Chapter Thirty-Four

L ucy leaned in to kiss Violet’s cheek. “Goodbye. Thanks for meeting with me today.”

“I have been dying to see you, but my mother said that I must allow you time to honeymoon with your new husband. I am so pleased and relieved to see you glowing with happiness.” Violet squeezed her hands.

Lucy held tight to her friend’s hands. Knowing what she did now about Violet’s father made her worry. But surely the earl wouldn’t ever put his own children at risk? She would keep a close eye on both her friends just in case. The Knot of Isis brotherhood was a dangerous group. And she did not want to see either of her friends caught up in the sins of their fathers.

A cart full of flowers rolled by them down the busy street. In the middle of a Friday afternoon, Covent Gardens bustled with activity. The market was the biggest in the city. and people from all levels of society came to shop the stalls, and Lucy had plenty of shopping to accomplish today. Violet waved goodbye and then stepped up into her carriage to head home.

Lucy turned to her maid. “Helen, do you have our list? There are so many items to find I can hardly wait to get started.”

Yes, ma’am.” Helen pulled the list from her pocket. “Come on, Herbert.”

Herbert had been taken off the night watch and been given the job of watching over her. Lucy smiled to herself. Helen seemed to enjoy bossing the man around, and Lucy thought that her maid secretly had a tendre for the burly footman.

Today, Lucy’s goal was to buy some fabrics to use as inspiration as she thought about which rooms to redecorate first. Certainly, her bedroom canopy was first on the list and perhaps some new curtains and decoration for Hart’s study. She was also on the lookout for bath salts that would suit her tastes. Seeing the flower cart rumble by also made her want a few bouquets of fresh flowers to brighten up the front hall. She started walking toward the market stalls down the street.

An hour later, Lucy ran her fingers over a bolt of icy blue velvet that would be perfect for her bed canopy and curtains. “We will take four.”

“Yes, ma’am. Would you like that delivered?”

She glanced over at Herbert. “Do you think you can carry them. I’m almost done, I promise.”

Herbert nodded.

“Excellent.” Lucy passed her basket laden with treats she had purchased at the roasted nuts vendor to Helen, who already had a large basket filled with linens then stepped forward to pay the vendor.

“Lady Hartwick, what a treat to bump into you on this lovely day.” A voice came from directly behind Lucy.

She turned around to find the Viscount Griffen’s son behind her with a charming smile on his face. “Good day to you, Lord Perrin,” she replied tightly.

“Shopping I see. Are you decorating your new home?”

“Yes, in fact I am just beginning to make plans. It has been a long time since Hartwick House has had a duchess in residence. Things are quite outdated.”

“I must show you something then. I’ve just passed a stall with all sorts of beautiful clocks. I myself was eyeing a beautiful pocket watch. But the mantle clocks were exquisite.” He grabbed her elbow. “It was just the next aisle over.”

“No, thank you, Lord Perrin. I must get home with all my purchases.”

His grip tightened on her arm. “I insist. It will only take a moment of your time. I truly think you will be delighted by these clocks.”

Lord Perrin’s expression was open and friendly. Even if the twinkle in his eye was almost mischievous. Just because his father was a fiend didn’t mean that the son was anything but friendly. She certainly didn’t want to be rude, but she had no interest in clocks.

He tugged her toward him and pulled her arm through his winged-out elbow. “It’s just down this way.”

Lucy twisted her head to look back at her servants. Helen was piling the bolts of cloth into Herbert’s arms. Her maid said something that made the footman smile as he gazed down at her adoringly. Lord Perrin tugged Lucy along into the crowd. Before she could even protest further, they made a sharp turn to the right between two stalls.

“Lord Perrin, you must cease. I have no interest in looking at clocks.” She dug her heels into the ground bringing them to a stop. Honestly what was happening? Lucy looked around and found herself in the mouth of an alley behind a large stall hung with flanks of meat. “You are a rogue, sir.” She turned on her heel and started back to the street, but a strong arm circled her waist from behind.

“You are correct, my lady.” His voice murmured next to her ear.

A large hand covered her nose and mouth. Panic rose fast and she kicked back with her booted foot hearing a low grunt from her attacker. But his other hand moved to squeeze her throat, his thumb pressing painfully under her chin. Her vision began to go fuzzy and then the world around her went black.