The Charlotte Series: Book 2: The Rebel's Prize

Eighteen-Part 1

Eric was thoughtful on the ride back from the villa as he watched Izzy gazing out of the window. This evening she comfortably referred to him as "my husband" and she even told the Colonel that she loved him very much. His heart wanted so desperately to believe she meant it, but his mind told him he needed to be realistic.

Izzy was probably born a noble. At the very least, she came from a very influential family and an orphaned street urchin like himself had no business pairing his name in the same sentence as hers, let alone being so desperately in love with her. He sighed as he poured her tea. He believed that he could not be tempted to love, or to marry...but how could he not love a creature as lovely as she?

The carriage stopped in front of the Prince's home and Eric jumped out before it stopped. He helped Izzy down and kept his palm at the small of her back as he walked with her inside.

"Good Evening Master Bailey, Lady Bailey."

"Good Evening Ricardo." Izzy smiled.

"Lord Ladd Grayson requested a word with you when you returned, if it pleased you."

"Of course, Ricardo. Where is he?" Eric asked as he felt Izzy stiffen next to him.

"In the library, Master Bailey."

"Darling," Eric turned his softest smile toward her. "I promise I won't be long. Why don't you go on ahead? I'll be up directly."

"Yes, of course."

She gave him a sleepy smile and turned to go but he reached out and caught her elbow. His heart ached at the suspicious glistening in her eyes when she looked up at him. Damnation. She must be heartbroken. Disregarding propriety, he closed the distance between them and wrapped her in a warm embrace. Her hands slipped around his waist as she nuzzled her cheek against his chest.

"Shh." He whispered and placed a kiss upon her hair. "It's alright my love."

"Is everything alright Master Bailey?" Ricardo asked quietly. "Shall I fetch the doctor again?"

"No. That won't be necessary, Ricardo." Eric answered as he gently rubbed Izzy's back. "Would you tell Ladd I'll see him at breakfast? My wife has not been well and I'm afraid this day has been a little bit too much for her."

"Very good, sir." The butler nodded and turned neatly on his heels.

"Oh, and Ricardo?" Eric smiled as the butler did a perfect about face. "Would you please have some tea sent up? Maybe something light to snack on? Grey's Tea if you have it, please."

"Yes, of course."

Eric said no more and Ricardo turned efficiently to take care of his tasks. After another moment he stepped back, holding Izzy in the circle of his arms. Her cheeks were dry, but he could see the heartbreak in her eyes.

"Come, let's get you to bed. We'll talk while you change and I'll stay for a little bit, at least to have a cup of tea with you."

Izzy nodded and preceded him up the steps. As he followed he vowed he would do everything he could to be worthy of the trust she had in him. If only he could deserve her love as well...

---

The warmth of her smile as she took the tea from him swept over him and filled him to his toes. In that moment he knew he was the most fortunate of men. Isabelle Bricker loved him. He stepped back away from the bed and his heel caught the edge of the rug.

With his attention still fully on Izzy, the great Master Bailey was caught unsuspecting by a bit of carpet. His arms wind-milled and he fell, landing hard on his back. His legs flew up in the air and his arms flew out to the side as his head smashed down on the floor. Stars filled his vision and he lay still for a moment trying to catch the breath that had been knocked from him.