Page 12 of How to Catch an Heiress

Chapter Five

Chastity had been certain she couldn’t make matters any worse, but now, riding in a darkened carriage at 3 a.m., she wasn't so sure. Her father’s stablemaster, John, accompanied her. The man had served them fifteen years, and was an honest and good man.

They passed a parked carriage, then, a moment later, the carriage came to a halt.

The vehicle shifted and, in the next instant, John opened the door. Chastity gave her hand to him and descended from the coach, her eyes on the Dorring’s mansion. The place was completely dark. In the moonless night, some small light should indicate that at least a small fire burned in some of the rooms.

Chastity frowned. Surely Mr. Dorring couldn’t be sleeping the hour before he was to meet Sir Stirling for a duel? Had he fled? She mouthed a quick prayer that their problems would be solved so easily—and promised absolute obedience from now on, if God granted such salvation.

"Please wait," Chastity told the driver. "Come along, John." She started up the walkway.

They reached the door and she lifted the heavy knocker and knocked three times. Bootfalls on the walkway behind them drew her attention. She turned as aman hurried toward them.Chastity squinted in the darkness to discern the approaching stranger’s identity. Something familiar niggled. He neared them and John stepped in front of her.

"For God's sake, Chastity, what are you doing here?"

“Sir Stirling?” She slipped past John.

He climbed the first stair, but John stepped toward him.

"Never mind, John." Chastity stopped as Sir Stirling climbed the next two steps. He grasped her arm and started down the stairs. "What are you doing?" she demanded.

"Taking you home, where you belong."

She tried to yank free, but his grip tightened. "I have no intention of going home until you agree to forget this ridiculous duel."

He ignored her and kept walking.

Chastity looked over her shoulder. "John, quickly come here."

"By God, Chastity, if you make me fight your manservant, I will take you over my knee and paddle your pretty behind."

Chastity yanked her gaze onto him. "You wouldn't dare."

He gave a mirthless laugh." Not only would I dare, I would do so with relish. Now call off your bulldog."

"He is not my bulldog. He is my protector. And I need protecting."

Sir Stirling barked a laugh. "It is I who need protection from you." Sir Stirling whirled. "Stay right there, lad," he said to John, who halted two paces away. "As you know, I am the lady’s fiancé. Now, I am taking her home."

"You are taking me home?" Chastity asked.

He cast her a look she couldn't discern in the dim light. "You would like that. Nae, your protector will escort you home. Come along, protector, you will return home with Lady Chastity."

"Do not listen to him, John," she said. "You are to stay here with me."

"Well, what's it to be, John?" Sir Stirling asked.

"I must do as Lady Chastity commands," John replied.

"Then I shall have to fight you. I promise to go easy on you because I understand you are doing only what your mistress commands you to do."

"You're mad," Chastity said. "First you challenge Mr. Dorring a duel, then you would fight John. Is this how you live your life, sir? For I must tell you, you are a barbarian."

"Forgive me, my lady, but I must point out that both these instances are your doing."

She started to reply, then stopped. He was right. "I beg you, do not duel with Mr. Dorring." Chastity’s thought skidded to a halt. Why was she arguing? The house was dark. It was clear no one was home. The coward had fled. Still, if she was wrong, she would never forgive herself if anything happened to Sir Stirling. A thought occurred to her.

"I will leave, if you leave."