Free Lady Fugitive by Shannah Biondine Page A

father at a social gathering?"
    "Excuse me, Miss Prine,"
Rachel said. "I didn't throw myself at Mr. Tremayne. He'd already asked me
to dance. This would be throwing myself at him." She rose on tiptoe
to plant a searing kiss on Morgan's lips.
    "You disgusting tramp!" Pamela
shrieked. The fiddlers and all conversation stilled instantly. "I knew you
were a harlot all along. Pretending you disliked him. Poppycock and lies! You
should wear a trashy red frock, you fat-chested Colonial cow!"
    Rachel's voice rang out. "Thank you
for the compliment, Miss Prine. If anyone in town wondered why you couldn't
keep a beau, I think you've answered their question this evening."
    "You have—"
    "Enough, Pamela," Morgan
barked. "Get your wrap, Madam Cordell. I'll see you home." He
glowered at the blonde. "And I'll speak to George next week. Tell him to
expect me at the farm Thursday or Friday afternoon."
    Rachel was fastening her cloak when
Somersdale nudged her with an elbow. "Our little widow shows her true
colors. I suspected Tremayne was taken with you himself when he came to see me,
claiming someone had forged those missives you sent me."
    "I wouldn't invite you into my bed
if you were the last man alive." 
    "Tsk, Rachel. Another man might
take offense."
    "Another man would recognize a
dismissal when he hears it and leave me alone."
    "There are more than a few ladies
who could tell you tales of Tremayne's romantic escapades. Half the women in
this farmhouse tonight. He's notorious for losing interest once he's had his fill...His
talent for persuasion is known to charm the pantalets off the lasses. Be
forewarned, Mistress Cordell. Once he gets yours pulled down, you'll find
yourself with neither post nor domicile. He'll toss your bottom into the street
and be on to the next fair damsel."
    "Her bottom is none of your damned business,
Somersdale." Morgan seized Arnold by the shoulder. "Bother her again,
and I'll make sure you get tossed into the street."
    Morgan said nothing until they were back
at the cottage. He lit a fire on the hearth and gave a rueful sigh as she
brought him a cup of tea. "Well, Crowshaven's citizens put on a party with
a distinctive flair, don't we? Public floggings and beheadings are next month,
in case you're interested."
    "Mine's the head they want to see
roll."
    "That's not true," he
disagreed as he set his cup on the end table. "I noticed you dancing with
some of your new friends in the village." There was an edge to his voice
as he said 'friends,' but his eyes betrayed nothing. He wiped a lingering drop
of tea from his mustache. "Speaking of friendship, we never finished our
conversation concerning my signet."
    Rachel moved to the fireplace. "For
the last time, I don't want anything for helping you reclaim that ring of
yours. I'm sorry I went with you."
    "Are you?" he demanded.
"I'm not. Why did you leave the pub so abruptly? Were you upset over your
late husband, or did I misunderstand something?"
    She closed her eyes and turned away.
"Do you still bear feelings for him?" Morgan crossed the room and
caught her upper arms, forcing her to face him. She couldn't help thinking how
handsome he was, wondering what he'd look like if he let his hair fall loose
around those broad shoulders.
    Then regretted those thoughts. They
could only lead to heartache. She had no future with him. No future here.
"Somersdale may be right about your conquests," she said softly.
"I don't want to make a mistake I'll later regret."
    Now he folded his arms across his chest.
"I was hoping I wouldn't have to tell you this, Rachel, but I bed all my
tenants and then toss them out." The sarcasm left his voice and it
softened once more. "Don't tell me you actually believe that rot? You're
afraid I'd do something so heinous?"
    She gave a tiny shake of her head.
"I'm afraid of forgetting who I am...Of becoming caught up in the moment
and getting confused."
    "Because you care for me."
    "You and Mr. Atkinson have given me
everything. You protected me