Goodnessindeed. Gideon gently gripped Lady Moira’sforearms to keep her from falling on the table. His fingers burnedat the touch of her skin, and his pulse hummed, bringing to lifesensations that had lain dormant for far too long. Their eyeslocked, their faces merely inches apart. Her lips parted insurprise, eyes wide with shock. She had to be feeling what he was.If he moved just a few inches, their lips would touch. Her tonguedarted out, moistening the lower full, rosy bud. The rest of hisanatomy came alive. Just one taste. He leaned forward, a breathaway. She bent toward him.
“Moira Kirkwood, what areyou doing accosting that gentleman?”
Gideon pulled back and stood,supporting Lady Moira until she had her balance, and turned towardthe woman who had just shrieked at them.
“Mother, this is LordAinsely—” she focused on Gideon and gestured to her mother “—mylord, the Dowager Countless Hearne.”
“I apologize for mydaughter’s behavior.” The woman rushed toward him.
“There is nothing toapologize for,” Gideon responded slowly. How much had the womanseen from her angle at the door, which had been to the left of hisback? “Your daughter tripped, and I simply caught her.”
The woman’s eyes narrowed. “It lookedas if she were...”
“Yes?” Gideon raised aneyebrow.
“Never mind.” The womanthrew up her hands. “I am sure I was mistaken.” She slid a glanceat her daughter. “At least I hope I was mistaken.”
“You were, my lady,” themaid piped up from the back corner. “I saw Lady Moira trip, andwould have ended up right in the tea service had Lord Ainsely notcaught her.”
The dowager countess whipped around.“I will ask if I want your input.”
Gideon cringed at the woman’s tone. Nowonder Lady Moira wanted to be far away from her mother. Lady Moirawasn’t looking at him however, but at the maid and silentlymouthing, “Thank you.”
“Moira, why aren’t youwearing a hat?”
A befuddled look came across the youngwoman’s face. “Because I’m in the parlor.”
“Yes, but you must coverthat head until I can find another remedy.”
Lady Moira’s hand went to her scalpand she grimaced.
Please, let this woman runout of options before Lady Moira is bald.
“Madam, I stopped by tosee if Lady Moira would like to accompany me on a drive in thepark.”
Both ladies perked up. The mother hada calculating gleam in her eye while she studied him, whereas LadyMoira brightened with what he interpreted as relief at thepossibility of escape.
“As long as she takesBeatrice with her.”
“I am afraid that’s notpossible. I am driving my phaeton today and there’s only enoughroom for two.”
The dowager pursed her lips inthought, and Lady Moira twisted her hands together, waitingpatiently. The young woman wanted out of this house probably morethan he did.
“It is open?”
What an odd question. “Of course. Itis right outside if you would like to see for yourself.”
“And where do you plan toride?”
Had the woman been part of theInquisition in an earlier life? “Hyde Park.”
The maid stood and moved toward thedoor. “I’ll get your hat and parasol, Lady Moira.”
“Thank you, Beatrice.”Lady Moira smiled after her.
“As long as you don’t doanything that could ruin my daughter’s reputation,” the dowagercountess warned. “We are still trying to recover from thatscandalous bet.”
Did she not know of the subsequenttwo? And what a thing to say to a stranger in her daughter’spresence. “Of course. I would not dare risk harm to yourdaughter.”
Moments later they were outside, LadyMoira seated beside him as he edged the phaeton into traffic. Herleg pressed against his did nothing for the desire that had beenbuilding steadily since they first met and came to full bloommoments before their near kiss.
Moira took in her surroundings. She’donly walked in the park before, never ridden. The view fromAinsely’s phaeton was much better. If she appeared interested inthe crowd, perhaps they would not speak. Heaven knew she didn’twant to talk about what was on her mind.
Drat her mother for showing up rightbefore she was going to get her very first kiss. And it was to befrom Ainsely. She couldn’t have picked the more perfect man forthat adventure had she tried.
She sneaked a glance at him frombeneath her lashes. Would he try to kiss her again, or had themoment passed? Well, not here in the park of course. That wouldruin her, far more than her name appearing in the betting book.Well, unless Ainsely married her, something which she was positivehe did not want to do. Besides, he lived in Yorkshire.
Disappointment stabbed at her heart asecond time. Why did he have to live there, of allplaces?
Perhaps if they did kiss, she would nolonger wish to spend additional time with him, and thisdisappointment that he lived in England wouldn’t be so painful.That was what she must do. One simple kiss, and then they could putall of this behind them.
But where and how?
Ainsely pulled upon the reins astraffic slowed. It was rather crowded today. Of course it was abeautiful day. Anyone in their right mind would be out and about. Arider drew alongside the phaeton.
“Good day, Ainsely.” Theman tipped his hat.
“Struthers,” Ainsely bitout.
So, this was the gentleman from thebet. While Moira leaned forward to look around Ainsely to thegentleman, Ainsely pulled the carriage over to a stop. “Lady Moira,might I present Lord Struthers.”
The man smiled and tipped his headwhile his eyes scanned her person from her eyes to her toes andback again, lingering a bit too long on her breasts. Moira foughtthe urge to lift a hand and cover herself. Not that any skin wasexposed, but his leer made her feel unclothed.
Moira had never been so insulted bysuch disrespect. “I think it is only fair to tell you that I cannotconsider you.” She wanted to be done with this nonsense now. Havingher name in that book had become more an aggravation thananything.
Well, with the exception of Ainsely.His involvement had been nothing but enjoyable.
“Is it because my estateis in such poor repair?” the blond gentleman asked.
At least he was now focused on herface and not trying to find her breasts. “I couldn’t care lesswhether your home is a poorly thatched cottage surrounded bythistle and weeds or a grand castle. The location simply won’tdo.”
Struthers straightened
