Joshua felt a tide of warmth as he touched her ankle, even with his gloves. It was a most perfect and slender ankle, one that made him keenly aware of how long it had been since he had savored a lady’s charms. He could only imagine that her legs, now disguised by her mired skirts, were just as pleasing.
Desire simmered within him as he moved her ankle gently, and he strove to compare his actions to checking the injury of a horse. It was not in the least like checking a horse, and he would never convince any corner of his mind to believe as much for an instant.
He was holding Miss Emerson’s ankle, with her permission. Once upon a time, he might have stolen a kiss from a lady insuch a predicament. His brother would have convinced the lady to surrender even more.
That gave Joshua ideas that were most distracting.
He set down her foot and slid his gloved fingertips over her ankle, hoping to show with a gesture that it was simply sprained. He felt her shiver at his touch, a most enticing reaction.
“Oh good,” she said with relief. She smiled again, which did little to aid the recovery of his wits. “Goodness. My stockings are torn and my slippers are ruined, not to mention my dress,” she said with a rueful sigh. “If ever I was to be taught a lesson about not changing to my boots for a walk, this would be it. I love these slippers.” She touched the torn roses with a wistful fingertip, reminding him of her delight in the dog. “But now they are ruined forever and for certain.” He thought she might weep over them.
He wanted to restore them, just to coax her smile.
The rain began to fall in earnest, recalling him to their circumstance, and she shivered with cold, which did even more.
Joshua offered his hand to her again, gesturing behind himself with the other, and was gifted with another smile.
“I should be most grateful if you might see me home, sir. I am in desperate need of your assistance.” She tried to rise to her knees, but Joshua stepped closer and swept her into his arms. She gasped and stiffened, then melted against him with a trust that completely startled him.
When she leaned her cheek against his chest in relief, he found himself smiling with satisfaction. She was as delicate and light as he had imagined, and it was tempting indeed to carry her off to some private bower. It was clear that this lady had need of a protector and he knew he would fulfill the task admirably.
“Thank you,” she whispered, a break in her voice that tore at his heart. “I was afraid that I would be here for the entire night.”
He did not reply, only tightened his grip upon her. The horse was sufficiently tired to be less skittish and he lifted her to the saddle, holding fast to the reins until he swung into the saddle behind her. He held her securely against his chest so he could draw his cloak over them both, her shivers making it clear that she was chilled. She nestled against him like a kitten, but so much more alluring that his very blood was afire.
“I do not even know your name, sir,” she said and he made a non-committal sound. Her hand had fallen to the front of his waistcoat and he felt her run her hand over the silk. She bent her head and he knew she was taking note of the fine fabric—and doubtless drawing one particular conclusion.
Joshua smiled to himself as she sighed contentment.
“You dare not speak lest you reveal yourself,” she guessed in a thrilled whisper. “It must be thus for all highwaymen who are in disguise.” She nodded. “Then I will tell you of myself, the better that you might locate me again, if you have that desire. I am Helena Emerson, and I have recently come to live at Bramble Cottage with my aunt.”
He nodded and urged the horse to a canter along the forest path. As much as he would like to prolong this interlude, the lady had need of shelter and warmth.
“I thought to learn more of the neighborhood, then fell in the mud. I was trying to look inside the folly.”
He made a sound in his throat like a growl of disapproval and she nodded again.
“You are right, of course. A more sturdy choice of shoe would have been prudent, but I fear I am not always prudent. I will always wear my boots in future.”
Joshua nodded vigorously, the move reminding him too much of a horse to seem romantic. Miss Emerson nestled against this chest, though, apparently content. He could feel her striving to pierce the shadows and discern his features. Theyleft the cover of the forest and the rain slanted down upon his shoulders, driving coldly through even that heavy cloth.
“When I am recovered, will I see you again?” she asked. “I could come to the folly to meet you once more.”
Oh, she was audacious! Joshua might have been inclined to scold her for being so forward, but a notorious rogue would have seized the opportunity.
He tightened his grip upon her as if in agreement.
“Oh, I am so glad!” She whispered with delight. He felt her flatten her palm against him and knew his pulse leapt at her touch. He did not know whether to be disappointed or relieved that Bramble Cottage appeared so quickly before them.
In keeping with the disguise he had not meant to undertake, Joshua halted the stallion with a flourish and leapt to the ground. Miss Emerson watched him with noted appreciation. He swept her from the saddle into his arms again and carried her through the opening in the hedge, hesitating before he set her down at the door of the cottage. They stood beneath the shelter of a small roof, the rain pouring down an arms length away.
She looked up at him with awe, and though she was drenched, Joshua knew he had never seen a more lovely lady in all his life. It was satisfying to have her regard him with such approval and he told himself that any man would savor such victory after failure.
“I hope I heal quickly,” she said, her words falling in a breathless rush as if she were similarly affected by their proximity. “That I might walk in the forest again soon.” She flushed as he stared down at her. “I would hope to meet you again at the pavilion, sir.”
An assignation was most improper, but Joshua’s intentions were honorable. If such a meeting convinced Miss Emerson of the merit of their match, he would not decline the opportunity.
He nodded slowly again and she blessed him with another radiant smile.
