Free A Heart in Flight by Nina Coombs Pykare Page B

“No apologies,” he repeated. “But perhaps you had better walk out. Lean on me.”
    “Yes. Of course.”
    She bit her lip as though about to burst into laughter again. He must look quite a sight. What a rare woman she was. Scatterbrained, surely the most horrible horsewoman in all of England. But also the most entertaining.
    He smiled to himself. He knew no woman of the ton who would laugh in such a situation. Any of them would have cursed the horse and him—indiscriminately.
    They made the bank safely, though not without a few giggles and coughs. She smiled up at him, those great dark eyes still gleaming with laughter.
    “Thank you, milord. You’re most kind.” She looked down at his feet. “I’m dreadfully afraid I’ve ruined your boots and ...” A shiver overtook her.
    He wanted to wrap her in his arms to warm her. Instead he led her to the horses. “Let me help you mount. We must get you home and out of these wet things.”
    “Yes, milord. They are rather sodden.”
    She looked up at him again, her eyes pulling at him. And that delectable little mouth crying to be kissed. He leaned toward her, almost mesmerized. Just one little kiss ...
    Abruptly he straightened. One little kiss, indeed! Miss Amesley was a guest in his home. And she was no high-flier to flirt and play with. He had a feeling that Aurelia Amesley took things like kisses quite seriously. And, in her presence at least, so should he.
    Aurelia shivered and swallowed a sigh. The habit was wet and heavy, dragging her down. But it was a mere hindrance. What frightened her—almost—was the look in his eyes. She longed to bury herself in their depths, to ...
    His hands spanned her waist again. And with one great heave he had her remounted. The heavy wet skirt made it difficult to move, and her memory of flying through the air was still quite strong. To say nothing of the crush of landing. But she refused to ask for help. Lady Incognita’s heroines would brave anything to be with their men. Still, she had to admit as she gathered up the reins, the prospect of another runaway was decidedly unnerving.
    Evidently, the Earl thought so, too. “I believe I shall lead this creature home. That could have been a bad spill.”
    He swung up into the saddle, still dripping water, and started out, with her horse trailing behind. She was dreadfully cold, but she would just watch the play of his shoulders as he moved and admire the way his dark hair curled over the back of his collar. That should warm her.
    Unfortunately, by the time they’d reached the house, her body had refused to cooperate with her mind. She was chilled through and through, her teeth chattering with a will of their own.
    The Earl lifted her down. His arms were warm and safe. She wanted to stay there, close to him. But the shivering continued.
    “Please,” she said. “Just help me walk. It will warm me.”                                 
    “Of course.”
    Pratt, with his usual aplomb, had the door open before they reached it.
    “Miss Amesley has had an accident,” the Earl said. “Tell Mrs. Esterhill and Cousin Phoebe to bring hot water and blankets.”
    “Yes, milord.”
    By dint of much effort, and leaning heavily on the Earl, Aurelia reached her room. Because of her sodden condition, she dared not lie down, but stood, clutching the bedpost for support.
    The Earl reached out, tucking a wet curl behind her ear. “Thank you,” he said. “For a most interesting afternoon.”
    “Thank ... me?” Of all things, why should she want to laugh again? But laugh she must.
    So, when an anxious Phoebe, followed by her equally anxious mama, rushed into the room, it was to the sight of the two of them laughing uncontrollably.
    Aurelia attempted to comport herself more sensibly. “My ... my horse ran off,” she managed. “But ...”
    The Earl did better. He suppressed his laughter and wiped his eyes. “But the animal jumped the stream. And Miss Amesley lost