Free Lady Ann's Excellent Adventure (A Regency Short Story) by Candice Hern Page B

happens tomorrow to make all that no longer possible?"
    "My life will change forever." She heaved a sigh worthy of Mrs. Siddons. "And I must sacrifice myself on the altar of duty."
    Dear God, it was Lady Ann. Had to be. And she saw him as an unwelcome duty? He supposed he could hardly blame her for thinking so, as he had harbored similar thoughts of her. He had not been looking forward to the Grand Marriage to a prim, tight-laced young woman trained to be the perfect aristocratic consort. In fact, he was prepared to accept her as the typical royal cold fish, but he'd never been thrilled about it. In his relationships with women, he'd always preferred a more lively girl, but never dreamed of marrying one. He had been destined for a marriage of duty. And yet, this was not the reserved, formal, very proper young woman he'd expected. He was not sure what to think about that, but he suspected it could be a troublesome match.
    "I see," he said "Today is your last day without duty."
    "Oh, I am obliged by duty every day of my life. But sometimes, I like to run away from it, just for a few hours."
    Did she?  How very intriguing. "Sometimes? This is not your first attempt to escape?"
    "Oh, no. But never in London. I wish to have one last small adventure in London before … before tomorrow."
    "And then you'll be a dutiful girl forever after?"
    "Yes."
    So simple a declaration. And he believed she meant it. But could tree-climbing girl who liked to run away ever be truly dutiful? He could not imagine what sort of wife she'd make.
    She gazed down at him, her blue eyes assessing him, watchful, impatient. "So, will you be so good as to help me down, sir?"
    "On one condition."
    "Oh? What condition?"
    "That you allow me to escort you on your adventure." If he went along with her, watched her public behavior, he'd be better able to judge her suitability as the next Countess of Evesham. And if she turned out to be entirely unruly, he would simply tell her father that she was not fit to be his bride. "A respectable, dutiful young woman like you, unfamiliar with London, ought not to be wandering about alone. It is not safe. You would be accosted at every turn. I don't suppose your maid is hiding in that tree with you?"
    She laughed. "No, sir. I am quite alone up here."
    "Then will you agree to my escort?"
    "How do I know I will not be accosted by you ? How do I know that you are not a scoundrel?"
    He placed a hand over his heart. "I give you my word as a gentleman that you will be safe in my company."
    "Well … I suppose I will have to trust you. But I should tell you that if any harm does come to me, there are very important people who will hunt you down."
    "You terrify me, Miss. But I shall be exceedingly cautious, I promise you."
    "All right, then. You may accompany me. Now, if you please …"
    The earl studied the situation, and finally determined the best course was to climb up into the tree himself. No easy task, that. It had been a long time since he'd climbed a tree. He first hauled himself onto the top of the iron fence, then grabbed a low-hanging branch and began to climb. It was not the most graceful performance of his life, but he was soon able to reach the offending branch that had caught her skirt. With one last quick glance at her shapely limb, he released the muslin.
    She grabbed it quickly and covered her leg. "Well done, sir. Not even the tiniest rip or tear. I am fond of this dress, so you have my thanks. Now, what?"
    He directed her movements along a sturdy branch that hung well over the fence. When he was satisfied that she was secure, he leapt back down to the pavement and reached up. "Are you prepared to jump?"
    "Are you prepared to catch me?"
    "Of course. I promise not to drop you. Come on. Jump."
    His future bride was no timid miss. Without hesitation, she jumped down, grabbing onto his shoulders while he caught her up around the waist. She was a tiny thing, but with rather lush curves in all the right places. Of course,