Chapter 17

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

N ora sat with her heart in her throat as the carriage jostled. Clenched in her fist was the letter she had received from her aunt, informing her that she wouldn't mind hiring her and would be glad to have her as a governess for her children.

Her heart was burdened. She hadn't been able to say goodbye to her mother, who had chosen to shadow her stepfather all over the house all day, despite his irritation with her doing so. She shook her head, looking out the small window at the night sky. The stars dotted the sky, and the half-moon looked beautiful.

I hope this is a sign of a new beginning for me.

Her eyes closed, and a smile graced her lips as she navigated her thoughts, through the deep sadness that clouded her mind to the tiny sliver of hope that had begun to build. She would soon have a better life than the one she had had.

Fear gripped her, and her eyes snapped open as the carriage suddenly jolted to a stop, nearly propelling her from her seat. She held her bag tightly to her chest, crunching the letter underneath her skirt.

Has he found me so soon? Am I to endure a worse than the one I already have?

Her heart shattered at the thought of returning back home with her stepfather, only to be shipped off to Lady Mathilda, who would make sure she paid for her insolence and attempt to escape.

She heard the sound of cobblestone

Footsteps sounded outside, crunching beneath footsteps, and her eyes widened. She moved in the opposite direction, pressing herself against the door as she readied herself for whatever she was about to face.

Nora resolved in her heart as her face set into stone. Lord Worlington was stronger than she was, but she would not allow herself to be taken without putting up a fight, and she most definitely would not allow him to take the letter from her. It was the only way to escape him, and finding out about it would put an end to that dream.

The knob on the door turned, the sound loud in the quiet of the night. She bit her lip to stifle her cry as she lunged forward, just as the door opened and dark blue eyes greeted her.

"Samuel?" she said, her shock causing her to use his given name.

He climbed into the carriage, closing the door behind him as he sat next to her. "Lady Nora."

She blinked rapidly, shocked to see him. "What are you doing here?"

"What am I doing here? Should I not be the one asking that question, Lady Nora?"

Her brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

"What do you think you are doing out here at this hour?" he asked, his voice laced with disappointment.

"I visit you at this hour," she said with a frown.

"Yes, you visit. I know where to find you if ever you do not make it. Does anyone know you're doing this now?" he asked her, still scolding.

Her eyes burned with rage. "Would that change anything, Your Grace? Would they have been able to reach me on time if something had happened?"

Samuel clapped, making her jump. "Shouldn't this have been your thought before you chose to do this? What do you think you're doing, traveling so late at night, and alone for that matter?"

"Well, what should I have done?" she asked, her voice raised in annoyance.

Who did he think he was, lecturing her on how to live her life? .

"I understand that your reputation has been ruined, but that doesn't mean that you can do whatever you want," he said.

Nora groaned as she tried to suppress her anger. "Do you think I would have chosen this if I had a choice in how things should go? Thank you for your concern, Your Grace, but it truly is no business of yours how I plan to travel."

"Of course, it is," he bellowed.

"I cannot see how it is." She matched his tone.

"I was the last person you truly had any contact with. Don't you think if you go missing and an investigation is launched, it will lead back to me?" he asked.

Nora stared at him dumbfounded. Despite the shouting match they were currently engaged in, a certain part of her had managed to delude herself into thinking that the only reason he was here was because he cared for her and wanted to see that she was safe. But it seemed that was not the case.

"Then I apologize for not thinking about how this would affect you. Should that ever happen, I will ensure to send word to make sure that you are not blamed for my disappearance," she said quietly.

Samuel regarded her in the small carriage. "And my reputation? How are you to remedy that? After all, I haven't fulfilled your request yet, and you could actually ruin my reputation, which I highly value."

Nora scoffed in an unladylike manner, crossing her hands over her chest as she stared fixedly at him. "I believe you said, on the night when I tried to blackmail you, that there was no way for me to ruin your reputation."

He coughed awkwardly. "Be that as it may, I simply cannot let you go without fulfilling my own end of the bargain."

Nora shook her head. "You need not worry yourself with that, Your Grace. Our deal was for seven nights, and I did not keep to that either. Perhaps we could consider it even."

Samuel sighed, running his hand down his face. "Lady Nora, seeing as how I am the only one aware of your plan, I do believe it is my duty as a gentleman to ensure that you are safe. I simply cannot let you go on your way as such, knowing that at any point, you could come to harm and there would be no one there to ensure that you are safe."

