Lady in Red by Eliza Knight (best classic books of all time TXT) 📕

of their families. He was the type of employer who worked hard beside his men and rewarded them for it.

“Linden worked at the docks, loading and unloading ships. That’s where he met ye.”

Terrence was tunneled back to the docks at the name, seeing an image of a rugged Scottish worker—stronger than most, more determined than the rest. Linden had caught his eye because, unlike most workers who couldn’t wait to finish their shift and take their day’s wages to the closest tavern, the man had been proud of what he accomplished. Terrence had made it his business to tell Linden he was doing a good job. He’d even offered him a bonus at the end of the month.

But then Linden had up and disappeared after Terrence had trusted him with something crucial. Terrence had sent out Runners to find the man, tried to locate him where they thought he lived, but it had been as if Linden had vanished into thin air. Much like his—no, their—wife had. He was still having a hard time wrapping his head around that fact.

Terrence supposed now with this new information come to light—the disappearance of two people he’d trusted—that he had been played for a fool. “I remember Linden. Quite well,” Terrence said coolly. “Where is he now?”

Terrence imagined the two of them laughing and carousing at how they’d bested him, and it made his blood run cold. He’d loved her. Trusted her.

His fingers curled toward his palm, and he tightened his fist in anger for just a second before forcing himself to relax.

Elizabeth raised her chin, looking at him defiantly. “I dinna need to tell ye anything.” There was such rebelliousness in her voice that he was stunned, motionless, and thoughtless for a moment. What had he ever done to deserve this?

Without thinking, Terrence was swiftly upon her, invading her space. He grabbed her upper arms, prepared to make good on his earlier desire to shake some sense into her. But just as quickly, when he realized what he was doing, he dropped her delicate limbs, feeling callous and horrible. Guilt washed over him in a wave. The fact that she’d been able to remain away for two years and hadn’t so much as given him any information since walking through his door, was a testament to her conviction to her cause. Mishandling her wasn’t going to get him anywhere.

And he knew better. But damn, was he frustrated right now.

“Where is Linden?” Every word he pronounced slowly, through gritted teeth, trying like hell not to shout. “Tell me now, or I swear to the heavens I’ll have you locked up for the rest of your days in Newgate.”

How could he even imply that Linden was still alive? Did he really think all this time that Linden had simply disappeared?

Elizabeth’s mouth fell open, the shock permeating her body so much that she took a step back—not so much from fear he would hurt her, but from the vehemence in his tone. In all the days she’d known Terrence, not once had he reacted that way. Never laid hands on her. Had not so much as raised his voice. Today was the first day she’d ever heard him utter anything in a tone other than cordial. When he issued orders at the docks, he was careful to convey his appreciation for his staff. When he rebuked a worker, he did so in a manner that was more concerned than irritated.

But he was vexed with her right now. More than that—he was furious. It only fueled her anger, however, which seemed to be a good thing. For now, instead of watching him with eyes that remembered his kindness and his kisses, she could pretend he was the monster she’d been led to believe he was.

“How dare ye.” Elizabeth’s hands came to her throat as though she might be able to force her breath to release.

“Pardon?” Terrence’s brows furrowed, and some of his antipathy slipped away to be replaced by confusion. Perhaps sensing or seeing the horror inside her, he said more softly, “What happened, Elizabeth? It’s all I’ve been asking since you walked through the door.”

“Ye…” She couldn’t speak. After all that they’d shared—months of courtship and wooing and sweet bliss—he had reversed their roles and played her for a fool. There was nothing for it. Elizabeth couldn’t continue this conversation, not knowing whether Terrence would lie to her or if he’d feel compelled to tell the truth.

She whirled on her heel and lunged for the entry door. Relief blasted through her when the cool metal rotated, and her skirts rustled against the frame of the door. He’d not stopped her. Not reached her in time.

She was free.

Terrence’s fancy boots clicked quickly behind her, but not fast enough. She forced herself not to turn around and look behind her, to see him coming closer. Escape was the only thing on her mind. Down the perfectly appointed brick steps, she went. Across the walking path, her shoes crunched. She sailed through the gate, lurching away from the place where James, the valet, had hidden earlier, though no one jumped out at her this time. What a fool she’d been to walk this way. Elizabeth had no idea what she’d been thinking.

When her red hat flew from atop her head with a gust of sultry wind, she didn’t stop to grapple for it but let it go—something she should have done long before now. It was the hat that had her caught in the first place. She should have known better. Did know better. But she refused to think about why she thought it was acceptable to wear it at all, let alone when passing by his house—even if she thought him in the country.

“Elizabeth!” Terrence’s calls for her to stop went unheeded.

She raced down the street, refusing to look back and acknowledge him. Elizabeth jumped out of the way when a carriage driver shouted at her and nearly collided with many a heavily laden wagon.