Free Landing a Laird by Jane Charles

risk harm to your daughter.”
    Moments later they were outside, Lady Moira seated beside him as he edged the phaeton into traffic.  Her leg pressed against his did nothing for the desire that had been building steadily since they first met and came to full bloom moments before their near kiss.  
     
    Moira took in her surroundings. She’d only walked in the park before, never ridden.  The view from Ainsely’s phaeton was much better.  If she appeared interested in the crowd, perhaps they would not speak.  Heaven knew she didn’t want to talk about what was on her mind.
    Drat her mother for showing up right before she was going to get her very first kiss.   And it was to be from Ainsely.  She couldn’t have picked the more perfect man for that adventure had she tried.  
    She sneaked a glance at him from beneath her lashes.  Would he try to kiss her again, or had the moment passed? Well, not here in the park of course. That would ruin her, far more than her name appearing in the betting book.  Well, unless Ainsely married her, something which she was positive he did not want to do. Besides, he lived in Yorkshire.
    Disappointment stabbed at her heart a second time. Why did he have to live there, of all places?  
    Perhaps if they did kiss, she would no longer wish to spend additional time with him, and this disappointment that he lived in England wouldn’t be so painful.  That was what she must do.  One simple kiss, and then they could put all of this behind them.
    But where and how?  
    Ainsely pulled upon the reins as traffic slowed. It was rather crowded today.  Of course it was a beautiful day.  Anyone in their right mind would be out and about.  A rider drew alongside the phaeton.  
    “ Good day, Ainsely.”  The man tipped his hat.
    “ Struthers,” Ainsely bit out.
    So, this was the gentleman from the bet.  While Moira leaned forward to look around Ainsely to the gentleman, Ainsely pulled the carriage over to a stop.  “Lady Moira, might I present Lord Struthers.”
    The man smiled and tipped his head while his eyes scanned her person from her eyes to her toes and back again, lingering a bit too long on her breasts. Moira fought the urge to lift a hand and cover herself. Not that any skin was exposed, but his leer made her feel unclothed.
    Moira had never been so insulted by such disrespect.  “I think it is only fair to tell you that I cannot consider you.”  She wanted to be done with this nonsense now.  Having her name in that book had become more an aggravation than anything.
    Well, with the exception of Ainsely. His involvement had been nothing but enjoyable.
    “ Is it because my estate is in such poor repair?”  the blond gentleman asked.  
    At least he was now focused on her face and not trying to find her breasts.  “I couldn’t care less whether your home is a poorly thatched cottage surrounded by thistle and weeds or a grand castle. The location simply won’t do.”
    Struthers straightened and frowned. “What exactly is wrong with Shropshire?”
    “ I don’t wish to live there.”  Moira shrugged.  Now that she had dealt with the situation, she simply wished he would go away.
    “ Good day, Struthers.”  Ainsely clicked on the reins and moved the phaeton back into traffic.  “I believe you.”
    “ Pardon?”
    “ You would rather live in a damp cave in Scotland than a prospering estate in England.”
    “ Yes.” While that had been the truth a few days ago, Moira was beginning to fret her dreams of Scotland would not come to pass. “Will you help me?”
    He looked over at her and narrowed her eyes. “Help?”
    “ Find my Scottish husband.”
    His jaw tightened as if angered. For the life of her, she didn’t understand why. It wasn’t as if he wished to marry her. Well, he had almost kissed her, but that was simply because of the moment, and their faces being so close. Under normal circumstances, she was fairly certain he did not spend time thinking about