Chapter Ten
“Christ, Milly!”
She couldn’t breathe. Grasping for air, she got to her knees, desperate to inhale. Instead an awful rasping sound came from her mouth.
“It will come, Milly. Easy now.”
Hands lifted her forward, and she clutched them as fear gripped her, and then she felt it, the blessed relief of air filling her lungs.
“That’s it, inhale slowly.”
With the return of her breath came reality. She was braced on Joseph’s lap, and his hands held her against his chest.
“Forgive me, Lord Ellsworth.” Milly moved so quickly, she tumbled off his thighs.
“You seem determined to harm yourself. Have a care, madam.”
She tried to evade him as he moved to her side, but he simply held her still with a hand on her shoulder.
“Are you hurt anywhere?”
“N-no, and thank you for helping me.”
“Any pain?”
“No.” She pushed him aside, and tried to get to her feet. “My glasses?”
He slid an arm around her back and helped her rise.
“How is it you are here, my lord?”
“Howard and I were leaving as the thunder rolled in. Rain followed, and it was then we realized you had not returned.” The words were clipped, and his expression was dark.
“My glasses?” Milly dropped her gaze; she did not want him looking too closely at her.
“Here.” He thrust them at her, and she fumbled them into place.
“Thank you, Lord Ellsworth. I assure you I am quite all right, if a little damp. I-I must make sure Apple-blossom is unhurt,” she added.
“Howard has her.” He began to unbutton his coat. Horrified that he was doing so to hand it to her, Milly stepped back.
“No, please, you must not offer me your c-coat.” Milly fought the shivers that were gripping her.
“Why?” His expression was fierce. “You’re cold, I am not.”
“It is not right.”
“Damn it, woman, I care nothing about what is right! You were thrown from your horse, you’re shivering, and likely hurt. Don’t be a fool!”
Milly backed up until she reached her horse.
“I— Wimplestow House is close. I shall be all right until I reach it, Lord Ellsworth.”
“I never thought you a fool, Miss Higglesworth.”
Anger radiated off him. His brows were lowered, and he looked menacing.
“I am not a fool, merely a woman aware of her standing in this w-world.”
