He took her chin and forced her eyes back up to his. “Are you certain? You shouldn’t be.”
She must push forward with her plan. She must be cool and unattainable. Mustn’t she be? An inner voice told her she was wrong, that she should just be herself. Game playing was not what was needed with such a man. Which voice should she listen to? Oh, but she wished she knew.
He sat and began a string of delightful anecdotes, appearing determined to keep her entertained with lively conversation.
She laughed easily and bent near him. “Ah, but you were the devil of a handful growing up.
”
Once again he took hold of her fingers and pressed them to his lips before he stroked her cheek with the back of his palm. “Indeed, I was … but I fancy you are no stranger to being a handful, my dear.”
She giggled. “Indeed, I suppose I have always been rough and tumble.” She sighed. “I suppose that Scott will be well enough to travel in a couple of days, don’t you?”
He inclined his head. “Indeed, I do agree. We have to make certain the wound is healed sufficiently, as there will be some jostling about in the coach.”
“Coach? What coach?” she asked, surprised.
“I mean to hire a conveyance to take us to London.”
“But what about your curricle?’
“I have an excellent tiger … I will send him to fetch my phaeton after I get home. Nothing to concern yourself about. I’ll tether your horses at the back of the hired coach, and we’ll lumber along comfortably.”
She sighed and regarded him with some awe. “You do think of everything, but why are you putting yourself to so very much trouble? You have already done more, so much more than anyone could ever expect.”
He took her face in both his hands. “Don’t you know, my sweet? Don’t you know?”
“Hallo, you two!” Becky said, popping her head in at the doorway.
“Becky—come join us.” Felicia smiled welcomingly at her friend, who she could see was clothed in a worn but serviceable brown riding ensemble.
“Ah, later perhaps. I mean to go up and look in on Scott,” she said.
“Good, for I’d wager a monkey you are the only thing that will keep him from wandering about. When I left him he looked as though he had plans to break the rules.”
Becky laughed. “Right then, madcap, off I go. Wish me luck, for he can be quite stubborn.”
“Can’t he though,” agreed Felicia.
“What is that you say? Is that the pot calling the kettle …?” Becky was off.
Ashton laughed as they waved her off, and he turned back to Felicia and said in a low, husky voice, “Now, what were we saying?”
She allowed him fluttering lashes and a playful smirk. He laughed out loud and took hold of her shoulders. “You devil, you!”
“Am I—a devil, you say?” she bantered and laughed.
“Indeed you are.” He sighed. “You know, I don’t want to put a damper on your plans, but once we get you settled, we will have to inform your guardian of your whereabouts. It is only fair.”
“Fair? He didn’t care about me or my affairs until only recently … I don’t see …”
“Ah, but, perhaps you are wrong. Perhaps there was a reason?”
She frowned. “Perhaps, but I don’t mean to write him until I have reached my majority and have control of my affairs.” She shrugged and eyed him quizzically. “By that time, you shall be back to your own life and busy with your own affairs.”
His gaze was like molten lava as his hands took hers. “Sweet beauty, you are my own affair.”
From the doorway someone stomped a foot!