Free Scoundrel by Elizabeth Elliott Page B

look, then nudged open one of the doors that lined the hallway at the top of the steps. They entered a feminine-looking bedchamber that smelled of stale lavender. He placed her none too gently on the ruffled bed, then stepped back to cross his arms. “I understand more than you think.”
    The certainty of his words made her breath catch. He’d kept her too distracted to concentrate on what she said. Had she let something slip?
    “You are worried about my reasons for keeping you here.”
    “I am?” She stifled a sigh of relief. Her secret was safe for the moment.
    “Yes, you are.” He walked over to the fireplace and absently rearranged the small figurines that sat on the mantel. “Some men might use this opportunity to take advantage of a woman.” He looked at her over his shoulder. “I am not that type of man. You will be as safe with me as you would be with your father. Perhaps safer, given his notions about protecting you.” He held up one hand to cut off the objection she tried to make. “We got off to a bad start at the ball last night. I know I hurt your feelings. Look at this as my way of making amends. I will take you to West Wycombe tomorrow, then we can make a fresh start of things when you return. If you can manage as much, I would like you to forget what happened at the Ashlands’.”
    Their ill-fated meeting at the Ashlands’ ball was the last thing on Lily’s mind. Finding some way to get from this house to Brighton and not inadvertently end up in West Wycombe was her biggest worry at the moment. Already the bedroom windows reflected the rosy colors of dawn. She sighed in defeat. It had been such a simple plan. He’d managed to unravel it completely.
    “You have no choice but to stay here,” he said, as if he’d read her thoughts.
    She stared out the window and refused to look at him. “You’ve left me no choice.”
    She didn’t hear him step closer to the bed. His touch startled her when his hand captured her chin, a silent command to look up at him. “Don’t be afraid of me, Lily. I’m only thinking of your safety.”
    His fingers brushed across her cheek and she finally lifted her lashes to look into his eyes. She could lose herself in those inky depths. Every emotion she’d ever felt about him rushed to the surface; anger and admiration, yearning and desire, jealousy and hope. No matter what went before, the attraction she felt for him remained.
    His hand cupped her face in a gentle embrace that drew her closer. His gaze reminded her of the hypnotic attraction that drew a moth to a flame. She closed her eyes and drew a ragged breath. That fire could destroy her.
    At last his hand slid away and she breathed a sigh of relief. She had hoped he would kiss her,
wanted
him to kiss her. It shamed her to know he could affect her so easily.
    “I think it’s best if I leave now.” His voice sounded strained and her gaze traveled no higher than the scowl that curved his lips. “There will be a guard in the hallway.” He pointed toward a door next to her bed. “My room is through this door. I thought you might rest easier knowing that no one will be able to enter your room.” He hesitated a moment, started to say something, then changed his mind. Shaking his head, he said, “It’s been a long night, Lily. Try to get some rest. I’ll wake you when I return from my meeting with your father.”
    ----
Chapter Four

     
    Remmington paced his library like a caged tiger. He wanted to break something. How could he have been so stupid?
    “Your Grace?” Digsby asked from the doorway.
    “About time you showed up.” He’d sent for Digsby less than a minute ago, the same minute he’d arrived home from his meeting with Crofford. “Wake that damned woman and send her down here, immediately.”
    “Would the damned woman be Miss Gretchen or Lady Lillian?”
    Remmington glared at him. “Don’t play thick-skulled with me, Digsby. I’ve had my fill of dealing with fools for one day and I still