Part 33 (1/2)

”I.

feel rather warm. ”

The lie brought a helpful blush to her cheeks. Harry's eyes narrowed as he studied hers. She was a hopeless liar; her eyes clouded over whenever she so much as prevaricated.

”Perhaps,” Lucinda continued, trying for an airy tone, 'we could stroll the terrace for a while. ” She pretended to peer through the windows.

”There are some others outside--perhaps we could investigate the walks?”

It was at times like this that she most felt the deficiencies of her upbringing. Being married at sixteen had ensured she had not the smallest clue how to flirt or even encourage a man. When her escort made no response, she warily peeked up at him.

Harry was waiting to capture her attention, his expression that of a deeply irate man aware of the need to remain civil.

”My dear Mrs Babbacombe, it would please me immensely if you could get it fixed in your pretty head that I am here, in London, braving all manner of dangers, for one--and only one- reason.” Her eyes genuinely wide, Lucinda blinked at him.

”Oh?”

”Indeed.” With restrained calm, Harry turned her up the room and started to stroll. His fingers, curled about her elbow, ensured she accompanied him.

”I am here to ensure that, despite my inclinations, your inclinations and certainly despite those of your besotted court, you end this Season as you began it.” He turned his head to capture her gaze.

”As a virtuous widow.” Lucinda blinked again, then stiffened.

”Indeed?”

Looking forward, she lifted her chin

”I wasn't aware, Mr Lester, that I had appointed you to the post of protector of my virtue.”

”Ah--'but you did, you see.”

She glanced at him, denial on her lips--and met his green gaze.

”When you took my hand and let me pull you out of your carriage on the Newmarket road.”

The moment leapt to her mind, that instant when she had knelt on the side of the carriage, locked in his arms.

Lucinda quelled a s.h.i.+ver--and tilted her nose higher. ”That's nonsense.”

”On the contrary.” The rake beside her appeared unperturbed.

”I.

recall reading somewhere that if a man rescues another, then he takes on the responsiblity for that rescued life. Presumably the same holds true if the one saved is a woman. ”

Lucinda frowned.

”That's an eastern philosophy. You're English to your bones.”

”Eastern?” Harry raised his brows.