Protecting Lady Esther (The King's League)

Esther bit her lip, the pain tearing at her, but she did not let it go from between her teeth. Instead, she contemplated Lord Westbrook, taking in the calmness of his gaze and the quiet reassurance that seemed to exude from him. She wanted to fight against him, wanted to demand that they think on matters together and come up with a plan immediately, but she knew that she could not. His advice was wise indeed.. She had to allow herself a little time to understand all of this, to know what it was that she now faced.

“Perhaps I should inform Lady Ware of what I have discovered also?” Lord Westbrook asked gently, seeing Esther’s indecision. “Do you think it wise to include her?”

Esther shook her head. “Not at the present,” she said, her voice hoarse. “I do not want to upset my aunt at this present time, not when she has so many responsibilities. She is solely my guardian at the moment and, to be truthful, Lord Westbrook, I do not want her to remove me from London.”

“Do you think that would occur?”

She nodded fervently. “My aunt would take me to her husband’s estate until she could be certain that my father was safe and that all was at an end,” she said, knowing that Lady Ware would do everything she could to ensure Esther was not at risk. “But I do not want that, Lord Westbrook.”

“Nor do I.” There was something in his voice that made her shiver, a thrill running down her spine despite the sorrow and fright that still ran around within her. She said nothing but simply looked up into his face, seeing his gentle smile and feeling it flood her soul with reassurance.

“You should eat something,” he said after a moment or two. “Regain some of your strength. I know that this has come as a great shock to you, but I admire your determination and your courage, Lady Esther. I am sure it will serve you well in the days and weeks to come.”

“And may I thank you for your dedication to me, which has been borne out of my own selfish foolishness,” Esther answered, a touch of color in her cheeks. “It was only by chance that you met me, and since that moment, I feel as though I have dragged you into these circumstances without your consent.”

“Do not allow yourself to be so concerned,” Lord Westbrook replied, reassuringly. “I do not feel anything but contentedness in being able to assist you, Lady Esther. Now,” he continued, sitting back in his chair and smiling reassuringly. “Let us eat and talk of something else. Tomorrow, I shall call upon you again, if I may, and we can walk to the bookshop and discuss matters again, if you wish.”

“I would like that very much,” Esther said quickly. “Thank you, Lord Westbrook…for everything.”

He inclined his head, smiled, and then picked up his glass. “You are most welcome, my lady,” he murmured, before draining it completely.

Chapter Nine

“It is very good of your aunt to allow us to walk together.”

Lady Esther threw Charles a quick glance, her eyes dancing with good humor. “I believe she approves of you, Lord Westbrook,” she replied before looking over her shoulder. “Besides which, it is only a short distance between the carriage and the bookshop and no doubt, she will join us there soon enough.”

Charles grinned, aware that he was becoming rather fond of Lady Esther’s company. She was a remarkable young lady. Even though she was afraid and upset over her father’s disappearance, she did not allow it to dampen her spirits. Instead of giving into her fear completely, she was now using her fright to bolster her courage and her singular determination to find out what had happened to her father. He found such a spirit to be truly impressive.

“How do you fare this afternoon, Lady Esther?” he asked, concerned for how she might be feeling at present. “I know that you are determined to find your father, but I must wonder whether or not the shock of what you have been told of has yet passed.” Searching her expression and seeing how her green eyes lit up as she smiled, he felt his own heart lift, finding her beauty a little overwhelming.

“I am a little better than last evening,” she answered. “I was very shocked at your news and, of course, wanted to find something to do almost at once, for I felt quite helpless in my lack of action.”

“That is understandable,” he said quietly, glad that she was being honest with him. “I hope you understand my reluctance to allow you to form a plan last evening.”

“Yes, I do,” she replied with a softness in her expression that touched his heart. “I did not want to do as you asked, but the wisdom of it became clear to me very soon afterwards. I retired later than I expected but could not sleep, such was my upset. However, now that I have had time to consider matters, now that I can begin to surmise as to why my father might have left London, I can think of what must be done in a much clearer manner.”

He nodded, relieved that she understood. “And have you had any particular thoughts as to what must be done next?” he asked, wondering what she had been thinking of.

To his surprise, Lady Esther nodded, her steps slowing as they drew near the bookshop. “It is very simple in one way,” she answered, her eyes flicking to his before flying away again. “We must discover what my father has in his possession that is putting him in so much danger.”

Charle

s bit his lip, anxiety writhing through him in a sudden, forceful manner. Of course, he knew precisely what it was that Lord Leighton had and had been able to surmise why the French were now searching eagerly for him, but he had not yet decided to tell Lady Esther of The King’s League. However, if she had made such a decision, then surely it was best to tell her everything?

“You do not agree?”

Realizing that he had been frowning and looking away from Lady Esther, Charles threw his gaze back towards her and tried to smile, lifting one of his shoulders. “That is a wise thought, yes,” he said quietly, his anxiety rippling through him as his mind began to force him to speak of The King’s League. “But I believe, Lady Esther, that I may already know what item your father possesses that is putting him in so much danger.”

Lady Esther’s eyes flared wide, and she took a step back, now close to the bookshop door.

“We should speak inside,” he continued quickly, gesturing to the door. “If you would—”

A strange sound caught his ears, just as Lady Esther frowned and waved her hand across her face, as though trying to ensure a bee or wasp made its way past her. Charles frowned heavily, every single sinew of his body tensed with a sudden, horrified awareness.

Everything seemed to slow. His eyes caught sight of the wooden bookshop door, taking in the small gouge that had not been there before. He heard Lady Esther muttering something about the buzzing and—in that moment—reached out and grasped her arm, tight. Without explanation, without taking the time to explain, he hauled her against him, opened the bookshop door, and then thrust her inside.

The door closed behind him with a satisfying click, allowing him to breathe for what felt like the first time in days. Letting go of Lady Esther’s arm, he sagged back against it, closing his eyes and swallowing hard as relief poured into him. She was safe.