Whirlwind Affair

Gaddlestone is really very kind.'

'I would never imply otherwise. She could, however, talk a saddle off of a horse.' His gaze roamed her face, his eyes reflecting concern. 'You're certain you're all right after your accident?'

Accident. 'Yes, thank you.'

'Now that the baroness had departed, perhaps you will tell me what you'd been about to say before she arrived.' A teasing light sparkled in his eyes. 'Something you'd wanted to whisper in my ear?'

Heat suffused Allie's face. Did this man take nothing seriously? Not only had he had the temerity to kiss her but now the gall to tease her about it! She clutched her gown to keep from touching her lips where he'd kissed her. How could such a feathery touch, one that had lasted less than a second, have affected her so? He surprised me, that is all. That rapid beating of my heart… merely the result of the unexpected. And the unwanted.

She cast a glance around the bustling dock area and another chill crept down her spine. Someone was watching her. She knew it. Biting back her unease, she said, 'I'd simply planned to discreetly ask you if we could leave here as soon as possible. I'd noticed Lady Gaddlestone coming toward us-'

'Ah. Say no more. I quite understand. Even people we like can sometimes prove exhausting. We shall depart immediately.' He smiled at her and offered his arm, tilting his head with another David-like gesture that made her teeth clench. 'My carriage is right this way.'

When she hesitated to take his arm, he simply grabbed her hand and settled it in the crook of his elbow. 'See there?' he said. 'I don't bite. Hardly ever.'

She fell into step beside him, trying to reconcile the impulse to snatch her hand away from him and the undeniable relief the safety of his presence offered. His arm felt firm and muscular beneath her fingers, more so than David's had. And although Lord Robert was several inches taller than David, he matched his longer strides to her shorter ones, unlike David. She'd always felt as if she had to run to keep up with her husband.

When they arrived at a handsome black lacquered carriage, Lord Robert instructed the waiting footman to fetch her trunk. He then handed her into the carriage and settled himself on the plush, gray velvet squabs across from her. Deciding the time had arrived to tell him, she cleared her throat.

'I'm afraid I owe you an apology, Lord Robert. You traveled all this way to escort me to Bradford Hall to see Elizabeth, but I'm afraid I must remain in London for at least a day or two. I have some business affairs to see to.' She forced her hands to stay still and not pluck at the material of her gown. 'There are several matters regarding my late husband's possessions that I must take care of. He'd resettled in America, but he was English, you know. From Liverpool.'

'No, I didn't know.' He glanced down at her mourning gown. There was no mistaking the sympathy in his gaze. 'I’m very sorry for your loss.'

She lowered her lashes so he couldn't read her eyes. 'Thank you.'

'Although it's not exactly the same, I know what it's like to lose someone you love. My father died several years ago. I miss him every day.'

He looked as if he were about to say something more, but when he remained silent, she said softly, 'I understand. I think about David every day.' Drawing a deep breath, she continued. 'I'm certain you're anxious to return to Bradford Hall to await the birth of your niece or nephew, and I've no wish to inconvenience you further. If you could recommend a reputable inn, I'll arrange my own transportation to the estate when my business is completed.'

He was clearly surprised, but he did not question her. Instead, he offered, 'An inn is not necessary, Mrs. Brown. Elizabeth and Austin would insist you stay at their London town house.'

'Oh, but I couldn't-'

'Of course you can. Elizabeth would have my head if I allowed you to put up at an inn. And as I have several business affairs that could stand my attention, I have no objection to remaining in London until you are ready to travel to Bradford Hall. I have rooms on Chesterfield, which is only a short distance from the town house.'

She studied his face, and a warning tension gripped her stomach. Something had flashed in his eyes when he'd said several business affairs.. . that same evasiveness she knew all too well, thanks to David. But the look had been so fleeting. Had she imagined it?

'That is a very kind offer, Lord Robert, but-'

'Kindness has nothing to do with it, believe me. It is simply a case of self-preservation. If I were to show my face at Bradford Hall without you, after giving my solemn vow to bring you there, my honor would be irreparably impinged.' A slow grin lit his face. 'And Elizabeth would harangue me until my ears fell off.'

For the briefest instant, Allie felt herself involuntarily responding to that grin, allowing its warmth to wash over her. It was so like David's grin…

His expression turned to one of concern. 'Are you all right, Mrs. Brown? You suddenly appear a bit pale.'

'I'm fine. I was simply thinking…'

'Yes?'

'That you remind me very much of my husband.'

He seemed surprised at her words. Then he smiled gently, his eyes full of sympathy. 'Thank you.'

At that moment, the footman arrived with her trunk. After it was secured to the top of the carriage, they departed, leaving the scents and sounds of the docks behind. As they moved farther away from the riverfront, Allie relaxed a bit, until she glanced at the man sitting across from her. The man who was another David, only this time wrapped up in an even more attractive package. He'd thanked her for the comparison to David. He'd thought she'd paid him a high compliment.

If you only knew, Lord Robert. If you only knew…

*********

Lester Redfern emerged from the long shadows cast by the wooden hull of the Seaward Lady. He narrowed his eyes at the departing black lacquer carriage, then spit onto the cobblestones. Damn it all, the woman possessed the devil's own luck. How the blazes were he supposed to kill the chit when she were always surrounded by chattin' old biddies and yappin' dogs? He glanced down at his torn trouser cuffs. Bloody stupid beasts. They ruined wot would have been a perfect murder. And weren't it just his rotten luck that the Brown woman could swim?

And now she'd gone off with that fancy toff. He set off swiftly on foot to follow the carriage carrying his quarry. Curse the saints, his employer would not be pleased that she weren't already dead. But I'll see to it that she s taken care of I've never failed in a job before, and I ain't about to start now. By this time tomorrow, she'll be dead. And I'll be a very rich man.

Chapter 2

As the carriage slowly wended its way through the crowded streets toward Mayfair, Robert observed his companion, wondering at her demeanor. She sat ramrod straight, her gloved hands clenched in her lap, and although her eyes were trained on the passing shops, it seemed as if she looked through them. He noticed a muscle jumping in her cheek, indicating she was clenching her jaw. It struck him that she was more than merely sad. She appeared genuinely distressed.

He recalled Lady Gaddlestone's comment about Mrs. Brown being her companion during the voyage. Was Mrs. Brown suffering financial problems that would necessitate hiring herself out? His gaze roamed over her mourning gown. The garment was well made and of good material, but showed subtle signs of wear. He had no way of telling if it was fashionable, as he knew nothing about American styles. Still, based on English fashion, he judged the garment to be several years old.

Curiosity pulled at him, but he firmly tamped it down. Her financial status was none of his business, and he sensed she would not welcome any inquiries. Nor would he under similar circumstances. His duty was merely to look after her and make her feel welcome until he delivered her to Elizabeth at Bradford Hall. And the sooner he accomplished that, the sooner he could resume his search for a wife. Certainly he could make good use of this