Free The Earl's Daughter by Cassie Lyons Page A

offer much, not at present. But I am sure my beau will compensate you upon my safe arrival.”
    The driver crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against his carriage. “I like to think I'm a relatively smart man, one who has enough sense to avoid trouble.” His nose wrinkled as he forced a smile. “And my senses tell me that you'll be a troublesome charge.”
    “Is that any way to speak to a lady?” Sylvie exclaimed. “Particularly when the lady in question is desperate, tired, and likely to catch cold? If you turn me away, and I suffer from inflammation of the lungs, my death will be on your conscience!”
    “But you're the one who fled.” The driver uncrossed his arms and stroked the mane of his horse. “Am I correct to assume you're a runaway?”
    “I... perhaps,” Sylvie confessed with a sigh. “But what business is it of yours? I am asking you to provide a service, one for which you will undoubtedly be paid. You have my word.”
    He eyed the strands of wet hair that were clinging to her forehead. “You do look pitiful, my lady, and I would hate to disappoint you.”
    “Pitiful? Have you no manners at all?” She glowered at him. “You should know... I am an earl's daughter!”
    “And I'm a mill worker's son,” he added with a chuckle. “Very well, my lady. I will take you to Nottingham, if it pleases you... and only because I would hate to see you pout.”
    “Goodness, I can hardly believe this took so much convincing! While I will not say you should have leapt at the opportunity to assist me, it would have been the gentlemanly thing to do.”
    “Did you hear me say I'm a mill worker's son?” The driver chuckled as he handed her into the carriage. “Not a gentleman.”
    “Every man should have some manners, I do not care what his origins were.” When she was seated, she squeezed some of the rainwater from the bottom of her gown. “For my sake, will you attempt to conduct yourself in a more mannerly fashion?”
    “I can try.”
    Sylvie caught herself sneering at him. Then she remembered he was doing her a favor, so she forced a smile instead. “I suppose I could tell you my name. I am Sylvie Stafford, daughter of the Earl of Mawley.”
    “Sounds impressive,” he observed, smirking. “I'm Peter Hughes. Earl of Nothing.”
    “Well, Hughes, I look forward to a safe journey with you.” Sylvie closed her eyes for several seconds and heaved a tremendous sigh. Though the driver's manners were questionable at best, she was relieved to finally be on her way. Before long, she would be back with Robert, they could run away together, and she could officially put her fears to rest. “Now, if you would be so kind, let us be on our way.”
    When Sylvie opened her eyes and saw the carriage driver winking at her, she felt a sinking sensation in her stomach.
    She was starting to feel as if she had stepped into the wrong carriage.

II

    Sylvie had gotten very little sleep the previous night, having been so worried about her situation. So it was no surprise when she found herself dozing during the carriage ride. When her eyes opened again, she had no idea how long she had been asleep, or how far they had traveled. Only one thing was certain: the carriage was no longer moving.
    She peeled back the curtain and cautiously peered outside. As a pessimist, she half-expected the worst case scenario. What if her father was waiting for her outside? What if he had somehow managed to track her down, apprehend her, and force her to turn back? Her heart was momentarily gripped with fear, but it was fleeting. The carriage had stopped in the middle of a lush green field, and only Peter Hughes was standing outside.
    Sylvie was a bit surprised by the sight of the brash carriage driver. More specifically, she was surprised to discover he was actually somewhat handsome. He was dry now, but his messy dark hair was as black as ever, even in the sunlight. His eyes were dark and narrowed, and looking very stern beneath straight