Free Gallant Match by Jennifer Blake Page B

indeed. Your papa commended him instead, said he had done just as he should to prevent you running away. Naturally, I was sent with all speed to lend respectability to the escapade.”
    Tante Lily’s spate of words was as much for Kerr Wallace’s benefit as to let her know what had transpired, Sonia realized. Her aunt could not be aware of how much he had guessed of their plans. The dry appreciation that lurked in the gray shadows of the Kentuckian’s eyes indicated he understood the act as well.
    It was maddening, that perceptiveness, since it raised doubts of her ability to deceive him. Beneath the anger, however, ran a current of distress. Her father had shown not an iota of concern for her welfare, or Tante Lilywould surely have related it for the rarity, if nothing else. No presumption that she might have had reason for her actions had apparently crossed his mind, no doubt of the sword master’s word about the events that led to her incarceration, no inquiry after her safety and well-being. There was nothing from him, apparently, except condemnation and concern for propriety. She had expected little more, yet somehow his unfeeling attitude still took her by surprise.
    She recovered in an instant, tilting up her chin as she drew a deep breath. Her eyes were half-blind with unshed tears as she held the level gray gaze of Kerr Wallace. If he felt any triumph, he hid it well. The look on his face turned somber, the set of his mouth grim.
    Her aunt released her, fumbling for a handkerchief, which she pressed to her eyes. “But there, you will think nothing of your papa’s temper. You know how he is, and I’m sure he will come and see you off. In the meantime, we must, we really must, do something about your toilette, ma chère. How could you go out in the public in such an ensemble as you have on? It’s all very well in a child of twelve, though I never liked it. But you are two-and-twenty, practically an old maid. I’d thought you beyond such indiscretion long since.”
    Sonia knew her aunt as well as her father, knew the scolding was mere nervous chatter to cover her upset and concern. “Yes, certainly,” she said without inflection. “That is, if Monsieur Wallace will allow us the privacy.”
    Her aunt whirled to stare at the sword master. “Are you still here? Mon Dieu, monsieur, can you not seeyou are no longer required? This is the cabin of a lady. You may not enter without her permission. Sonia’s papa may overlook the familiarity you dared assume, but I do not. Put down that trunk and take yourself off. Away with you!”
    The mountain of a man colored to his eyebrows, a phenomenon fascinating to watch. The cause might have been anger at being rebuked, but had every appearance of embarrassment. With a curt nod, he set the trunk in a corner and backed from the room.
    â€œWait!” Tante Lily moved after him in a flutter of skirts, putting out her hand with the palm up. “The key, if you please!”
    It was handed over without a word. Sonia watched her aunt take it then close the door in Kerr Wallace’s face. It was a pleasure to see him routed, but not quite as satisfying, somehow, as she might have expected.
    â€œThere now, tell me everything,” her aunt said, attaching the key to the chatelaine at her waist as she turned back and took Sonia’s hands in both of hers. Seating herself on the bottom bunk as the only resting place, she pulled her down beside her. “Did your Kaintuck behave like a complete brute? Did he hurt you at all? What conduct! I was never so shocked in my life as when I heard. Carrying you about, indeed. Quite abominable.”
    Sonia cleared her throat, looked down at their clasped hands. “No, he was…simply unstoppable.”
    â€œThere I was, thinking you safe on the Mobile steamer and making ready to join you—in a quiet way, of course, so as not to alert the servants. When I