Free Love's Guardian by Dawn Ireland Page A

really have to remain here, do you, Lord Worthington?”
    Declan glanced at Alex, before responding. “I had thought to stay for another week, but under the circumstances, I think we should leave in the next couple of days. You’ll stay here, of course. We can travel back to London together.”
    Alex wanted to wipe the gloating smile off Catrina’s face, but Declan’s next comment did that for her.
    “Lady Lochsdale will be accompanying us.” Declan gave Catrina an assessing look. “Now that you’re here, do you think you could help Lady Lochsdale with her wardrobe? It’s early in the Season, so she will need several gowns.” Declan must have noticed the slight pout of Catrina’s mouth, because he added, “You have such elegant taste in clothing. With your guidance, Lady Lochsdale should have no difficulty finding a suitor.”
    Catrina positively glowed at the mention of a suitor. She crossed to Alex and studied her critically.
    The royal blue day gown had seemed like such a good idea this morning, but under Catrina’s scrutiny, Alex felt as if she were dressed in rags.
    “It will be difficult,” Catrina lamented. “But with some patches for her face, updated gowns and a wig, she should be presentable.”
    “No wig,” Declan stated.
    “But Lord Worthington, there are certain events which require—”
    “I said no wigs,” Declan commanded, “and leave her hair unpowdered.”
    Was anyone going to ask what she wanted? Catrina stood within striking range. It was a good thing Declan still had her knife.
    Catrina crossed back to Declan. “As you wish, my lord. I’ll do my best.” She reached up to pat hair that didn’t have a strand out of place. “Would you show me to my room, Lord Worthington? I must be a dreadful sight.” She took his arm and moved with him toward the library door.
    Declan smiled down at her. “You’re as beautiful as ever. I’d be pleased to escort you.” They exited, leaving Alex to entertain Morgan.
    “Does he always forget other people are in the room when Lady Catrina’s around?” Alex asked dryly.
    Morgan wore an odd expression as he shook his head. “It’s not his way to be leaving like that. What have you done to him?”
    “What have I done to him? ” she fumed. “He’s not the one being discussed and insulted.”
    Morgan crossed to her. He took her hand and bent over to kiss it. When he straightened, mischief danced in his sherry brown eyes. “When you know him better, wee one, you’ll discover he was running away.”
    With that enigmatic statement, he dropped her hand and left the library.
     
    “Lady Lochsdale,” Luther said, “I trust you’re fully recovered from the unfortunate incident last week.” Luther glanced briefly in Declan’s direction at the head of the table. “She gave us quite a scare. Didn’t she, Lord Worthington?”
    “Incident?” Morgan’s voice held a note of interest. “You’d not be getting into more trouble, Worthington, and me not around.” He gave his head a woeful shake. “You’re always having all the fun.”
    Luther shrugged. “It was a poacher with bad aim, nothing more.”
    Declan picked up his crystal goblet and swirled the red wine around the inside before giving Luther an assessing stare. “Lady Lochsdale chose to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The doctor assured us she’s received a minor flesh wound.”
    “You were shot?” Catrina paled under her powder.
    “It was nothing.” Alex didn’t want to talk about her injury. Why couldn’t Luther leave it alone?
    She should never have asked him to stay for dinner. His ingratiating manner annoyed her. Luther didn’t believe in being nice, unless he wanted something. And she was the something he wanted.
    This was all Declan’s fault. It would never have happened if he hadn’t been in the hallway, Lady Catrina still attached to his arm, when Luther arrived. The invitation had come out of her mouth before she could stop it. Now she had to contend