Two Beaux and a Promise Collection Read Online Free PDF Page B

“How—”
    “Shhh!”  Richard covered her mouth. He’d removed his gloves to dine, so his hand felt shockingly warm.
    “Looking for my cousin.”  Herriard made his disgust clear.
    “I didn’t know you had a cousin.”
    “We don’t talk about it much. My aunt married a tradesman.”
    “Who?”
    “It doesn’t matter. The girl’s a thief. I’ve tracked her this far, but…”  The voices faded as the men moved across the hall to the taproom.
    “Damn!” cursed Richard softly, dropping his hand.
    “Who was that?” she hissed.
    “Sir William Trent. He and Herriard are friends, though not close.”  He pressed his ear to the door, then frowned. “Herriard must have spotted Jacob returning to Hawthorne House. And he will have noted the carriage outside.”
    “I have to leave.”  She could barely choke out the words as her eyes searched frantically for another exit. Her thinking had been muddled in the church, but that was no longer true. Derrick was more devious than she’d thought. Branding her a thief gave him a huge advantage, for his oath alone would convince any court of her guilt. No one would accept a female’s word over a lord’s. Even worse, Richard would be prosecuted for helping her. Was that part of the plot?  Derrick hated Richard. If he knew Richard meant to lay charges…
    Hopelessness nearly overwhelmed her.
    “Sit down and let me think.”  Richard paced to the window and back.
    She sat, but her mind continued circling. She should have known that flight was useless. Unless she wed Stagleigh, Derrick would transport her for thef—
    Dear God, but she was stupid. Transportation wouldn’t help him. But convicting her of grand theft would see her hung. As next of kin, he could then claim her inheritance. She might have to throw herself at Stagleigh to escape death.
    She should have refused Richard’s help the moment she’d realized his identity. He might be heir to a title, but for now he was a commoner. Even his word would be suspect when set against a lord’s.
    “I’ve got it.”  Richard’s voice startled her. “Stay here while I speak to the coachman.”
    “I can’t let you risk your reputation, or worse,” she said, shaking her head. “This changes everything. He will see me hanged.”
    “No.”  He pulled her tightly against him, forcing her to meet his gaze.
    Frissons of electricity rampaged along her nerves, making her dizzy. Rake, indeed. One touch could melt lead.
    “You’ve done nothing wrong, Georgiana,” he swore. “I will not let him abuse you. And Fate is clearly on your side. Witness Sir William’s providential arrival. Gather your courage, my dear. I’ll be back in a moment.”  He dropped a light kiss on her mouth and released her.
    Before she could respond, he was gone.
    Her lips tingled, muddling her thoughts. She could still feel his muscular form pressed against her. Was there really an alternative to Stagleigh or death?
    She couldn’t risk it. Nor could she believe anyone would risk his reputation – let alone his life – for a stranger. No man was that magnanimous. Richard must have an ulterior motive.
    The most obvious one was her inheritance. Many aristocrats had invested in her father’s ventures, to their benefit. And Richard admitted that he’d studied Derrick’s family. It was possible that he’d not recognized her in the church – she rarely left the house. But he would certainly have known her father’s name.
    That she didn’t want to believe he was driven by greed proved how dangerous he was. His charm was already affecting her. His every touch made her crave more. But succumbing to seduction played into his hands. Remaining with him also played into Derrick’s. So she must leave. Maybe she could escape, or maybe Derrick would win. But either way, she must go now.
    She limped to the door. As she reached for the latch, it opened.
    Richard shut the door behind him and glared. “Where are you going?”
    “I have to do this