Read Online His Wicked Embrace by Adrienne Basso - Free Book Online

fine.”
    She settled back against the comfortable squabs and forced herself to face reality. She could not very well continue driving around London in the earl’s carriage for the rest of the day. She needed to make some important decisions about her future, and time was running short.
    Isabella bit her lip nervously and admitted to herself that she was frightened. Her prospects for employment were dim, especially without proper references. It would most likely take her several weeks, perhaps even months, to find a suitable position. And London was an expensive city to live in given her meager savings.
    Isabella knew she would have no choice but to return to her grandfather’s estate in York while searching for a new post. Even though her mother’s family had amply demonstrated their lack of regard for her, she knew they would not deny her temporary shelter. As much as it rankled her to ask for her family’s help, Isabella knew she could ill afford to allow her pride to override her common sense in this instance.
    Her decision reached, Isabella tapped on the roof of the carriage to attract the driver’s attention.
    â€œTake me to the nearest posting inn, please,” she requested. “I need to catch the next available coach traveling north.”
    The coach made a sharp left turn and all too soon stopped. Isabella glanced speculatively out the window and was pleased to note that the establishment they had arrived at looked well-maintained. She sincerely hoped it would not be too long a wait for the mail coach to depart. No matter how respectable an establishment appeared, a woman traveling alone was often the target of unwanted attention.
    â€œThank you,” she murmured softly to the young footman. who assisted her out of the carriage. Turning around to pull out her satchel, she cast a final longing glance inside the luxurious coach. It would have been heavenly to ride to York inside this comfortable vehicle. Isabella spitefully wished it were possible, knowing it would infuriate the earl to have his carriage disappear for several days.
    It seemed a fitting revenge to take the coach the earl so rudely placed at her disposal halfway across England, and Isabella was. sorely tempted to commandeer the carriage, but her lack of funds prevented her from doing so. She did not have the necessary coin to provide food and lodging for herself, the servants, or even the horses on a journey as far as York.
    As she took her final leave, Isabella gave the three male servants a curt nod of farewell and boldly began walking toward the entrance of the inn.
    â€œPlease wait, miss,” an anxious voice called out.
    Isabella turned around and curiously observed one of the earl’s servants scramble down from the top of the carriage. “Are you certain this is where you want us to leave you? We would be happy to take you outside the city, or anywhere else you wish to go.”
    â€œThat is most kind of you Mr. ... ?”
    â€œJenkins,” the man supplied.
    â€œMr. Jenkins.” Isabella nodded politely at the introduction. “As tempting as your generous offer is, I must decline. I am traveling well beyond the city limits to York.”
    â€œI see,” Jenkins replied slowly. “These inns can be rather rough for a genteel lady. I must insist you at least allow me to escort you inside.”
    Isabella paused a moment, observing the servant openly while she considered his offer. She judged him to be near fifty years of age, but he was a strong-looking man, obviously in good physical condition. She thought he was rather elegantly dressed for a coachman, but she decided to accept his offer of protection.
    â€œSince I have no notion of how long I will be forced to wait, I would appreciate your company, Mr. Jenkins. Thank you.”
    Once they were inside the inn, Isabella was glad she had accepted the servant’s assistance. The taproom was noisy and crowded, with an almost