Red Roses Mean Love

about on dark roads with only footmen in attendance, rescuing victims from streams. And that man who answered the door was, well, I'm frankly at a loss for words. That ruffian was not her father I hope?'

'No. Her parents are both dead.'

Justin sobered instantly. 'Oh. So who takes care of her?'

Stephen squelched an urge to roll his eyes. 'Who takes care of her? No one, that's who. She's in charge of the entire household, which includes four younger siblings and an absentminded, half-deaf aunt who requires more care than she's capable of giving. There's an aged footman who can't ever find his spectacles, and that giant who swears like the sailor he used to be. And let's not forget an utterly obnoxious French cook who I hear is fond of tossing pots and pans all about the kitchen.'

Justin's jawed dropped. 'I beg your pardon?'

Stephen nodded and placed his hand over his heart. 'I speak the truth. Never in my life have I seen such a household. Where I'll find the restraint to keep from correcting them at every turn, I do not know. I've already bitten my tongue half a dozen times. Yesterday afternoon I joined the family for a meal for the first time. The children eat with the adults at the table, and from what I can see, are free to run willy-nilly all about the place without direction.

'The youngest is a girl of six, Callie, who is determined that I attend a tea party with her and her doll.' Stephen's face wrinkled into a grimace. 'A tea party, for chrissake. Then there's fourteen-year-old Andrew and eleven-year-old Nathan, devils the two of them. They argue constantly and set my head to pounding. From what I can see, eighteen-year-old Pamela stands alone as the only reasonably well- mannered, soft-spoken member of the entire group.'

A bark of laughter erupted from Justin. 'Quite an astounding collection. And what about your savior, Miss Hayley Albright?' He shot Stephen a questioning look. 'I couldn't help but notice that she's very attractive.'

Stephen ignored the tightening in his stomach. 'Indeed?'

'Yes. I only saw her for a minute or two, but let me see,' Justin said, ticking off attributes on his fingers. 'Tall, slim, beautiful aqua-colored eyes…'He turned his attention back to Stephen. 'Her eyes are quite extraordinary, do you not agree?'

'I hadn't particularly noticed,' Stephen lied in a tone meant to discourage further comments.

Justin clearly took no notice of the tone. 'Really? Now, where was I? Oh, yes. Miss Albright. Lovely complexion, and her hair is quite something, all those long, thick, shiny curls. Did I mention how very full her lips are or how lush and rounded her-'

'That's quite enough, Justin,' Stephen broke in, sending his friend a warning glare. The thought of Justin noticing Hayley's enticing curves and kissable lips inexplicably annoyed him. 'You will please recall to whom you are speaking. I am your wife's brother. I cannot imagine Victoria taking kindly to your extolling the physical attributes of another woman.'

Justin's face bore a mask of innocence. 'I was merely pointing out the obvious, Stephen. I meant no offense. I love your sister dearly. I'm a bit surprised that after spending the past week in Miss Albright's company, you failed to notice things about her that most men, including happily married men such as myself, couldn't help but notice immediately. In fact, I find it quite staggering that you of all people, one of London's most notable connoisseurs of beautiful women, failed to notice her obvious attributes.'

Stephen gritted his teeth against Justin's teasing and kept walking. Oh, he'd noticed Hayley Albright's attributes. Every last one of them. Yesterday afternoon he'd wandered through the garden, pausing frequently to rest. He'd come upon Hayley kneeling in the dirt, pulling weeds from a flower bed. When she smiled up at him, his mouth had gone dry.

The setting sun gleamed behind her, bathing her in soft hues of orange and gold. Loose chestnut tendrils escaped her chignon, surrounding her face like a soft cloud, and a smudge of dirt marred one creamy cheek. Stephen's gaze had drifted over her, and in spite of her disheveled appearance and drab gown, he'd experienced an immediate physical reaction.

'Caring for all those children is quite a responsibility for a young unmarried woman,' Justin remarked, jerking Stephen's thoughts back to the present. 'I suppose she must have inherited quite a sum in order to keep the family housed and fed.'

'I don't know. Her father was a sea captain, I believe.'

Justin frowned. 'A sea captain? Albright? By any chance was her father Tripp Albright?'

Stephen shrugged. 'I suppose it's possible. Who is Tripp Albright?'

Justin stared at him, his amazement clear. 'Only one of the most fabled sea captains ever to sail the seas. Haven't you heard tales of his exploits?'

Stephen racked his memory, then slowly nodded. 'Yes, I believe I may have. But not for quite some time.'

'As I recall, he died a number of years ago from a fever he caught in the tropics.'

'Hayley's father died three years ago.'

'It must be the same man,' Justin said. 'Albright isn't a common surname. From what I recall, he was quite a colorful character.'

At that moment, both men's attention was drawn to the sight of Hayley walking from the stables, leading Pericles by the reins. She stopped and fed the horse an apple, which he delicately ate from her hand, then nuzzled her neck with his nose. She caught sight of them watching her and waved her hand in greeting.

Justin stared, clearly dumbfounded. 'Is that what I think it is?'

Stephen couldn't help but be amused by the stunned expression on Justin's face. 'You mean Hayley turning my formidable stallion into a cooing dove? Your eyes aren't deceiving you, Justin. I witnessed a similar scene yesterday and my jaw nearly dropped to the ground. The woman has a way with horses. She's even ridden the beast.'

'My God, Stephen. You're not afraid he'll hurt her?'

'Look at him. He's porridge in her hands. And he's apparently even taken a shine to the Albrights' horse.' He watched Pericles stand perfectly still while Hayley bent down to examine his foreleg. 'As I've no fear that he'll harm her, she has my blessing to care for him.'

A slow smile lit Justin's face as Hayley led the huge stallion toward a grassy field. 'That is a most unusual woman, Stephen.'

'Yes, I suppose she is.'

'I cannot wait to see what you're going to do about it.'

Stephen's back stiffened at the words. 'I have no intention of doing anything about it, I assure you,' he said in a clipped tone.

'We shall see,' said Justin with a chuckle. 'We shall see.'

SHAPE * MERGEFORMAT

Chapter 6

When the two men arrived back at the house, Hayley served refreshments to Mr. Mallory while Stephen excused himself to change into a set of his own clothing.

While pouring tea, Hayley covertly studied Stephen's friend and had to admit she liked what she saw. Not only was Justin Mallory pleasing to the eye, but he also possessed an easy and friendly manner. His light brown hair fell over his brow, lending him a boyish air, and his hazel eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. Indeed, he was almost as handsome as Mr. Barrettson. Almost.

'Here you are, Mr. Mallory,' she said, handing him a saucer and cup. 'Did you enjoy your walk in the gardens?'

'Very much. I must say, Miss Albright, I owe you a deep debt of gratitude for everything you've done for Stephen. You saved his life.'

She waved aside his thanks. 'I did nothing more than anyone else would have. I'm just relieved Mr. Barrettson survived. I had my doubts for a while.'

'How are his injuries?'

'They're healing nicely. I changed his bandages this morning. He was very lucky he sustained only flesh wounds.'