Chapter 2
Aaron St John,Duke of Radcliff, pulled back the curtain to look out the carriage window. He had been traveling for nearly ten hours stopping only to tend to his horses and stretch his legs. Even now he itched to depart from the carriage, but would not make a stop so close to home. He wished to arrive in time to enjoy super with his daughterSophia.
He’d never spent more than a night away from Sophia since her mother ran off. After a sennight away, he missed her fiercely. Her smiling cherub face entered his mind and he grinned reaching for the opposite bench. A golden haired doll, the same shade as Sophia’s, had caught his eye in a London shop. On impulse Aaron strolled in and purchased it forher.
He lifted the top of the bench to retrieve the doll, his breath hitching. “Bloodyhell.”
He peered into the compartment; a wide eyed woman stared back at him, her hair the same golden shade he’d just been imagining. It was as if the doll had come to life in the shape of a breathing woman. “Who the devil are you? How did you gethere?”
She sat up, her cheeks tinting scarlet. “I…I do not know where tostart.”
Recovering slightly, Aaron reached out a hand. “Start by getting out ofthere.”
She nodded, accepting his offer. Heat passed between their ungloved hands, warming his palm. Aaron pulled her to stand, then assisted her to step from the compartment. As soon as she was free of the compartment, he dropped her hand, turned, and closed the bench—Sophia’s doll all but forgotten. He turned back to the mysterious woman. “Do sit and explain yourself atonce.”
She lowered herself onto the plush seat, folding her hands in her lap as Aaron retook his own seat across fromher.
“Please accept my apology for startling you.” She smoothed her skirts. “It was not my intent. You see, you were not supposed to discoverme.”
“Fascinating, do goon.”
“I am Miss Emma Baxter.” She looked away for a briefmoment.
“Pleased to make your acquaintance Miss Baxter. You may address me as YourGrace.”
The woman’s violet eyes rounded again, but only for a second before she masked her surprise. She clearly had no idea whose carriage she’d stowed away in. He studied her for a moment, taking in her hallowed cheeks, pale skin, and wrinkled frock. She appeared as though she’d been through quite an ordeal. “Now explain how it is you came to be inside of mycoach?”
Miss Baxter averted her gaze, a deep blush blooming across her face. “I…” She drew a breath and met his gaze. “I am not quite sure how to explain. You see the answer is not at allsimple.”
Aaron rubbed the back of his neck. “Start at the beginning and give me thehighlights.”
“Well, you see, I was—” The coach came to a stop and the driver called out, cutting off her words. “It really is not a simple answer, Your Grace. I fear the explanation will take sometime.”
He waved a dismissive hand. “Never mind the reason. My driver will take you anywhere you wish to go.” He stood as a footman opened the carriage door. “Give my coachman directions and be on your way, MissBaxter.”
Her shoulders slumped as she looked up at the coaches’ roof. “It is rather late fortraveling.”
“Daddy, Daddy, your home.” Aaron turned back to the door at Sophia’s excited voice. Miss Baxter could wait, for now his daughter was all that mattered. He exited the carriage as she ran toward him. The moment she came into reach, he swept her into his arms spinning her in a circle before dropping a kiss on hercheek.
“I missed you so much, Daddy.” Sophia smiled up athim.
He hugged her closer. “I missed you exceedingly too,Poppet.”
“Did you bring me anything?” Sophia’s attention turned to the carriage. “Who is that lady, Daddy?” She looked at him, her eyes brimming with curiosity andexcitement.
Aaron glanced at the coach, his gaze trailing over the woman filling the doorway. What if she presented a danger to his daughter? He knew nothing of her other than that she did not belong here. And that she came to be at his home in the most outlandishway.
Miss Baxter smiled at him as his footman assisted her from the carriage causing his irritation spiked. Did she truly intend tostay?
Lowering Sophia to the ground, Aaron determined to send Miss Baxter packing. He’d simply put her back in the coach and instruct his driver to take her wherever she wished to go. With long strides, he walked back across the pebbleddrive.
“Miss Baxter, I fear you cannot remain here. If you will kindly get back in the carriage my driver will be pleased to take youelsewhere.”
“Your Grace, might I have a meal before you send me away? It has been a very long day and I am famished.” She glanced at the house then back tohim.
Sophia tugged at his coattails before he could answer. “Daddy, won’t you introduce me to your new friend?” She beamed up at him with the excitement only a child couldmuster.
Aaron stared down at his daughter’s glowing face not at all sure how he should proceed. Miss Baxter was clearly in need of sustenance and Sophia was beyond excited at the possibility of havingcompany.
