Page 77 (2/2)

“And I shall acconeur”

Lydia’s pulse raced “I shall come, too”

“No” Greystone clasped her elbow “It’s not safe Wait here with Mr Guthrie I would like soer”

“But—”

“Lydia, please,” Greystone begged “I cannot leave here unless I know you’re safe”

“But my brother would never hurt me”

“Not intentionally There’s every chance the shack is empty In which case, I shall meet your brother on Blackmoor Common as planned and learn of his intentions then”

“No” Panic flared She had to prevent theMr Gilligan first”

“Then check on Mr Guthrie and I shall return posthaste” Despite Dariell’s keen gaze, Greystone kissed her cheek “In case you should be in any doubt, I love you,” he whispered in her ear, and then turned on his heels and strode away

Lydia watched hi about like an excited child

Lord above, there were so h her mind she didn’t have time to think about what the declaration truly o wrong, and someone could well lose their life

But was Cecil really behind these foolish antics or had Arabella badgered him until he had no choice but to bend to her will? It would serve Arabella’s purpose if Cecil met Greystone on the common As a , she could do as she pleased

And what of poor Ada? The maid must be beside herself orry

After taking aorder to the internal chaos, Lydia went to check on Mr Guthrie “How are you feeling?”

“My head’s still a little sore, Miss Lovell, but I’ll be right as rain”