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19
Tricia’s eyes popped open, and for a moment she didn’t know where she was.
This was not her bedchamber, and these were not her sheets. Indeed, they were softest silk. Not the lovely cotton that were in her room.
But then the ache between her legs served as a reminder, and she couldn’t help smiling.
Thomas.
Thomas had made love to her. Had taken her virginity.
It had been the most exquisite experience of her young life.
But where was he now?
“Thomas?” she asked hesitantly.
A moment later, a strange man stuck his head in the crack of the door.
Tricia gasped, holding the bedclothes over her naked form.
“I beg pardon, my lady. I am Longbottom, Lord Ashford’s valet. He asked that I see to your safety with discretion. Shall I call for your maid to help you dress?”
Oh dear Lord, Tricia thought as embarrassment crept into her cheeks.
“My maid’s name is Trudy,” she said, “but she’s also maid to my younger sister, Katrina. I… I can’t…”
“Do not worry, my lady. I understand perfectly. You require discretion. Let me just find one of the countess’s lady’s maids to help you.”
“Oh my goodness, no!” Tricia gasped. “The countess can’t know about this either. Nor can Thomas’s sister, the other countess. My sister-in-law. My God, no one can know.”
“Whom shall I summon then? I can’t help you myself. That would be highly improper.”
“Indeed it would. Perhaps…” Tricia’s thoughts raced. “The Duchess of Lybrook. That’s it. Get her. She’ll help me.”
“Her grace? It would be equally improper for me to ask such a thing of her.”
“Tell her it’s me. Lady Patricia Price-Adams. She will understand. Please.”
“I don’t have any idea where she might be. She’s probably still reposing after the luncheon.”
“My brother said the duke went on the hunt.”
“The men are just returning from the hunt,” Longbottom said.
“Oh!” Could this be any worse?
“Perhaps the duchess doesn’t know the duke has returned yet. Please. Send for her. Tell her it’s me, and I know she’ll come.”
“As you wish, my lady. I shall lock the bedchamber door behind you, just in case.”
“No! Do not lock me in. What if you don’t come back?”
“I shall return momentarily. I have the run of this entire house, and I shall summon the duchess’s maid and see if the duchess can come to your aid.”
“Yes, all right. Thank you, Mr. Longbottom.”
“It is my pleasure, my lady.”
