Read The Wicked and Wonderful Miss Merlin for Free Online Page A

drive, according to the doctor.  Whatever would her brother think if he knew?’
    ‘We must get them to Lady Merrill’s house as quickly as possible,’ Samantha said.  ‘My groom will drive them and you – and I’ll take my phaeton home in the morning.  I was anxious that Toby was badly hurt and wondered if I should let his parents know.’
    ‘No cause for alarm, miss,’ Joan said.  ‘Had it been a serious affair I would have done so at once, no matter what Miss Brough said.  ‘She is a very pretty girl and I know my boy is set on wedding her – but a little young and thoughtless to be a wife I think.’
    ‘Yes, perhaps you are right, but they are in love and I see no point in prolonging their agony.  If Eleanor’s brother can be brought to agree I should think the sooner the better – and we must somehow avoid a scandal.  As long as no one knows she has been here with Toby all this time we may scrape through with little harm.’
    ‘Well, miss, I hope you are right,’ Joan replied.  ‘I must admit I shall feel more comfortable when we reach Lady Merrill’s home.’
    ‘It would be advisable to set out as soon as possible, but we must see how Toby feels in the morning.’
    ‘This is the room, miss.  You go in while I go back and order some hot milk to be brought up for Miss Brough.  Would you care for some yourself?’
    ‘Well, that would be very nice – and perhaps a little ham and bread and butter.  I have not eaten since before lunch.’
    ‘I will see what the landlord has, Miss Merlin.’
    As Miss Tompkins walked away, Samantha knocked at the door and then entered.  Eleanor was standing near the window looking out, and in repose her face looked a little sad.  Her heart went out to the young girl; she must be distressed to have found herself in such a pickle.
    Eleanor turned and saw her, the colour washing from her face.  ‘Oh…Miss Merlin,’ she gasped.  ‘I did not think…I mean I did not wish to put you out…are you very angry with me?’
    ‘A little disappointed,’ Samantha said, ‘but not precisely cross.  I understand why you ran away, but do you not think your brother might have listened had you told him why you did not wish to live with your aunt?’
    ‘I do not see how he could,’ Eleanor replied.  ‘Aunt Grace is our only female relative – and she is such a dragon.  I’m frightened of her…and Robert when he is in a rage.  I’ve been so happy with you.  You made me realise that I have a right to be happy, to live my life as I wish and without fear.’
    ‘Yes, you do, my dear,’ Samantha said.  ‘However, we all have a duty to others.  Lord Brough has been tearing around the countryside looking for you.  He believes you’ve gone to Scotland and was very angry when he called on me, for he travelled there at once and could find no trace of you.’
    ‘No, he would not for we were heading south west not north,’ Eleanor said.  ‘Toby said it would not do for him to marry in such a hole and corner way.  He intended to take me to his aunt and then approach my brother.’  A nervous look came into her face.  ‘Do you think he will come here?’
    ‘Have you told him where you are?’
    Eleanor frowned.  ‘I told him we were on our way to Lady Merrill’s house and I crossed out the heading on the inn’s notepaper.’
    ‘Then he may very well go there,’ Samantha said.  ‘If he arrives before you do, he will indeed be very angry.’
    ‘I dare say he will forbid us to marry,’ Eleanor said looking pale.  ‘Whatever shall we do, Miss Merlin?’
    ‘I am not certain what would be for the best,’ Samantha said.  ‘Do you think that Toby would be ready to leave in the morning – if my groom were to drive you?’
    ‘I think he might,’ Eleanor said uncertainly.  ‘His shoulder has healed but the bang to his head is still causing him to turn a little dizzy now and then.  He is fine if he sits in a chair but if he tries to go