Princess Charming (Legendary Lovers 1)

“I think you are worrying needlessly,” he responded in an easy tone. “Ash can take care of himself.”

“It is no surprise that you would take his side,” she muttered. “Dueling is something only a reckless, hard-headed Wilde would do.”

“Did you expect anything else? Our family is known for living up to our name.”

Jack’s careless grin rubbed Maura the wrong way, even knowing that the fiery, passionate Wilde cousins were proud of their legacy.

“This is no joking matter,” she retorted irritably.

Jack seemed unfazed by her fuming. “True, but Ash has never been one to retreat because of a little danger. Besides, he has vowed to defeat Deering, and he won’t go back on his word.” Jack cast her a speculative glance. “You must admit it is rather princely of Ash—even heroic, some might say—to fight to restore your father’s honor.”

His not-so-subtle reminder of the legendary lover role Ash was playing did nothing to allay Maura’s frustration, nor did his casual dismissal of the risk. Thus, Jack left her at Grosvenor Square without settling the argument.

Katharine was out for the evening with Lady Isabella, and Lord Cornelius had already retired. Maura went directly upstairs to her bedchamber, where she paced the floor and debated what to do. She was still highly upset and worried for Ash. She couldn’t live with herself if harm came to him. If she hadn’t realized her love for him before this, her gut-tightening fear now would have enlightened her.

She would have to think of some way of convincing Ash to withdraw, Maura decided. Yes, she wanted her father’s name cleared, but she wanted much more to keep Ash safe.

A half hour later, she had changed out of her evening gown, yet she still had not calmed down enough to try to sleep. Resolving to make one last attempt to speak to Ash, Maura pulled on a robe over her nightdress and took up a candle, then made her way along the silent corridors to his bedchamber.

She didn’t care about being seen by the servants just now. Her reputation wouldn’t be worth a farthing to her if she allowed Ash to be killed.

Letting herself inside, she glanced around the masculine chamber, which was done in burgundy and golds. The night was warm enough that a fire wasn’t necessary, but even so she shivered as she settled in a wing chair to wait.

It was a long while later before she heard the tread of footsteps out in the corridor. Shortly, the door opened to admit Ash, but he checked on the threshold as soon as he spied her. As if making a decision then, he entered and shut the door softly behind him.

“I suppose you have a good reason for coming to my rooms and risking scandal,” he said calmly.

“You know why I am here,” Maura replied. “To convince you to abandon this mad duel.”

Ash remained silent as he began removing his coat and waistcoat. Supremely frustrated that he intended to ignore her, Maura rose and went to stand before him. Reaching up, she framed his face in her hands and pressed her lips against his.

“Please, Ash, won’t you reconsider?” she pleaded.

“I’m sorry, love. We have come too far to turn back now. I will stop when Deering professes your father’s innocence and not before.”

Maura exhaled a fretful sigh. “Then I will have to try to persuade Deering to withdraw.” At Ash’s skeptical look, she expounded. “He might, if I give him what he wants … my stallion. Your life is more important to me than any horse, even Emperor.”

His expression softened as he untied his cravat. “I am honored, sweetheart. I didn’t realize you cared that much.”

“Of course I care.” She cared deeply, Maura added to herself.

“Thank you, but your sacrifice isn’t necessary.” Ash paused in his undressing to hold her gaze. “You need to trust me, Maura. My plan will work, you will see.”

There was nothing brash or cocky about his pronouncement; he was simply convinced he was on the right course. B

ut his self-confidence made her irritation return.

“I do trust you, Ash,” she claimed in exasperation. “It is Deering I don’t trust.”

“I share your feelings. That is another reason to go through with the meeting tomorrow. It will force Deering to fight out in the open. I wouldn’t put it past him to employ underhanded means in order to win against me.” Ash pulled off his shirt. “I was actually reassured when he chose Lord Pelham as his second. If Deering doesn’t back down—which I still contend is a strong possibility—Pelham will be there to act as a reputable witness. In fact, I just spent the past hour hunting down Quinn to act as my second. He will make certain that Pelham is there tomorrow.”

“That is hardly reassuring to me.”

“Stop fretting, love.”

“How can I when you could be going to your death tomorrow?”

“I promise it won’t come to that.”