Page 467 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“Aye,” he agreed.

She looked at Lady Mary. “Your brother is in good hands and Lady Arlington is a most gracious host.”

“She has been most kind, ma’am. She has offered to let my brother stay until the doctor gives him leave to make the journey home.”

“Where is home?” Montagu asked.

“Fortose.”

“That requires a journey by ship. It will be some time before your brother can travel.”

“The doctor estimates a week, maybe two,” she said. “Lady Arlington has been so kind—everyone has been so kind.” Tears began to roll down her cheeks and Lady Montagu took the girl into her arms.

The marchioness looked at Montagu. “Perhaps we will leave a little later.” She pulled back from Lady Mary, who swiped at her tears and straightened. “Why don’t we have a cup of tea?” Lady Montagu asked.

“I believe I would rather sit with my brother—if you don’t mind.”

“I don’t mind at all. I fully understand. And since you will be here for an extended stay, we will come and visit you again.”

Lady Mary’s eyes glistened with more tears. “Would you?”

“Why, of course,” the marchioness said. “We are to be at Lady Allaway’s home for another nine days—or more. You know how these parties go. I wager you and your brother will leave before we do.”

“I would be so pleased to see you—all of you.”

She left, and Wylst said, “Crawford. I don’t recognize the name.”

“Her brother is the Earl of Crawford,” the marchioness said. “Their father died suddenly a little more than a month ago. I doubt they get to London much, I gather the Earl was something of a recluse.”

Nicholas caught the lecherous glance Wylst cast at the girl as she disappeared out the door. The man was a parasite.

“I will say our goodbyes to Arlington,” Montagu said.

Josephine rose and surprised Nicholas by slipping her hand into the crook of his arm. She had, he realized, remained uncharacteristically quiet the last few minutes.

“I am very ready to return to Barthmont Keep,” she said. “Our horses ran away, however.”

Nick covered her hand with his. “Perhaps Lord Arlington will loan us his carriage.”

She nodded, and Nicholas noted the tired look in her eyes. He also noticed that she kept a firm hold on his arm as they chatted while Montagu arranged for transportation back to Barthmont Keep. Something was wrong, but what? In the weeks since his return, she hadn’t encouraged him, much less clung to him as she was doing now. What had changed?

“It’s a shame you weren’t able to have your picnic,” Wylst said.

“There will be other days,” Lady Montagu said.

“It is early yet,” Wylst said. “The afternoon might yet be salvaged.”

Josephine’s fingers tightened around Nicholas’ arm, then relaxed as she said, “We have lost our horses and food.”

Nick suddenly knew what it was that had her worried: Wylst.