A genuine flare of shock widened the dark eyes at her abrupt announcement. Young maidens of breeding simply did not possess their own establishment. It was nearly as scandalous as being caught in a grotto, being seduced by a known rake.
"Your own establishment?"
"Yes. And I must be returning home. Please excuse us."
"Wait. Surely I shall see you about town?"
"Highly doubtful."
"But..."
"Good day, my lord."
Thankfully sensing her fierce need to be away from the man who had created such pain in her past, Lucien firmly set the horses in motion, nearly running down the dandy who was foolish enough to attempt to delay their departure.
Jocelyn did not even glance backward as they bowled down the street and turned toward the less respectable area of town. Instead, she determinedly sought to battle back the horrid memories that threatened to sweep over her.
It was the past. She had survived and even made a comfortable life for herself. There was no point in dwelling upon what could not be changed.
They traveled in silence for some time before Lucien at last slowed the pace of the horses and slanted a searching gaze over her taut profile.
"An old friend of yours, I presume?"
Friend? She smothered a bitter laugh. Lord Patten would be the last person she would ever choose as a friend.
"An acquaintance," she retorted stiffly.
"Oh, no, there is more than that between the two of you."
She sternly kept her gaze trained upon the shabby houses that now lined the narrow street.
"I do not wish to discuss Lord Patten."
"He is the one who hurt you," he said softly.
Her hands clenched upon her lap. She never wished to discuss the scandal that had ruined her life. Not with anyone. But she especially did not wish to discuss it with this gentleman.
It was all too sordid. Too demeaning. She did not wish to see the tender concern that glowed within those eyes diminish to scorn.
"He was a part of the scandal," she grudgingly conceded.
"And he refused to stand by your side when the situation became messy?"
Her lips twisted with a remembered pain. "Everyone refused to stand by my side. Everyone but Meg."
There was a short pause. "Not even your parents?"
Her nails bit into her palms until she drew blood. "Lucien, I said I do not wish to discuss this."
Without warning he reached out to run his fingers over her cheek in a familiar caress, then with the understanding compassion that could undermine the staunchest of defenses, he gave a slow nod of his head.
"As you wish."
Several hours later Lucien silently slid toward the abandoned warehouse. It had not been a simple decision to leave Jocelyn on her own. Not only did the ever-dangerous Amadeus and his deadly henchmen concern him, he also realized that she was still upset by their brief encounter with Lord Patten. Upset enough to have spent the entire evening in her room, refusing even to come down for dinner.
His features unconsciously hardened at the memory of the foppish nobleman. A desire to track the arrogant pup down and teach him an unforgettable lesson in wounding an innocent maiden was nearly unbearable. He did not doubt it would take only a few moments to make the man sorry he had ever dared to hurt Jocelyn.
Unfortunately he realized that while he might feel better after a midnight confrontation to the dandy, it would do nothing to heal Jocelyn's wounds.