Nora gasped in shock as she stared at him. "H-how did you know I intended to carry out my plan this night? I never told you about that."

He remained silent, a look of hesitation on his face and discomfort in his eyes. He stared out the window for a moment.

"Your Grace?" she called when the silence stretched on. "How did you know? Are you spying on me?"

He shook his head and sighed before speaking up. "After the dance, I came back to speak with you. That's when I overheard your conversation with your friends. I overheard you saying you would be leaving soon."

"Oh, I see." She grimaced.

Nora hadn't realized that they had been speaking loud enough for anyone to overhear them. The thought left an unsettling feeling in her chest. If he knew about it, then that could mean that someone else had overheard and could tell her stepfather.

She heaved a sigh. If anything, that made her decision to leave all the more warranted.

"I will escort you back home. Perhaps we could plan better and find a way for you to get what you want," he said, holding his hand out to her as he opened the door, ready to step out into the cold night air.

Nora looked at the hand held out to her. She shook her head. This was the only chance she had to leave before she could no longer do so. If she returned home, her stepfather would only have her sent off to her step-aunt. She was ready to risk the chance of danger and getting caught if it meant she did not have to go to Lady Mathilda's.

"I'm afraid I cannot do that. I have already made arrangements, and they are expecting me any moment now. I will not be returning home," she said boldly, her tone leaving no room for argument.

"I see you have no intention of changing your mind on this. I suppose that is to be expected, considering the trouble you have gone through to make sure that you are able to do this."

Nora's heart ached as she prepared for him to leave. It would be the last time she ever saw him. She looked at his face, memorizing every single detail of it. Her thoughts would be the only place he would exist. At least until she was strong enough to keep him out of there.

"I suppose if you will not be going home, then there is only one thing that can be done," he said, shutting the door behind him once again. "I will have to escort you there to make sure that you arrive safely."

Nora's eyes widened in surprise. "You do not have to do that, Your Grace. I cannot trouble you so. I am prepared to go alone, and I am certain that I will be fine on my own."

"I'm sure you can take care of yourself, Lady Nora, but I will be going with you," he said, rapping on the roof of the carriage, his face set with determination.

Nora stepped out of the carriage and stretched her aching limbs. They had traveled a far distance, making sure to stop only when they were certain that neither of them would be recognized. While she had been a wallflower ever since she ruined her reputation, the Duke was a well-known man, and it would raise eyebrows if he was seen with a woman when they knew he was not married.

She wrapped the cloak tighter around herself and kept her head down as he had advised her to do when they walked into the inn. She looked around the space, grateful to see that it was almost empty, save for two men who were far too drunk to be aware of their surroundings and a couple enjoying dinner.

Her stomach rumbled at the sight of food. She hadn't eaten all day as her mind raced and worried about how she would carry out her plans without risking Lord Worlington finding out about any of it.

"My Lord, My Lady, what can I do for you?" the innkeeper asked, a smile on his face as he stared at them.

"Yes, my wife and I require a room for the night," Samuel said.

Nora's eyes flashed to his for a moment, shocked. She knew he spoke those words only so they would not attract any suspicious glances. However, that did not stop her heart from beating so fast.

All of this will be over when I arrive.

She tried to console herself, but the thought of him leaving her only filled her heart with more longing. He had burrowed himself into her heart like a rabbit digging a hole into the garden, too stubborn to leave and causing the gardener a heartache.

"And perhaps we can have some food brought up to the room and some hot water," he added.

"Certainly, My Lord," the innkeeper said, signaling for a younger man. "My son will show you up to your room, and food and water will be brought up in a moment."

Samuel nodded and took Nora's hand in his, leading her up the stairs as they followed after the young man.

"Here is your room, My Lord," he said, opening the door for them.

Nora thanked him and walked in, looking around the small space. There was only one bed, a wooden chair and table, and a wash basin at the corner. She gulped as her eyes landed on the small bed. It was barely enough to fit one person, and they would both need to be pressed against each other if they were to sleep in it.

"Why didn't you ask for two rooms?" she asked, looking away from the small bed.

"Hmm?" Samuel asked absentmindedly. He looked away from the open window and glanced at her. "What kind of married couple would we be if we asked for two separate beds?"

She shrugged, looking away as her cheeks flushed a bright red. A knock sounded at the door, filling her with relief. She sat on the bed as Samuel went to answer it.

He returned with the innkeeper's son and two others they hadn't seen earlier as they carried in buckets of steaming hot water and a tray of food.

