Kidnapped and Bound: Kidnapped, Book 2 by Blushing Books Page B

crestfallen.  My words were foolish.  I should not have spoken so carelessly.
    “I may adore you, Eleanor, but as I have said, I cannot love you.  Even though you tempt me to be reckless with my emotions.  You are too beautiful, kind and worthy of spirit for me to inflict the cruelty of my love upon you,” he said, his voice remorseful.  “My love will only bring you pain and perhaps cost you your life.  I cannot do this to you.  Forgive me,” he said, removing his arms from around me and sitting up.  “All I can give you and indeed any woman is security and protection.  No more.  I am sorry I cannot give you more, madam.  But there it is.”
    I pouted despite my resolve to remain tight lipped.  But how could he have made love to me and still deny his feelings?  I watched him dress, felt my anger return with force and bit my lip to restrain it for fear I would show him I was hurt.  Instead I turned over, hurting my wounded shoulder, and hid my quiet tears.
    He dressed and left the room quickly.  Not until he had closed the door and locked it once more did I allow my tears to run free.  In that moment, my mind was made up.  I could not waste my hopeful feeling of love on Lord Drake.  I would execute my escape plan and without further delay.
     
     

 
     
Chapter Seven
    Another servant girl helped me bathe and dress in some clothes Lord Drake had bought for me when I was recovering from my injury.  I was loathe to wear them, not wanting to feel even more owned by the master of the house than I already did.  I just wanted to leave and return home.  Perhaps I would be able to convince my aunt that Lord Drake was not a suitable match.  That would not prove difficult when I informed her of his treatment of me and that I no longer possessed my virginity at the hands of the insufferable man.
    My door was left unlocked and I was allowed to go down stairs and sit and read with the promise of lunch being served soon.  The master had informed the maid it was a sunny day and good for my health.  He had been told I liked to read by my aunt and had suggested I be taken to the library to partake in the sunshine flooding in there through the tall windows.  He believed this would lift my spirits.  I was at least grateful I was allowed to the lower floor of the large Georgian mansion.  From there I would be able to define a way out of the house.
    The gown the maid helped me put on was soft white silk with Pomona green trimmings.  I was also provided with a beautiful Pomona green shawl to complement the empire-style gown and keep me warm.  Lord Drake had taken great care in choosing a dress and exerted much expense.  My  dark brown hair was dressed in Grecian style, and I confess I felt very pleased with new apparel.
    I was dutifully following the maid out of my room and along the gallery landing towards the stairs when another servant appeared and addressed her in fierce tones.
    “You must come, Lily.  A large party will be dining with the master and his brother tonight.  They will also be staying and the rooms must be got ready.  Come now, girl, and don’t dally,” the older maid instructed with a harsh tone.
    “But the master wanted me to take Lady Gerard to the library and sit with her to make sure she don’t wander where she shouldn’t and leave . . .” the girl anxiously answered in a shrill high pitched voice.
    I remained quiet, affronted by the uncommon way they talked of me as if my presence was unknown.  I had never in my life been treated by servants in such a manner.
    “Don’t worry.  Tell her where the library is and she can go herself.  The weather is turning.  There be dark clouds rolling in at the back of the house and the wind is picking up.  A storm is coming to wipe away those pretty warm sunrays.  She ain’t got no coat or bonnet and she won’t be having any business in leaving the house, mark my words.  I will ask Tom, the kitchen boy, to come and sit with her for a