Abbott appeared atthe bridge just as the sun passed midday. “I can take over now, Sir Robert, if you have elsewhere to be.”
“Stay aware while you oversee the work, Abbott.”
Abbott nodded. “We don’t have much more. The bridge’ll be ready in three days—more if the weather’s against us.”
Rob shook the man’s hand. “The musket is leaning on yon tree if need arises. Stay sharp.”
“You’ll be at the manor?”
“I’m riding to Caulfield Hall. I’ll be back by nightfall and, if things go as I expect, Gibbons and Goodfellow will be with me.”
“And Miss Whitaker?”
Rob considered his options. However willing, Abbott’s attention belonged with the bridge builders. The tenants are needed in the field, too.Lucy’s guards are strung too thin; if I ride to the hall, I leave her vulnerable.
“I’ll keep her with me.”If I go, she’ll have to come.
Walking back to the manor, the thought of Lucy in front of him on Khalija nestled between his thighs sent his blood heating, and his body stiffened. He had as little control over his desires where she was concerned as he had as a lad. Kissing her had been a mistake. He avoided it for days, and now what lay between them couldn’t be changed. He couldn’t retreat, and he couldn’t go forward without upending his life and every carefully laid plan.
He found her in her office bent over her ledgers.Da really could use her skills at the Willow. That random thought was followed by another.The spot on the back of her neck needs a kiss.
She stood as soon as he entered, and the sight of her nape disappeared. He swallowed to ease his dry mouth.
“Are you free for the afternoon?”
Her eyes widened, and her fingers gripping the back of her chair turned white. “Why… I mean, what do you have in mind?”
Studying her face, he saw apprehension but not fear. As moments passed, he recognized desire in her eyes. A small voice inside him whispered to beware, riding out with her might not be wise.Standing here isn’t wise either. I want her. Here. Now. On the desk.
“Come with me to Caulfield Hall,” he said.She’s wearing the dress from the assembly, the one that makes her eyes glow. To work in the office—no. She wears it for me. Foolish chit. I want you out of it, not in it.
She blinked and stood upright. “To check on the palace guard?”
The moment had passed, and he knew what to do.Focus on the inquiry.
“And the earl. With luck, Gibbons will have dragged Spangler there by midafternoon. I want to be there to ask the questions.”
“What of Robbins?”
She watched grief flash across his face and disappear, swiftly suppressed. “If someone comes for the body, Agnes is here. I need you with me.”
“I’ll have the pony and trap brought around.”
“You could ride with me.” Speaking seemed to make his mouth go dry. “That is, we can get the trap across the plank bridge, but it will take a long time. It’s faster to ride across the fields and through the woods.”
“All I have is the pony. She isn’t used to a rider.” She missed Buttercup.
“Khalija can manage both of us. Ride up with me,” he said. “Behind me.”Better, he thought, until he thought of her astride, her thighs along his.
He spun away, pausing with one hand on the door frame. “I’ll have Khalija brought round.”
I should leave her here.His heart—and his protective instincts—objected.Damned if I do; twice damned if I don’t.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Lucy didn’t knowwhat to make of him. He overran her objection that she didn’t own a riding habit, insisting it wasn’t needed, but waited patiently while she changed out of her favorite gown and into a simpler frock, one she wouldn’t mind wrinkling on horseback. David wouldn’t notice how she dressed, and Rob didn’t seem to, either.
Though he said she would ride behind, he tossed her to the front of his great beast and climbed up behind her, anchoring her to his chest with one muscled arm and cantering off toward Caulfield Hall. His nearness stole the breath from her body and set her heart cantering in time with Khalija.
