Free Love's Guardian by Dawn Ireland Page B

with Luther and her uninvited guests.
    Declan turned a cool gaze in Alex’s direction. All night long, as he’d played the charming host to his friends, he’d barely noticed her. Why did he choose this moment to pay attention to her?
    She was surrounded. Declan at the head of the table to her left, Luther to her right, and Lady Catrina across from her. Tomorrow, she’d be sure to sit between Eleanor and Morgan.
    “Lord Worthington,” Catrina purred.
    Alex stabbed a glazed carrot with her fork. Was it her imagination, or was that woman’s voice even breathier than before?
    Catrina leaned toward Declan and placed her hand on his arm. “I had planned to go riding in the morning, but if the woods aren’t safe, perhaps you should accompany me.”
    Catrina’s low cut dress left little to the imagination. If that’s what Declan liked in a woman, it was a good thing Alex had never considered him husband material.
    “I’d be pleased to accompany you,” Declan responded, then stared directly at Alex. “I’m sure Lady Lochsdale would like to join us. She has a fondness for early morning rides.” Declan raised his glass in a mock salute to her. “I can’t think of anyone who could give a better tour of the grounds.”
    Damn him. It had been a little over a week since her injury, and she’d finally healed enough to take Blade out. How had he guessed she’d planned to ride in the morning? “I don’t think I’d make a very good guide.”
    She didn’t want company, especially this company. The feeling was mutual, judging by the pout on Catrina’s lips.
    “But I insist.” Declan smiled, showing even, white teeth. “The air will do you good.”
    He wasn’t going to let this drop. Alex sighed. “I’ll meet you in the stable at first light, but if you’re not there, I’m leaving without you.”
    “Done. Oh, and you ladies will ride sidesaddle, of course.”
    Lady Catrina seemed puzzled. “How else would we ride?”
    “Lady Alexandra has a habit of riding astride.”
    “Lord Worthington, you jest.” Catrina looked scandalized until she realized Declan wasn’t kidding. Then a knowing smile curved her lips.
    “Is that one of the reasons you didn’t find a husband at your first Season?” Catrina’s voice was smug. “You poor dear. I understand, not having parents and being raised by your grandfather, you couldn’t be expected to be well-versed in social etiquette. Not to worry, I’m sure I can find you a husband this time.”
    “Perhaps Lady Alexandra shouldn’t go at all,” Luther said. “What with her recent injury, she could look for a husband from amongst the local gentry.”
    “I’ve promised Lady Alexandra a Season in London.” Declan’s blue eyes narrowed as he studied Luther. “She deserves a large selection of suitors to choose from. Don’t you agree?”
    Luther raised his hands, palms upward in a gesture of submission. “I was just making a suggestion. I only want what will make Lady Alexandra happy.”
    They were doing it again, talking about her as though she wasn’t in the room.
    “Lady Alexandra, do you have any other habits that Society might consider unacceptable?” Catrina gave her a condescending look. “I need to know for your own good. We wouldn’t want you scaring off suitors with scandalous behavior.”
    “I’m not sure.” Alex pretended to ponder. She picked up the knife off the platter where Edgar had been carving the roast. The blade was well balanced. “Lord Worthington seems to think I have a problem with sharp objects.”
    “Lady Alexandra,”—Declan’s voice carried a warning—“put the knife down.”
    “See, he seems to be concerned. He just doesn’t know me well enough to understand I hit whatever I aim for.”
    In one quick flick of motion, Alex let the blade fly. It landed with a thud in the wooden relief above Catrina’s head, its ornate handle embellishing the apple at the center of the still life.
    Silence echoed in the room. Alex decided