He looked at the wall of men and Somerset before him. Behind them there were more. Ash nodded. He had no wish to ruin Gus’s day. Although it was likely him being there had already done that.
“I have a friend with me,” Ash said.
“Bring him also.”
“I’m not sure he will be welcome.” Ash went for honesty. If Baron was not accepted, then Ash would not be entering the hallowed walls of Raven Castle either.
“Why?” Somer wrinkled her nose.
Why indeed.“We will follow you to the castle” was all Ash said as he walked through the middle of the men when they parted.
He saw her then. The bridesmaid, Dorrie. He kept walking, but she followed.
“I wish to speak to you.”
He turned. Behind them, the guests watched.
“Your family are watching you.”
“They will think I am discussing the fact that it is my sister’s wedding and I want it to run smoothly.”
He watched her.
“How is your thigh?”
So she knew who he was. “Better, and thank you for saving my life.”
She was beautiful, her cheeks tinged with pink from the cool air. Soft and sweet and everything he wasn’t.Why the hell was a woman who had the support of a duke out there alone that day?
She leaned in, and he caught her scent on the air. Like a field of flowers on a warm day, Ash thought.Since when do you even know what that smells like?
“We have no more than a handful of seconds before someone approaches. Please listen carefully to what I must say.”
“Go on.”
“I would be grateful if you did not tell my family that I rescued you. In fact, I must insist upon it.”
“Because they will not be pleased with your actions?”
“Yes. Under no circumstances must they know what occurred that day.”
“As you saved my life, I will agree.”
She nodded and then walked away from him. He did the same, in the other direction.
CHAPTERSIX
“Well?” Baron said as he approached.
“It seems we are going to a castle, so remember your manners,” Ash gritted out as he mounted beside his friend.
“That should be entertaining, and I care little where we go, only that we get out of this weather.”
Ash didn’t speak. He just waited for the carriages and horses to pass him, then they followed.
“And your brother? Did you speak with him?”
“He is there.”
