Free Scoundrel by Elizabeth Elliott Page A

uneventful, probably even tedious. You know how very dull long journeys can be. There is no need for you to endure that long ride to West Wycombe, my lord. If you are truly so concerned about my safety, I shall have my father send you notice of my safe arrival. Of course, you are more than welcome to accompany me to the Two Swans, although I daresay you might be recognized. You know how crowded the inns can be when the mail coaches depart. And of course you are hardly dressed for an outing, so that might not be such a sound idea after all. We are rather pressed for time, you see. I think it best if we go on ahead to the Two Swans without you.”
    Remmington frowned, then he turned the tables on her. “It is done, Lily. You will not set foot from this house until after I speak with your father. You may make yourself comfortable here in the library until that time, or avail yourself of a guest room to rest for a few hours. Considering the fact that neither of us has slept tonight, I highly recommend the rest. I intend to sleep a few hours myself until my appointment with your father. I’m certain you’ll want something more comfortable than that dress to sleep in, so I’ll have your trunk taken upstairs to your room. You may rest easier knowing I will have one of my men posted outside your door. Would you like a cup of tea, or perhaps even a glass of sherry before you retire?”
    It was Lily’s turn to frown. “I’m leaving.”
    “Are we back to that again?” He rolled his eyes. “Lack of sleep begins to make me irritable. I’ve presented a sensible solution to your dilemma. Until I can escort you to West Wycombe , you will be much safer here than you would be on the mail coach. Now, it’s time for you to decide. Either you walk upstairs to the guest room, or I carry you there. One way or another, I intend to be asleep in my own bed within a quarter hour. Which will it be?”
    “I want to leave!”
    His expression made Lily wonder if she should have tried tears in the first place. They wrought a remarkable change in his manner. In an instant, the determination in his expression faded to a look of uncertainty and concern. He reached for one of her hands to give it an ineffectual pat. “You are overset, Lily. Little wonder after everything you’ve been through.”
    She began to cry harder. Remmington looked hesitant for a moment, then he drew her into his arms. The black satin of his robe felt warm and sleek beneath her hands. She turned her head to rest her cheek against the soft material, all too aware of the hard flesh it covered. The temptation was too great. Lily felt herself melt against his chest, conceding the argument, surrendering herself to his care.
    He couldn’t know what he’d just done. Her father would be beside himself when he learned she was here.
    What could he possibly say to Remmington’s offer? She wondered if there was a safe house in West Wycombe . The possibility seemed remote.
    “There will be no more talk of the mail coach,” he said. “I’m taking you upstairs. It’s obvious you need sleep to recover from your ordeal. In any event, it’s nearly dawn and you’ll never reach the Two Swans in time.”
    “I will.” Her tearful declaration carried little weight. It would take a miracle to get her to the Two Swans before the coaches departed. They both knew it.
    “You won’t,” he countered. He lifted her into his arms, then carried her from the library.
    The sudden shift from standing upright to being carried made her dizzy. In truth, she couldn’t say if it was the change in position, or the man who held her that accounted for the reaction. She pushed against his chest. “Put me down this instant. This is indecent!”
    “I’d call it sensible.” He ignored her feeble struggles and carried her up the stairs. “Your father’s harebrained scheme to send you off on a public mail coach is what I would call indecent.”
    “But you don’t understand!”
    He gave her a wry