"I'm sure you wish to wash off the grime from our journey. I'll go down to look around while you do what you have to," Samuel said, closing the door behind him on his way out.

Nora sat with her eyes fixed on the door for a moment before she got up to clean up, hurrying through the process before he could return. She washed her hair and skin, drying off in a matter of minutes, and changed into a much simpler dress.

Samuel returned a few minutes later, and they sat down for dinner. Nora ate without tasting anything. She doubted she would ever truly allow herself to relax until she was in the safety of her aunt's home, free from whatever plans the Viscount had for her.

She sat in the single chair as Samuel dropped the dishes outside. She yawned as exhaustion hit her. Much like her inability to eat all day, she also hadn't had a proper night's sleep from the moment she sent the letter, putting her plans in motion.

Her eyes closed for a moment as she slowly blinked away the sleep.

"You should go to bed," Samuel said suddenly, jolting her back into consciousness.

She stared at him and then at the bed, her cheeks pinkening once more. "But there is only one bed."

Samuel rubbed his chin in contemplation. "It will not be the first time we lay in bed together. I'm certain we can both sleep on the bed."

She glared at him, hiding how much his words affected her. "I do not think that is proper, Your Grace."

"Neither was it when it happened the last time," he teased, wiggling his eyebrows at her.

She shuddered, frowning slightly. "Now that our deal is over, I cannot allow it. I will be sleeping on the floor, and you can have the bed."

Samuel laughed, the sound filling her with anger. "Of course, My Lady. I suppose if that will make you comfortable, then you can sleep on the floor."

Nora snatched up a pillow, utterly irritated.

How can he be so irritating? Surely, he cannot be comfortable with me sleeping on the floor?

Still, as she walked the short distance to the fireplace, the Duke did nothing to stop her. Instead, he sat on the bed, watching her.

Annoyed, she tossed the pillow on the floor with a plop and lay down, resting her head on the pillow.

At least I have a fire to keep me warm.

The Duke laughed once again.

Nora's back was turned to him, and she could not see him. However, she could hear the squeak underneath him. She frowned, curling into herself as she struggled to find a comfortable position on the floor. Soon, it would all be over, and she would not have to deal with him anymore.

She tossed and turned once again, in search of a comfortable position, when she saw legs standing in front of her. A gasp escaped her lips as the Duke's hands slipped underneath her form. She squeaked and shook in his grasp.

"Put me down, Your Grace," she said, trying to wriggle free, but the Duke held her tightly, looking down at her with an amused expression.

She tightened her hands around his neck as he carried her to the bed. He laid her down carefully and stood back up, before going back to the fireplace.

"I will sleep on the floor instead. I want to be closer to the fire," he said, groaning as he lay on the floor.

Nora's eyes clamped shut. He was lying. She could tell he was only doing that so she did not have to sleep on the floor or be made uncomfortable with him next to her on the bed.

All night, she had been trying to ignore her feelings for him and her nervousness about being in such a small space. Although they'd spent many nights together, this was the first time they intentionally planned to go to bed.

Something in the air felt charged, and it made her nervous. Still, she wouldn't be able to sleep, knowing that she was the reason why he was lying on the floor.

It's only a night. Besides, he's right. We've spent nights together before, and this will not be any different. There's nothing to worry about, Nora.

"You can join me on the bed," she said in a small voice.

She doubted he'd heard her and was about to repeat herself when he sat up.

"You don't have to do that. I am quite fine here," he said. "I do not wish to make you uncomfortable."

"No… no. I won't be. Please, join me."

She waited patiently for him to decide, the silence between them only disturbed by the crackling fire.

"All right," he agreed, finally. "As long as you're certain that you're fine with it."

He got up from the floor, pillow in hand as he walked towards the bed. He lay down on her left. She tensed, unable to move as their sides pressed against each other with no space between them to keep that from happening.

Nora lay awake, every part of her attuned to his every movement. The sleep that latched onto her suddenly seemed to have disappeared, leaving her wide awake and aware of him beside her.

"I'm worried about my mother," she said suddenly, in part to distract herself from him and also because she wanted to talk to someone about her fears.

"Now that I am not there to protect her, Lord Worlington is probably going to hurt her even more."

Her breath shuddered. She had tried not to think about her mother all along, knowing that doing so would make her turn around and go back home. Her mother had made her decision and was willing to live with her abusive husband, but Nora was not willing to make that sacrifice. Not when it would cost her everything.

