“I am entirely serious, my lady.”
This time she laughed, more a choked sound of disbelief. “You are outrageous and quite exaggerating, I am sure.”
“I must disappoint you. I am not.”
She considered him, her unwavering gaze searching his face. “I will do everything in my power to help you locate Lady Perdita, Your Grace. This I vow upon my honor. I will return home now, and if it is suitable, I will call upon you tomorrow at your earliest convenience.”
“That will not do.”
“Your Grace, it is preposterous to even suggest you will not let me from your sight. Why, that means I would have tolivewith you until your sister is found.”
“You have finally seemed to grasp the situation, Lady Winfern.”
She gasped and stared at him with wide, shocked eyes. “I will most certainlynotgo to your abode! Have you taken leave of your senses?”
She nibbled on her bottom lip, turning it red, a nervous gesture. Lady Winfern had a firm chin…nay, an obstinate chin and a lush pair of lips that were entirely kissable. She wore an icy blue ball-gown with pearls seeded in the hem, with a charmingly lowered décolletage. He was acutely aware of her, the soft dewiness of her skin, the delicate fragrance assailing his senses. With each shift and stir, it was as if she touched him. It infuriated Sebastian that Lady Winfern’s sensual appeal should distract him at this most critical moment. Since receiving Perdie’s letter, Sebastian had been in motion, setting several hired runners to track where she could have gone. The household had been in an uproar with the staff being questioned by the private runners he’d hired. No one seemed to know where his sister had gone. It was that desperate knowledge that had driven him to return to the ball to seek out this lady.
It seemed improbable Perdie could have done this on her own. A young lady of only nineteen years, who had spent most of her life pampered in Maidstone, traveling with only two other ladies, would be vulnerable to all sort of wicked scoundrels. Their mother had collapsed but had quickly rallied, packing to leave at dawn for their estate in Maidstone in the event Perdie had gone there. This was after giving the staff a strict warning about their silence in this matter. They could not afford it to be known, for the scandal of it would ruin Perdie’s reputation. Above all, Sebastian had been praying that wherever his sister had run to, she would be safe.
“Your Grace, please say something…your silence is…it is unpleasant considering it accompanies that fierce scowl.”
Sebastian wasted no time reaffirming that she would not leave his side. He prowled towards her, grabbed her around the waist, dipped and swung her into his arms. The lady was still only for a heartbeat before an outraged squeak came from her and a mad struggle. “Be still, or I might accidentally drop you.”
She clutched at his shoulders, and it befuddled him why her soft weight against his chest felt so incredibly pleasant.
“Do you want to start a scandal? Someone might see us! How would you explain me being in your arms?” she asked faintly.
“I am Hartford; who would dare question me?”
“Your arrogance is astounding, but I referred to my reputation!”
He stopped walking. “There is no one about this part of the garden. If you come quietly, I will set you down.”
“And if I am not biddable?”
“I will continue as we are, and damn the consequences to hell.”
She took a steady breath. “I will not fuss.”
Sebastian lowered her to the ground. The top of her head barely brushed his chin, and he was tempted to lean in to inhale the fragrance emanating from her. Instead, he stepped back, took her gloved hand within his, and continued walking toward the side entrance.
She attempted to tug her hands from his to no avail. “Your Grace, surely you know even this will see the tongues wagging and see our names linked in the scandal sheets for weeks! I will not attempt to escape if that is what you are outrageous enough to think.”
Seb made no reply, and she muttered something beneath her breath about him being insufferable. His carriage waited where he had left it with the explicit instructions that he would only be inside a few minutes. They exited the garden, and his footmen hurried to knock the steps down for her. Sebastian helped her inside the cozy equipage and settled his frame in the seat opposite to her. The carriage rumbled into motion, and it was several moments before she spoke.
“I’ve left my coat.”
“I’m sure the countess will discreetly return it to you, Lady Winfern.”
She stared at him in the dim light of the carriage, her hands folded demurely into her lap.What an act. “I suspect that you aided my sister in hatching this dangerous plan. You know her precise location, for you helped her find those accommodations,” Sebastian said, studying every nuance of her expression. “I will have her location.”
Her breath caught at his implication, a flush warming her cheeks.“I would never allow Perdie to act in such a reckless manner. You mistake my character, Your Grace.”
Sincerity dwelt in her voice, and her eyes implored him to believe her. Frustratingly he did, but what if this was all an act? How could Perdie have put such a scheme together by herself? He made no other accusation, and the lady was content for them to travel in silence. Several minutes passed before the lady was inspired to push aside the carriage curtain to peek outside.
“You are not taking me home.”
“I believe I mentioned you will not leave my side until my sister is recovered.”