Free Edith Layton by To Tempt a Bride Page A

London. I decided not to wait a moment longer and got on the coach for London. Oh, I’ve been so foolish, but what else was I to do?”
    “Don’t be distressed,” Eric said quickly. “It means nothing. The address was that of a hotel. Many people come to London and stop there before moving on to more permanent lodgings. That’s what they must have done. There’s no forwarding address, but if they’d left a while ago, it would have been discarded. Don’t worry. If your aunt and cousins are to be found, we’ll find them.”
    Nell sat back and fell silent.
    “In the meanwhile,” Eric said, “I believe you’re well situated.”
    “I am,” Nell said shyly. “Everyone’s been so kind to me. But you have every right to dislike me. If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have been hurt.”
    He laughed. “The fever was already on me when you appeared on the scene. The dunt on the head was merely a finishing touch. If it hadn’t been forthat fever I’d have been able to stop that lout who had you in his clutches even if he’d butted me a dozen times. We’re looking for him too,” he added more seriously. “I’ll be able to take an active role any day now. Speaking of active…” His expression brightened. “What do you say we all go riding when I can? In my new carriage,” he added, before Camille could decide who he wanted to answer him. “That way we all can get out and enjoy the day, even the horse haters among us. What do you say?”
    “Your carriage is for two,” Belle reminded him acidly. “Have you bought another? If not, how are you going to choose between us? Or are you planning on us competing for your charms?”
    “My new carriage is also a phaeton, that’s true. But I can rent a nice big lumbering coach for us, my dear Belle, complete with footmen and foot warmers. We can all take a turn around the park, top down if the weather permits. I certainly could use the air and the diversion. And your charming company, of course. Miles too, if he insists,” he added with a grin. “It would do me a world of good. Be charitable. What do you say?”
    “First let’s hear what the doctor says,” Belle answered primly.
    “He’ll probably say I can run around the park if I want. Aha!” Eric exclaimed as a servant came in with a laden tray. “Look here! You get cakes and wine as well as tea, and all I’ve gotten are gruel and lectures. You must visit more often. Will youpour?” he asked Belle. “And tell me everything I missed while I’ve been out of combat?”
    “What can I tell you?” she asked. “I’m sure you see the newspapers and broadsheets. And I know this place is filled with your friends every night, because my Miles is often among them. At least, he had better be, since that’s what he’s been telling me.”
    “As if he’d dare lie to you,” Eric scoffed, and then, seeing the militant look in her eyes, flung up a hand and, laughing, added, “Don’t throw anything at me, I’m an invalid! I was only joking. The man is your slave, and you know it. But I meant the things that don’t go into the papers. The libelous stuff I’ve missed because I can’t leave these rooms of mine. Things my friends don’t tell me because they don’t know them. How can they? They’ve been here with me every night, as you say. You know the type of thing I mean, Belle—what’s being said at dinners and dances.”
    “You mean gossip. You’re bamming me, my dear sir,” Belle said with a smile. “You don’t care for gossip.”
    He put a hand on his heart. “I do, if you’re telling it to me.”
    “Have a care,” she warned him, her eyes sparkling, “Miles is a very jealous man.”
    “He has reason. He’s a very lucky one,” Eric answered gallantly.
    They both grinned. So did Camille. They wereplaying at flirtation. Camille enjoyed their wordplay as much as they did.
    But the looks Eric kept shooting at Nell, where she sat silent and yet always aware, didn’t amuse Camille at