“Why, Lizzie!” the lady exclaimed. “Intended?” She clutched her hands to her formidable breast. “Since when are you betrothed, my dear, and to such a handsome gentleman?” The matron bent to scoop a wriggling pug into her arms, but not before giving Milton a saucy wink.
Christ,had he serviced her in past? Milton winced at the thought, realizing his wife would have to navigate a host of former clients he’d once taken for pay.
“Lady Stanton, this is my betrothed, Baron of Milton. He has offered me a ride in his fine new phaeton, is it not exquisite?” Elizabeth caught his eye, making Milton bite his tongue at her boldness.
“It is indeed a fine carriage, most fine.” Lady Stanton appraised the vehicle. “Though I admit, I am not familiar with the Milton Barony. Is it?—?”
“It is a Scottish Barony.” Lizzie spared him further explanation, exactly as a wife should. “And how is Sir Wigglebottom today, Lady Stanton?” She tickled the rotund creature’s chin, neatly changing tack.
“Naughty as always, Lizzie.Verynaughty, aren’t you?” Lady Stanton proceeded to regale them at length about her pet’s adventures, making Milton’s ears twitch. If there was one thing he hated more than pugs, it was ladies who waxed on in excruciating detail about their pets.
Not to mention fiancées who deliberately stalled.
He pulled out his timepiece, noting it was now a full five minutespastthe half hour. He snapped it shut with a click loud enough Miss Winthrop flinched.
About time she noticed.
“Lady Stanton.” He tucked Lizzie’s arm in an iron-proof clasp. “I am exceedingly sorry to interrupt your stories of Sir Wigglebottom, but I really mustsee Miss Winthrop escorted to the park.” He gripped her close. “I’ve a surprise planned for her, you see, which simply cannot wait.”
“Oh?” The lady’s eyes twinkled. “But of course, sir, don’t let me detain you. It has been a pleasure to meet you.” She extended him her hand, which he refused to kiss, it having been slobbered on by pug.
“Lizzie, dear, you must call on me posthaste, that I learn allthere is to know about your handsome Baron.” The matron shot him a sly, parting glance. “Tea perhaps, tomorrow?” she hinted, while he all but hoisted Miss Winthrop back into his phaeton.
“Tomorrow would be lovely, Lady Stanton, shall we say two o’clock?” Lizzie’s eyes met Milton’s and did not blink.
Devil take this girl, she needed training like he needed air to breathe. And he needed to regain control fast. He steadied his nearly shaking hands as he climbed atop and took the reins to urge the phaeton forward, at last.
He drove them in stony silence.
“You are quiet today, sir.” Elizabeth attempted conversation even as she nervously licked her lips. Milton chose not to respond. She did not know him nearly well enough to be testing him at so furious a pace, which is why he let her stew a while longer in silence, in anticipation of his ‘surprise.’
Milton had not intended to surprise Miss Winthrop today with anything but a leisurely drive about the park, to show her off to theTon’spromenading gossips. He’d purchased the phaeton for this express purpose, finding carriages like theseridiculous, but lords and ladies liked to show off their wealth, so he behaved just as frivolously.
He snuck a peek at his betrothed, who still worried her lips. He imagined nibbling her plush pout until he had her panting beneath him like the pug had panted at Elizabeth’s touch. Her thigh bumped his on the high, narrow bench, making his breeches pull taut. He gripped the reins tighter as she shifted in her seat, heat sparking. But when her palm abruptly landed on his leg he jerked, snarling, “Hands off!”
***
“Oh I—forgive me, I did not mean to offend.” Elizabeth was quite caught off guard, for the Baron seemed unduly upset by her simply steadying herself.
He pulled the horse up, grinding the phaeton to a stop. “Did I not tell youneverto touch me unless I gave my permission?”
“You did.” She gulped. “Sir.”
“And did I not express my preference for punctuality but yesterday too?”
“You did, Baron. I?—”
“Yet you continue to doeverythingin your power to show me the very opposite of obedience and respect.”
Too late, Elizabeth realized playing with fire would likely get her scorched.
“I do not think you understand what I expect of a wife, miss.” He hopped down from the phaeton only to haul her from her seat and drag her in the direction of the woods, straight toward a thicket.
“Baron, please, you cannot—” She looked in desperation all about her, but not a couple or carriage was in sight. He marchedher deeper into the trees where no one would notice them, find them, come for them. “Sir?—”
“Not a word more, Elizabeth,” he ordered harshly, “or your punishment will be that much more severe.”
“Punishment?”she exclaimed, and immediately shut her lips. She must lessen, rather than fuel, this man’s wrath, though her own wrath bubbled just below her fear.
