Free Reckless by Anne Stuart Page B

The Heavenly Host never sleep.”
    â€œI’ll be lucky if I can find anyone stirring,” Lina said wryly. “They’ll all be unconscious from a surfeit of lust and drink.”
    Simon Pagett was looking at her. When she turned to meet his gaze his eyes were fixed on Monty, but she could have sworn he’d been watching her…
    It was an easy decision to make, and she didn’t bother to consider why she made it. “I’m not going anywhere, Monty,” she said, taking the seat she’d abandoned a few hours ago for the dubious comfort of the floor. “There will be plenty of other times of unbridled depravity for me to enjoy. For now I’m not leaving your side.” She cast a sly glance at Simon. “Mr. Pig-ett should feel free to partake of the myriad pleasures the Heavenly Host offers. Perhaps he might understand the nature of the sins he’s so roundly condemning.”
    â€œPagett.” He was calm. And this time when he looked at Lina he didn’t try to hide it. “And I assure you, Lady Whitmore, that I have already experienced everything the Heavenly Host has to offer. I’m not interested.” He looked down at Monty. “Despite your friend’s deplorable taste in both costume andcompanions I think it probably wise for her to remain here. You’ve never been an easy patient.”
    â€œAnd you’ve always been a pain in my arse. Why don’t you do as Lina says, and go out to the ruins. Perhaps the decadent souls out there might wish to be saved. I know for a fact they’re very fond of succor.” He drew out the last word, long and lasciviously.
    â€œYou need to be in bed,” Pagett said, ignoring him. “I’d have Dodson call the doctor but he’d probably wish to bleed you and you’re weak enough as it is.” He glanced at Lina. “Would you prefer to go back to your friends, Lady Whitmore? I can make arrangements.”
    She wasn’t quite sure what she preferred. She certainly wasn’t pleased with this soberly dressed, high-handed man “making arrangements” for her.
    She ought to get back and make certain Charlotte was all right. Of course, if there had been any question about her cousin’s safety she would never have agreed to bring her, but it wouldn’t hurt to set her mind at ease.
    â€œOh, God, don’t leave me to Simon’s tender mercies!” Montague begged, his eyes sparkling. “He’ll have me in a hair shirt before the day is out. Spare me from reformed rakes—they’re the very devil. And yes, Simon, I use that term advisedly.”
    â€œI’ll stay.” Lina pressed his thin, weak hand with hers.
    â€œI knew I could count on you,” he murmured, casting a speaking look at the vicar.
    Lina glanced over her shoulder but Mr. Pagett was expressionless, offering no protest.
    She couldn’t imagine a man like him succumbing to the lures of the flesh. His lined face seemed preternaturally grave—as if he were born that way—and she couldn’t imagine a time when he had laughed, cried, charmed, kissed. He really did have a lovely mouth when it wasn’t drawn into a thin line of what was either worry or disapproval, disapproval seeming more likely. It was a shame it wasn’t used for more pleasurable purposes than denouncing the sinful.
    Dodson had made a reappearance, accompanied by two of Montague’s typically handsome footmen.
    â€œAssist Lord Montague to his rooms and make him comfortable,” Simon said in a calm tone that was nonetheless a trifle high-handed. “And Lady Whitmore, may I suggest you change into something more appropriate for the circumstances?”
    Prudish little toad, Lina thought rebelliously, ignoring the fact that Simon was neither little nor toad-like. “I thought the habit was eminently suitable, Mr. Pagett, given the spiritual aspect of the occasion and my nursing