavering gaze. “I presume Her Grace sent you to talk sense into me.”
    â€œShe did indeed.”
    â€œWell, you’re too late. We’re preparing for a journey to Birmingham. These are the Farley Players, the esteemed strolling theatrical company you may have heard me mention the other day.”
    Esteemed seemed far too grand a word for this shabby group.
    Undeterred, she waved her hand with a flourish at William. “I’d like to introduce Lord Abingdon.”
    â€œI’d like a word with you.” He motioned to the door. “Alone. Outside.”
    She led the way out of the barn to a small creek, knelt down, and washed her hands, drying them off on her skirt. William couldn’t help but notice the flash of petticoats when she did so, as well as a view of her slender ankle. The sight of her was disconcerting. He cleared his throat in an effort to regain his composure.
    â€œIf I remember correctly, Miss Farley, the duchess and I both forbade you from leaving London.”
    She pushed her hair off her face with an irritated gesture. “I’m of age now, and am free to do as I please.”
    Her arrogance was astounding. William wished he could grab her by the shoulders and give her a good shake. “You would run off with these troublemakers and shame the woman who raised you, as well as the woman I am going to marry? What kind of ungrateful person are you that you’d even entertain such a notion? Is your father near death?”
    â€œNot exactly.” She bit her lip. He’d struck a chord; she didn’t appear as sure of herself anymore. “I don’t mean to do anything to harm Her Grace. She’s been like a mother to me. But she’s not my true mother and, at this moment, I must see my father.”
    â€œWhat will happen to him if you don’t charge up to Birmingham with your army in tow?”
    â€œHe’ll be sent to debtor’s prison.”
    William laughed. “Debtor’s prison?”
    â€œI’m deadly serious about this and find your humor most unkind.”
    Relief surged through him. The solution was easier than he’d believed possible. “I am sorry, Miss Farley. I didn’t realize how simple the solution is. I’ll give you the money. Have one of your troupe bring it to your father, and you and I will return to London. Simple as that. I understand why you wouldn’t want to trouble the duchess with this kind of request, but as I have certain plans with regard to the family, I’m happy to extend you this favor. As long as you don’t have other family members popping up requesting handouts. And there will be no more lies.”
    â€œYou’re doing me a favor?” She fixed him with a stare. “I’m not some poor relation of yours to order about. I won’t take your money.”
    The girl was stubborn when there was no need to be. How had the duchess ever put up with her in the first place? “Take the money and let’s get going. We’ll stay overnight at my estate and have you back in London by tomorrow afternoon.”
    She shook her head. “It won’t do. The producer