Chapter 20 - Losing An Ally (1/2)

The man I knew as Al smiled to himself after I left the shop kicking and screaming. He had seen Percy coming through the window and didn't bother telling me to hide, knowing that if I went back to my family's clutches there was a decent chance he could become my husband.

If I ran away, he had no chance at all and would end up lonely as ever with some insignificant baron's airheaded daughter. His family did not want him having any political power, after all.

Unknowingly, I had captivated this man's heart. Al didn't have much going for him but he refused to be completely miserable like he had been before now that he had experienced a taste of sunshine.

How could he lie down and accept his fate now that he had a chance of getting what he wanted? He whistled cheerfully with his hands in his pockets as he made his way back to the palace.

On the other side of town, oblivious to what Al was thinking, I was getting the chewing out of my life.

”How dare you go off on your own like that! What if someone had happened to you? What if your reputation was compromised? The duke would not want a tainted woman! What exactly were you doing out so late by yourself?” the countess demanded, flying into a fury.

By myself, eh? So Percy hadn't ratted me out for being with a man. Apparently he didn't want my reputation to be compromised either. Or for the countess to murder me, I couldn't be sure.

Either way, he was somewhat on my side and I was grateful despite my anger at him for catching me and bringing me back.

How stupid of me not to realize that shop would be the first place he would look.

”I wanted to go for a walk at the seaside and then I got cold and hungry so I stopped for hot chocolate and some food. I was on my way home, Mother,” I lied.

I was sure she didn't believe me. If I had really just been going for a walk, I wouldn't be wearing servant clothes. It was completely obvious I was running away.

She was so angry her chest was heaving, rather impressively due to her corset.

”You are not to leave this house again for the rest of our stay here without my direct supervision. I will not have you ruin your chances for an advantageous marriage, young lady. You are the daughter of an earl! Start acting like it!”

The countess ordered Percy to escort me to my room.

The first thing I noticed was a lock on the outside of the window. I wouldn't be using that to escape again.

”You are lucky she did not do worse,” he said softly once I was back in my prison. ”Catherine, what were you thinking?”