Free My Lady Mischief by Kathy Carmichael

one of my prize piglets this morning. Can you explain it?"
    *
    The traveling carriage was emblazoned with his father's coat of arms. Although the marquess' servants were adorned with the brightly colored blue and silver livery belonging to the Cavendar family, at least he didn't have outriders carrying his banners, as his father's consequence insisted that he use. Hart generally preferred a faster, although less luxurious, method of travel, yet had bowed to the duke's decision that the ancient equipage was called for on this visit to the earl. Thankfully, the coach was roomy and comfortable.
    Hart could not sleep and, as expected, the scenery failed to hold his interest. Seeking some diversion, he studied his traveling companions.
    Thea was curled up quite like a kitten on the seat opposite him, sound asleep. She wore a pelisse of kings blue, trimmed with narrow fur edges, opened to reveal a yellow muslin traveling gown. Her yellow straw poke bonnet framed her face with several coquettish blue feathers peeking at him, reminding him of the peacock plumes of a few nights earlier.
    Miss Rawlings sat beside her to his left, quietly looking out at the scenery. Mrs. Wiggins sat next to him. Since entering the carriage, she'd never said one word. A tedious journey indeed.
    He turned his attention back to Thea. Looking at her sweet smile, he recalled the softness of her lips upon meeting his touch. His stomach clenched.
    He'd convinced himself that his behavior had been prompted by the lack of sleep. It now appeared, though, that her mere presence affected his wits in some manner. Having seen her in rapt conversation with Miss Rawlings, he'd come to the conclusion that she was young—far too young for him. Who would ever believe he could be totally spellbound by a young miss barely out of the schoolroom? It was simply that he'd been alone for too long.
    Once they reached London, he'd soon resolve the matter. Honor dictated that he marry her and marry her he would.
    Was he not the most logical of men? Was he not the most dispassionate? Numerous wagers had been entered into the book at White's over when he'd finally lose his head, but never had anyone been so disguised as to suggest a woman as his nemesis. They'd all assumed, as had he, that no woman could ever have such power over him.
    And that was correct. Thea had no more influence with him than a servant would. Yes, he'd carry out his agreement to court her. It was his choice to behave honorably. It wasn't because he couldn't do otherwise. He quickly dismissed the thought that anything other than honor was on the line.
    It was merely that she'd make a suitable marchioness. Nothing more. Nothing less. The way she crinkled her nose at him had nothing to do with it. The endearing way she'd practically ordered him from Steyne's study had nothing to do with it.
    He turned his head and looked out the carriage window. No, he merely acted according to the dictates of society.
    *
    Expecting another day of torture, Hart entered the sitting room at the inn set aside for their meals only to find Thea already seated there. She was alone. Neither Emma nor Mrs. Wiggins was in sight.
    Now that he had her alone, perhaps he could convince her that a long and tedious courtship would be unnecessary. "Good morning, Thea," he said as he grasped her hand and gently kissed it.
    Thea's eyes widened. "Good morning, Lord Hartingfield."
    "Hart."
    Why was he looking at her so intently, Thea wondered. He cocked his brow and again she felt herself blush. Then he turned her wrist and brushed his lips against the pulse point, and though for a instant she longed to allow him the familiarity, she promptly pulled her hand from his.
    "You do not care for my version of breakfast?"
    Half scandalized, she repeated, "Breakfast?"
    He leaned over her and took a quick taste of her lips. "Yes. A kiss in the morning is my idea of the proper way to break one's fast."
    Thea placed her fingers over her lips and watched warily as