His Lady Mistress

Elizabeth Rolls19champion had put ready, she looked up. ‘Shall I see youagain?’His mouth tightened. ‘Better not, little one. There’s nothingI can offer you. I can assure you that your uncle wouldn’tapprove of me in the least. Go on. Off with you. I’ll sit herefor a while to warm up, if you don’t mind.’ He sat down inthe chair she had vacated.‘N...no. That’s quite all right. But wouldn’t you be warmerat the inn?’He shook his head. ‘Not really, no. Goodnight.’‘Goodnight,’ she whispered, reluctantly. She backed to thedoor, unwilling to lose the sight of him before she had to. Heglanced up at her and smiled as she reached the door. Thesmile softened the harsh lines of his face, melting her heart.Max sat staring into the fire, hating himself. What a hellishmess. He’d been too damned late. If only he’d known earlierthe pass Scott had come to—surely he could have done something.His heart ached at the plight of the lonely child upstairs.At least an uncle was coming for her. She had a familyto take her in. Although why she had been left here alonepassed all understanding.He grimaced. Given what she had done, it was entirelypossible that Miss Verity Scott had remained at the cottageon purpose. Much easier to slip out unnoticed from here.He glanced around the small room. It might be empty andcheerless, but at least it was clean. No doubt Verity had seento that. According to the villagers, Scott had became a completerecluse towards the end, refusing to allow anyone elsein the cottage, completely in thrall to his opium.A chill stole through him. No doubt the loss of his armhad been a terrible shock for Scott, but suicide... He grimaced.Probably it hadn’t just been the arm. He rememberedwhat he’d been told... Damn shame, Max. Seems the poorfellow got back after Waterloo to discover his wife had diedin childbed. Understand he’s been drinking laudanum ever