Chapter Four
Malcolm pinched thebridge of his nose and wondered what the hell he had just gotten himself into. He was talking to the viscount when a commotion in the corridor had caught their attention. They rushed out only to find Lizzie being helped up to her feet.
From what he’d been told, she’d fainted.
With an explanation of chivalry, he’d told the viscount that he would escort the lass home to ensure her safety.
Happy with that, the viscount bid him goodnight and returned to the ballroom.
Bother, that’s what the lass was. Again, what had he gotten himself into?
Now, he waited outside the inn she and her maid were staying in whilst they visited Twynholm as they packed their things so they could begin their journey to Stonehaven. He had allowed them to sleep at the inn once he’d seen them back after the party. It made no sense to begin their travels at night. The roads were far too dangerous. He would have enough difficulty trying to get them to their destination in the light of day. There was no reason to make even more trouble for himself.
He supposed all wasn’t lost. He’d been looking for excitement and he had found it.
Pulling his pocket watch from his jacket, he flipped the lid open and checked the time. The two women had been inside for longer than he deemed necessary.
He shook his head and clenched his jaw. The lass was going to test his every nerve. He could see it.
Stuffing the watch back into his pocket, he pushed off the carriage he’d been leaning against and made his way inside. He was getting ready to ring the bell to call for the innkeeper when commotion from the stairs caught his attention.
Lizzie, her maid close on her heels, descended the stairs as she spoke over her shoulder. “I dinna ken what he thinks will happen—”
“Miss!” Her maid snapped, nodding toward Malcolm.
Lizzie’s head snapped to him, her mouth open in surprise, and missing the next step, she lost her footing.
As she began to tumble down, Malcolm rushed forward, catching her in his arms before she could crash onto the floor.
She slapped at his chest. “My lord. Please. Put me down at once. I insist.”
He snapped his mouth shut to prevent him from saying something he would regret later and instead set her on her feet, making sure she had her balance before he let go.
“I do say, sir, ye are verra quick to put your hands where they dinna belong.” She brushed her hands over her arms and then down the waist of her gown.
He raised a brow in her direction. “Well, then, Miss. Next time I will ensure to let ye fall, lest ye no’ be subjected to my touch.” He bent and snatched up the traveling bag she’d dropped in the process of her near fall and made for the door. The ride to Stonehaven was going to be long. He was calculating the trip in his mind to see if he could just push them straight through, knowing that it would be impossible.
Hands fisted on her hips, she scowled at him. “That is no’ a nice thing to say.”
Holding the door open, he waited for her to walk outside. “I dinna like to be accused of improper behavior when the intention was no’ there. Believe me, if I had ill intent, ye would verra well ken.” He raised his brows and locked eyes with her.
She harrumphed and stomped past him. Her maid hurried after her, keeping her eyes to the ground as she passed.
Lizzie waited by the carriage, her arms crossed in front of her ample bosom, tapping her foot impatiently.
“The weather appears to be cooperating.” She tipped her face up to the sun, high in the sky.
It wasn’t offering much warmth, but clear skies, though cool, were better than rain and wind.
He just grunted as he secured her bag to the carriage along with Mary’s. The lass was vexing. He’d never been so twisted at a few sharp words from the fairer sex.
Offering his hand for both of the women to enter the carriage, he could only roll his eyes when Lizzie ignored his offering and he watched her wobble her way up the steps, barely keeping her balance.
Stubborn as a mule she was.
Well, two could play at that game.
With the door shut behind them, it wasn’t lost on Malcolm that he would be spending many miles closed in this carriage with the two lasses.
