He likely would have ignored her comment anyway. He spun and rode through the gate, and he didn’t peer back to guarantee she’d tagged after him. He was so gallingly confident in his ability to command her.
She was a modern, independent woman who made her own choices in all matters. She could have braved the tempest and continued on to Roland, but she went with him like a trained puppy, being happy to go wherever he led. What could it hurt to tarry, warm and cozily, as they waited for the gale to wane?
They raced by the orchards and were quickly spit out at the door. He helped her down as a footman rushed out to tend the horses. She was whisked into the manor, the butler and others hurrying up to fuss over them. All the while, she was scolding herself for being such an idiot, for letting him coerce her.
She had no business being in his home. Not when he was about to betroth himself to Lady Penny. Servants couldn’t keep a secret, and gossip of their arrival would spread swiftly in the neighborhood. How long would it take for it to float over to Roland?
His servants were incredibly competent, and she was escorted up to a guest bedchamber. Maids scurried about, eager to assist her, as if they hadn’t seen a female in ages. Barrett Manor was a bachelor’s residence, so perhaps they hadn’t.
They lit a huge fire, and she was positioned on a chair in front of it. Hot chocolate was produced, as were a wool shawl and slippers. She was stripped of her wet gown and a dry one magically furnished. It was a bit too long and a bit too big, but it was much more comfortable than the drenched dress they had removed.
Her own garments were carried away, with promises that they would be cleaned down in the kitchen. Then, once she was in a better condition, a footman delivered the message that Lord Barrett had been dried and cleaned too, and—if she was amenable—he hoped she’d have a whiskey with him in a downstairs parlor.
The maids were furtively studying her, and she couldn’t decide if it was because they were astonished that Luke had a woman in the house or if it was because her identity had been revealed. There weren’t many places where her name wasn’t recognized.
They’d also have heard from the servants’ grapevine that she was staying at Roland. The prospect had her anxious to protect Luke from himself. He was determined to jump off the cliff where they were standing, but she truly believed she should stop him from toppling over the edge.
She thanked the maids who’d aided her, and her compliments showered over them like golden flower petals, as if they’d never been praised before. The footman guided her down to the parlor, but the maids quietly followed, watching her every step so they could describe the moment at supper later on.
Luke was pacing and impatient, irked that she’d been so slow to appear. Another huge fire was roaring, and a tray of liquor and other refreshments had been arranged on a table. He shooed everyone out, and they were definitely sluggish in their departure, their furtive glances becoming less furtive until they were openly gawking.
As the door closed behind them, he said, “Your reputation precedes you, Miss Carstairs.”
“Sometimes, I wish it wouldn’t. I wish I could have snuck in as an anonymous person.”
“No, you don’t. You would hate being anonymous.”
“I can’t have rumors drift to Roland that I was here alone with you.”
“We can’t prevent it. I’m certain the whole county will soon know you visited, but we have the storm to use as an excuse. We can insist we met on the road, and when the rain started, we fled to the nearest shelter, which was Barrett.”
She scoffed. “No one will think it was an innocent trip.”
“I don’t care.”
With that, he pulled her into his arms and conveyed a stunning kiss that went on and on. She didn’t hesitate to participate. Why would she? She reminded herself that she had no losses to incur if their mischief was uncovered.
She was a theatrical performer, so she was constantly painted with an illicit brush. If she traipsed off with him, it wouldn’t be surprising, but he could lose quite a bit, specifically his pending engagement to Penny.
Yet he wasn’t concerned about it. If he wasn’t worried, why should she be?
Eventually, they tumbled onto a sofa. He drew her onto his lap, and she snuggled there, content to loaf with him in a way that was completely improper, but she had to cease focusing on her misgivings. She had to simply be glad for the interval they’d been able to steal for themselves. It wouldn’t last.
“You’ve kidnapped me,” she said.
“I didn’t kidnap you. As I vividly remember it, I merely suggested we ride to Barrett, and you obliged me.”
“I didn’t complain because I was positive—if I’d refused and had headed in the opposite direction—you’d have chased after me.”
“You could be right about that.”
“What if this tempest continues for an entire week? Will I be your prisoner until it abates?”
“Yes. Now that I’ve finally ensnared you, I might never let you go.”
“I was afraid that would be your opinion.”
She scooted away and hurried over to the window to peer outside. It was raining even harder, so how long would she dare to tarry? He was relaxed on the sofa like a lazy king and assessing her as a lion would a rabbit—as if he was about to gobble her up. That look always thrilled her.
“Your servants dressed me in dry clothes,” she said. “Whose gown am I wearing?”
“I have no idea.”
“It didn’t belong to one of your mistresses, did it? I’d be really annoyed if that was the case.”
“I’ve never brought a woman here, so I can’t imagine where they found it.”
She smirked with disgust. “I can’t decide if you’re telling the truth or not.”
“I won’t claim to
