Page 13 of Almost a Countess

“Could you not go to Leedsinstead? It’s much closer.” The concern for him was back in MissHarper’s voice. “You could lose yourself in the crowds and avoidthe soldiers. They might not even look for you there, and if theydid, it would likely not be for long.”

“A good scheme, MissHarper. I am indebted tae ye once more.” He sketched an awkwardbow. “It may have tae be my alternate plan if I find I canna ridefar, but I must try tae press onward tae London as soon aspossible.”

“You should remain hereuntil you are well again.” A stubborn look came over her face, andhe had to fight a smile. Miss Harper seemed used to getting her ownway, but so was Finn.

“I’ll burden ye an’ yerhospitality for a wee while only, Miss Harper.” Now he’d see if hecould discover a bit more about his lovely hostess. “I would no’wish tae ruin yer reputation should my presence here becomeknown.”

She straightened and lifted her chin.“I assure you, my lord, that will not happen.”

“No’ even if ’twererevealed ye allowed a strange man tae reside with ye, without achaperone?” He leaned closer and stared directly into Miss Harper’sbig blue eyes. “Come, lass, dinna ye ken ’tis dangerous tae be hereall alone with me?”

Chapter 6

“What makes you think weare alone here, Lord Aberfoyle?” A shiver of dread coursed throughDora as she shot up from her seat. She’d decided to address the manaccording to his claim, despite her grave misgivings about hisactual station.

“Because I’ve no’ seen asoul other than ye or yer servants the entire time I’ve been here.”The man seemed rather satisfied about his observations. “Yerparents would surely have put in an appearance immediately, if theywere here.” He peered at her mercilessly. “Who are yer parents, ifI may ask?”

With the truth on the tip of hertongue, Dora hesitated. If his claim of not knowing London Societywas true, he likely wouldn’t recognize her parents’ names. Butuntil she ascertained he was who he claimed, a little voice in theback of her mind whispered she should keep him in the dark as muchas possible. The best way to do that, she’d learned, was to keep aperson off balance. “Why do you believe I live with my parents? Icould just as easily be the mistress of this estate.”

He grinned. “Ye said earlier this wasyer father’s estate, but even so, ye dinna wear a weddingring.”

She glanced down automatically andcursed under her breath—which was another admission, of course. “Imay not have a husband, but I am the mistress of this estate atpresent, with servants enough to act as chaperones.” Staring intohis face, she hardened her gaze. “And if you have any improperideas, I daresay I could repulse your advances simply byoutstripping your pace in your current condition.”

“True enough.” Hechuckled, which reassured Dora, then turned serious. “I fear onlyfor yer reputation, Miss Harper. After the great kindness ye’veshown me, I would hate tae have ye come tae harm through mypresence here in yer house.”

“Thank you, my lord.”Touched by his concern, Dora backed up a step. She really should gobefore the young man’s handsome face and charming mannersdid bring her to ruin. “I’ll send Larkin up for the tray. Imust attend to organizing tomorrow’s tasks. If you will excuse me,I’ll say goodnight.”

“Good night, Miss Harper.Pleasant dreams.”

“You as well.” Dora turnedand all but fled the room before the strong pull to sit down besidehim took hold of her.

True, she’d had no company in the farnorth since her arrival in April. It was only to be expected thatshe would enjoy conversation with someone of her own station. If hewas of her station. Somehow, now she believed he was telling thetruth about that. The pain in his eyes when he spoke of hisfather’s death, his obvious manners and way of speech declared himsomeone of good breeding. Someone who would be an eligible match inthe eyes of Society. She shook her head and hurried down thecorridor. If he weren’t a criminal.

Dora paused on the steps. Why was shethinking about him being an eligible parti? She had no businessentertaining such ideas about any man, much less a stranger to whomshe’d not even been properly introduced. And even if they had, shecouldn’t believe her father would agree to a match with a wildScotsman with a price on his head.

Not to mention Lord Aberfoyle wouldscarcely consider her eligible when he discovered she’d beenbetrothed before, jilted the man, and now had no dowry to her name.Her father had made it abundantly clear before she left home thatshe could expect to be his dependent for the rest of her life. Noone would want to marry her without some kind of compensation,which he would refuse to provide.

But still she sometimes allowedherself to dream.

Like now.

After consulting with Cook abouttomorrow’s menus, Dora climbed the steps again, more than ready forbed even though the evening light had not yet faded. However, theday had been trying in so many ways—the stress of evading thesoldiers coupled with that of actually finding their prisoner, notto mention her unexpected and inexplicable attraction to herhouseguest. So a long soak in a hot tub and a good night’s sleepwould put her world back into the proper perspective.

“Larkin, please prepare abath for me. After that dip in the creek and all the excitement ofthe day, I need to soak and relax tonight.” Dora sank down onto thechair before her dressing table, suddenly too weary tostand.

“Very good, miss.” Themaid rang for James and gave the order for hot water then bustledabout the room readying the wooden tub.

Soon Dora was seated in hot water upto her chin, the steam coming off the surface gently caressing herface, adding to her comfort. At last, she settled back, breathing adeep sigh, and one by one her muscles began to relax.

“Shall I wash your hair,Miss Harper?” Larkin hovered over her, the jar of rose-scented soapflakes in her hand.

“Yes, please, Larkin.”With a groan, Dora sat up. “We are likely to have visitors in thenext day or so. I must look my best.” Dora doubted LieutenantScarlet and his company would pass her by. She needed to be ready,presenting a comely figure, and with a story to account for LordAberfoyle’s presence in the house.

“Lean your headback.”

Dora complied, and the hot watercascaded over her head, soothing her all over.

“Who do you think will becoming to call?” The maid raised an eyebrow. No one had come tocall on her in the four months she’d been at Bromley.