Rescued By A Viscount(69)
Hurrying into her room, she pulled her riding habit and boots from her luggage. The rest would have to stay here until she returned. Once she was dressed, she checked on Louis, who opened his eyes as she entered the room.
Claire knelt beside the bed and ran her hand gently over his head. After his bath, his hair had dried to the exact color of Anthony’s. “I must go to London briefly, Louis, and then I will return for you. Simon is here and his aunt and uncle, and they will care for you until I return.”
“Come back soon?”
She smiled at his little voice. “Very soon, my darling. Now go back to sleep.” She wasted precious seconds until she was sure he slept again before making her way out of the house.
The stables were a small distance from the house, and she hoped, given the early hour, there was someone awake in there. She kept off the paths where she could, to avoid the noise her boots made on the stones, and did not stop to examine the lovely flowers before her.
A sleepy man greeted her as she entered. Lifting her chin and using her no-nonsense voice, Claire said, “Could I please have a horse saddled at once? I am an experienced rider, therefore your strongest, fastest horse, if you please.”
Claire kept her expression cool as the man looked at her. “Would you be wanting company on this ride, my lady?”
“Oh no, indeed, I will not. I am quite capable of a good morning gallop, thank you.”
“The problem is, my lady, we don’t have a side saddle on account of no ladies ride here.”
Claire felt her stomach plummet to her toes.
“I shall ride astride, then.”
He looked briefly at her legs encased in her habit but said nothing further, shrugging he moved to do as she requested. Soon she was seated on big-boned black horse that looked like he could run all day.
“He’s a lovely boy. What is his name?”
“Gus,” the man said, nudging her leg forward. He then shortened her stirrups.
“Well then, thank you very much for your assistance, sir, but I must be on my way now.” The man stood back and let her leave, and Claire felt him watching her as she walked from the stables. She made her way to the driveway, praying that no one had woken and was looking out the windows. Releasing a loud breath upon reaching the gate undetected, Claire then touched her boots to the flanks of her horse, and it sprang forward. She had ridden astride before, and tucking her skirts securely around her made it comfortable, plus she could ride faster.
She knew what had to be done and knew it was her family that must hear first. Society would no doubt turn their backs on her, but she would make sure Simon’s name remained untarnished.
Turning, she blew a kiss at the house in the distance–to the man she loved and the boy who was now hers to cherish. And then, urging Gus forward, she did not look back again.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“Where is Claire?”
His aunt and uncle looked up as Simon walked into the room. He had woken smiling and had reached for her, and she hadn’t been there. She had also not been in her room or with Louis, who was sitting at the table eating toast slathered in jam, though much of it was smeared on his face.
“I have not seen her this morning, Simon. I had thought because of her ordeal that she may have slept in, and that is why I went to Louis’s room to help him wash and dress before bringing him to breakfast. Do you think perhaps she is walking through the gardens?”
“Perhaps, aunt, yet I don’t think so.” Simon’s eyes fell on Louis, who was now watching him intently.
“Do you know where your aunt is, Louis?”
He nodded and then took another bite of his toast. Simon moved to his side and pulled a chair closer so he could look the boy in the eye. He looked rested today. Some of the shadows in his eyes had gone. He knew it would take time for Louis to become comfortable with them and the lifestyle he would now lead. However he believed, given his age and the love both he and Claire would give the boy, he would adapt.
“Where is she, Louis?”
The little boy thought about his question briefly and then said, “London.”
Simon literally shook his head. He hadn’t heard that word correctly, surely. Claire would not just leave, especially after what they had shared and not after the way he had spoken to her the last time she had run from him. “Pardon?” he questioned the boy politely.
“London.”
Simon felt the color quite literally drain from his face. “Of all the irresponsible, foolish—Pardon me.” Simon stopped when his uncle cleared his throat. She’d done it to save him, of course–gone to London alone to confront her brother and break the betrothal, believing he wanted this. If she’d just waited until this morning… He’d planned to tell her he wanted her as his wife, needed her in his life as much as the deep gulp of air he’d just inhaled. Bloody woman! Always charging off without thinking. When he got hold of her, he’d shake her until her teeth rattled. Had she thought last night meant nothing to him? Christ, the thought of her traveling to London with only a coachman for protection made his stomach churn. He wondered how she had coerced one of his drivers to accompany her and prayed it was Merlin. The man would make sure she stayed safe until he reached her.