“I will not allow you to marry another when I may even now be carrying your child.” A blush warmed her face as desire flamed in his eyes. “Nor will I wait in vain for you to seize upon the clear affection we feel for each other. You would see us divided forever because of your unjust fears for my reputation.”
“I seem to recall mentioning I have no desire to wed,” he murmured, an undertone of menace in his voice that decidedly unsettled her.
“Yet you have Lord Ashford and his daughter at your home, expecting such an announcement soon.” Evie firmed her lips to prevent their trembling. She had known he would not take her actions lightly. “We are heading to Scotland. However, I would much prefer a wedding surrounded by my family and friends. I’ll not trouble my father and brother to defend my honor, for surely they would challenge you to a duel, and I am certain you would trounce them.”
“Ah…so you are obliged to defend your own honor?”
It was impossible to restrain the tremor of uncertainty that quivered through her. “Yes.”
“You gave me that honor willingly, you gave it to me wet and tight, with lustful cries for more, and without any promises made by me.”
Her mortified gasp echoed in the carriage. “Perhaps I would be less incensed, less determined, if you’d not acted the scoundrel, taken what I offered with love, and then intended to marry another!”
He stiffened. “With love?”
She canted her head to one side. “Yes…with love.”
Something powerful flared in the depth of his amber eyes. For a frightful moment, she thought it might be hope and returned sentiment. The warmth fled, and then he seemed so austere and unforgiving. “And if I refuse your demands?”
She waved toward the folds of her cloak. “Perhaps I have a pistol to ensure your compliance.”
His lips twitched, and a disturbing and predatory light flared in the depths of his eyes. “So, you will march me to the altar with a gun, hmm?”
“If I must.”
Richard slid his unforgiving gaze over her. “I’m not marrying Lady Honoria.”
Evie stared at him in shock. He’d changed his intentions? Why? When? Before she could respond to his incredible assertion, a loud grinding sound echoed, and the carriage lurched forward in a violent motion. She was heaved from her seat. Richard grabbed her, holding her close in a protective circle as the carriage shuddered to stop.
“Dear heavens, what has happened?”
“Stay here.” He eased her from him, pushed the door open, and disappeared into the darkness.
Evie peered outside, unable to see anything. Murmurings filtered inside, and she recognized Richard’s and the coachman’s voice. The door was wrenched open and slammed shut, raw curses spilling from Richard’s lips.
“Why do you snarl like an angry beast?”
“The axle of our carriage is broken, and Kencourt Manor is ten minutes away, but it is raining heavily, and the roads are mud logged.”
“I—”
Her words tapered off as he made a sharp slashing motion with his hand.
“There is a procession less than a half mile away, several carriages, and without a doubt, they will stop to render aid. What do you think, Evie, will happen when we are found alone?”
Oh, dear Lord. For precious moments, her mind blanked at the dire implications. I’ll not survive it. “Are you certain?”
“Yes, at least three carriages. I can see the lantern lights atop them.”
“Good heavens!”
“Was this your plan?”
Her heart pounded, and it was just too much to think about the implications of being found by anyone. “I daresay it is even beyond my wiles to summon the rains and allow for an axle to break on the carriage.” Evie cleared her throat. “Is there a chance they may pass us?”
He scowled, rather blackly. “We are broken down in the middle of the bloody road. No, there is no chance. I did not want this for you.”
The chilly finality in his tone had her stomach pitching.