Page 6 of Brazen

George darted right, out of the pig’s path, but the animal swerved toward him. George backed up several paces. His gaze flicked to Lady Mia. The sow neared within ten feet.

“Call her off, Mia,” he ordered, but the animal picked up speed.

“Lucy,” she cried, but the pig paid her no heed.

George whirled and ran. The sow squealed again, and the man disappeared into the trees with the pig close behind.

“Lucy,” the woman called. She looked at Magnus. “Now see what you have done?”

He blinked. “What I have done? That gentleman—man—was accosting you.”

She rolled her eyes. “He was not accosting me. Now I will have to find Lucy.” She yanked up her skirts and turned in the direction pig and man had disappeared.

A loud rustling started. Magnus seized her arm.

She looked at his hand, then lifted her gaze to his face and arched a brow.

He frowned and released her. “Wait here.” He started toward the sound, then stopped when the pig trotted into view amongst the trees.

“Lucy,” Lady Mia cried, and hurried toward the animal.

Magnus started after them, then drew a sharp breath at the discomfort in the rib he’d hit on the rock. By God, he would be sore for a week.

When the pig reached Lady Mia, Lady Mia said, “Well done, Lucy. I imagine George will not bother us again today.”

“Only a moment ago, you berated me for her chasing your attacker into the woods,” he said.

She looked up at him and his breath caught. He’d glimpsed those blue eyes when he’d slid past her, but seeing them now, dark with indignation, he…well, he wasn’t accustomed to women looking at him in indignation.

“George was not accosting me,” she said. “And if Lucy hadn’t come back, well…” she paused. “I suppose that part was not your fault. Lucy is very protective. George wasn’t wise to raise his voice to me.”

“You were damned fortunate the animal was here to protect you. Where is your husband? Surely, he doesn’t let you wander the woods alone.”

“I imagine he wouldn’t, if I had one. Which is precisely one of the reasons I do not have one.”

That did not surprise him. “Where do you live?” he asked. “I will escort you home.”

“No need. Come, Lucy.” She started toward him and the pig trotted alongside her. She reached him and he debated whether or not to argue when she stopped and said, “Oh dear, you are bleeding.”

Magnus looked at his side where she stared. A shilling sized blood stain colored his dirty white shirt. Before he realized her intent, she touched the injured area.

Pain knifed through him. “By God,” he muttered.

“Just as I thought,” she said. “You had better come home with me, so we can tend the wound.”

“I can take care of it at home,” he said.

She lifted her eyes to his face. “Are you really the new owner of Barkely Hall?”

“I am.”

“Barkely Hall is a three-mile walk. It is safer to tend to the wound, then take our cart home. Not to mention, it will be dark before you reach home.”

“I doubt the wound is that bad,” he said, though it ached like the devil.

“You don’t know, do you? Take off your shirt.”

“Madam, we have only just met, and you are asking me to take off my shirt? I doubt your father would approve.”

“I don’t have one of those, either,” she said.

That explained much.

“Come along.” She started forward. “Kaerndal Castle is just beyond that hill.” He didn’t move and she stopped and looked back. “You did say you wanted to escort me home.”

“You are taking advantage of my good nature,” he muttered, and began walking.

“I cannot say if that is true or not,” she replied, “as I do not know you well enough to know if you have a good nature.”

Given the current circumstances, he wasn’t too certain himself.