Lydia

Five

Lydia had made the right decision to visit her sister that afternoon. Staying with Nicholas and remembering what he'd said made her doubt her own feelings. A month ago, she'd been distraught when she found her sister in the same room with the man Lydia had thought she was going to marry. She could tell that her sister and Alan were in love, and out of frustration – and feeling betrayal – Lydia had run away from the house. Nicholas followed and comforted her.

Although she'd been upset since their passionate kiss, she couldn't deny the tingles coursing through her whenever she thought back to that time. She hated him for what he'd done – for what he made her feel. Or did she hate him at all?

"You know," Victoria said, carrying in a tray of teacups and the kettle of hot water. "Just because you made Agent Drake that promise, it was done out of obligation. You weren't in your right mind that day."

Once Victoria placed the tray on the small table in the dining room, Lydia helped pour the water into the cups as her sister prepared the tea.

Lydia hiccupped a laugh. "You can say that again."

Victoria frowned and touched her sister's arm. "I'll never stop apologizing for hurting you."

"It's in the past, and I've forgiven you. I hadn't met my prospective husband. Besides, you and Alan are so much in love. How could I hold grudges knowing how happy you are?"

Victoria smiled, and her brown eyes twinkled. "I'm very happy." She patted Lydia's arm. "Which is why I want to see you as happy. And that brings me back to the subject of Agent Drake. I think you have helped him enough. He's nearly healed, and he doesn't need you any longer."

Lydia's chest tightened, and she quickly took hold of her locket around her neck, twisting the chain. "Yes, he is healing."

"Then say your goodbyes and let Hannah Easton help you find a husband. The sooner you can stop thinking about Nicholas Drake, the better you'll feel." Victoria's smile stretched. "And Hannah will be able to find you a man who is worthy of your love."

Worthy of my love? The possibility seemed nigh impossible. But Lydia had always thought her older sister knew what she was talking about, and in this case, she truly wanted to believe happiness was waiting for her just around the corner.

The afternoon passed quickly, and soon Lydia walked back toward the hotel. Seeing her sister and Alan together made Lydia want to find a husband. She would take her sister's suggestion and find Mrs. Easton tomorrow. The sooner she could get married, the sooner she would stop thinking about Nicholas.

It was too bad that he didn't like her. She could probably grow to enjoy his company if only his words to her were kinder. Yet, he'd been extremely charming a month ago, curse his hide. If not for his steamy kisses, she would have never known passion. Now, that's all she could think about, which of course, made her more eager to find a husband.

She would take her sister's advice, tell Nicholas goodbye, and then seek out Mrs. Easton to find Lydia a husband.

Determination guided her steps toward the hotel. Although her mind wanted to wander since this town was still rather new to her, she focused on her target. Her mind could drift away with the beautiful scenery later. She must do this with Nicholas in order to get on with her life.

As she neared the hotel, a man stepped out of the alleyway, startling her. He stood in front of her, wearing a menacing expression. She gasped and stopped. The man with the bushy beard and gray hair glared at her as if trying to see through to her soul.

"Is there something you need, sir?" she asked hesitantly.

His gaze slid over her slowly, and bile rose in her throat. She fisted her hands, preparing to defend herself if it came down to it.