She pursed her lips, fighting to stave off the guilt that threatened to overwhelm her.

Have I made the wrong decision?

If anything happened to her mother while she was away, she would never forgive the Viscount. ut even more so, she would never forgive herself for abandoning her.

She swallowed back the whimper that threatened to escape her lips and took a deep breath to calm herself.

"My father was a very wonderful man, and we were a very warm and loving family. Mother was always happy and ever smiling." She smiled, the memories of the past that she strongly held onto playing in her head.

She could still hear her younger self laughing as her father chased her around the field, laughter and giggles surrounding them, her mother's concerned tone warning them to be careful only moments before she gave in and laughed as well, joining in their fun.

Nora sighed. "We were truly very happy, but it wasn't meant to be. My father died when I was ten years old. Mother loved him greatly, and although he was an earl, she had spent most of what we owned on treatments that were supposed to make him better. Nothing worked, and for the next three years, she was inconsolable and beside herself with grief. It pained me to see her that way. So, when she started to become happy again, I was overjoyed, thinking she'd found a way to deal with her grief."

She scoffed. "When I first met the Viscount, I was suspicious of him. Something about him could not appeal to me, but Mother convinced me that it was only because I was worried he would take Father's place in our lives. She assured me that wouldn't happen.

"For a moment, things were wonderful again. The Viscount was affectionate towards her, and that was all that mattered, especially since I was a mere child whose opinions didn't matter. Mother was blinded by love and couldn't see that he truly was bad for her."

Her hands tightened on the sheet she held up to her chest. "She still is, despite all that has happened. I don't believe she would ever see the Viscount for the monster that he is."

Samuel's rage was evident in his eyes. "Did he ever… lay his hands on you?"

Nora looked away, and Samuel's hands balled into fists.

He breathed in heavily before speaking. "I hate violent men… My father—the late Duke—was a very strict man when it came to educating me. My relationship with him was more that of a teacher and student than father and son."

The Duke turned to face her, and she could see in his eyes that it was not something he enjoyed speaking about. "His strictness was part of the reason the rumor about me being violent exists. Like father like son, after all."

Samuel chuckled humorlessly. "His need for me to be perfect meant that whenever I failed at something or did it wrong, I would be punished cruelly. I came close to dying once after he left me out in the cold as a punishment. It was a moment of realization for me. He could never be the father I wished him to be."

Nora gasped, making him chuckle. Her heart ached for him, the little boy who only wished to be loved but instead received pain and torment.

"Perhaps I should not say this, but it is a secret I have carried for so long." He swallowed. "When he died, I felt relief instead of sorrow. It was like a burden had been lifted off my shoulders and I could finally breathe."

Silence returned to the room. "I guess there was a reason we found each other, after all. Two broken people hurt by those who should care about them. Our stories will bring tears to many eyes if we make it a drama in the theater."

Samuel laughed suddenly, his body shaking beside hers. "Have you considered investing in business, Lady Nora? You appear to have the mind for it."

"Perhaps I should." She grinned. "With you as my teacher, I would be rivaled by none."

She smiled when he chuckled once again. She had never seen him so free of his worries as he currently was. She leaned forward and pressed her lips to his, kissing him softly.

Samuel's hands came up to her shoulder, and he gently pushed her away from him. She looked at him with a confused expression.

"I cannot touch you now that our deal is over, Lady Nora," he said with a pained smile.

Nora pushed away from him, slightly embarrassed and also disappointed. She hadn't thought that he would reject her like that.

"I can, however, teach you how to please yourself," he said, rushing to explain when she only looked at him with confusion. "You said you only did it once but could not enjoy it."

Nora nodded as her face turned red. He lifted her dress up to her waist. He took her hand in his and pressed it to the nub at the apex of her center.

"Rub it gently. Feel around it and only stop when you have found the place that feels so much better than all the others," he said, moving her fingers around.

She gasped as her fingers strummed underneath the nub, sending pleasure through her body.

Samuel grinned. "There it is. Pull up the hood."

He directed her fingers to the hood, pulling it up as she rubbed against it. She tossed her head back as pleasure flowed through her, her earlier embarrassment forgotten.

Her hips tensed as the heat mounted, becoming more and more intense inside her. She groaned as her legs shook and she came with a loud moan.

Nora looked at him in shock.

"Now you know what to do when you wish to pleasure yourself. You learn more as you continue to do it," he said, pulling her skirts down to cover her exposed legs.