Free When a Scot Loves a Lady by Katharine Ashe

Mr. Yale, like an actor employing a false voice to mimic another. But he’d sounded like a gentleman. Quite nicely. So nicely that Kitty was barely able to find words when he had stormed through the door.
    But why would he feign otherwise? And what sort of renowned flirt backed away from a woman so obviously wishing to be kissed, on such slight discouragement?
    An honorable one. An honorable one who teased a lady about the suitability of her gown?
    Kitty released a tight breath.
    â€œTwo horsemen have come into the yard, Mr. Yale and a stranger with a portmanteau.” Book in one hand, Emily peered out the window. “Mrs. Milch, I believe you are to have another lodger.”
    â€œIt’ll be mutton sausage for him too.” Mrs. Milch stacked Kitty’s linens and headed toward the kitchen.
    The innkeeper met the gentlemen at the door.
    â€œWelcome back, sir,” he said to Mr. Yale. “I see you’ve found another lost traveler.”
    â€œYes, indeed!” The newcomer gave the room an open smile that creased his attractive face into an attitude suggesting sheer pleasure at being stranded. His gaze met Kitty’s and his blue eyes brightened. He drew off his hat, revealing close-cropped gold curls and fashionably long sideburns.
    â€œMa’am.” He bowed, then to Emily. “What good fortune to find such company upon such a road. I should not have dreamed this luck.”
    â€œWhere have you come from, sir?” Emily asked.
    He offered another charming smile. “Cheshire, ma’am.”
    â€œI meant just now.” She turned to his companion, who was removing his coat and hat. “Mr. Yale, where did you find him?”
    â€œAt the pub.” He moved toward the hearth and held forward his palms.
    â€œI’m afraid I had a nasty time of it last night,” the gentleman said with a light air of regret. “Stuck upon the road, the most frightful winds howling, my horse terrified. I found this village when I was nearly dead with cold, but I’d no idea of an inn until this good gentleman informed me of it minutes ago.” His regard shifted to the stair, and his brows lifted. “Ah, your party grows augustly.” He bowed. “My lord, it is an honor.”
    â€œAn who might ye be?” The deep voice shivered through Kitty. She had to look. She could not in point of fact prevent herself from doing so. He was far too handsome, far too unnerving, and far too confusing. She wanted to look without ceasing.
    â€œCox, sir. David Cox.” The newcomer affected a martial snap of his heels. “A Lloyd’s man. Shipping insurance of late, but before that Wellesley’s army. Fact, I am already acquainted with you of a sort, if I may be so bold. I knew your brother, James, back in the dragoons. He was a bruising rider, a favorite amongst his men. You have quite the look of him, and he always carried a cameo portrait of each of his siblings, just as I do of my … dear sister.” His brow lowered handsomely. “My condolences, sir. I understand you were quite close.”
    Lord Blackwood nodded, his gaze hooded.
    â€œWell now, sir,” Mr. Milch said cheerfully, “I’ve got all my chambers spoken for upstairs. But that pub is no place for a fine gentleman such as yourself. If you don’t mind it, there’s the garret. It’s got a grate, so you’ll find it suitable warm, and my Gert has made up the mattress with a good woolen quilt. Can I tempt you to remain?”
    Mr. Cox’s smile flashed once more. “You could not tempt me away from such company.” His appreciative gaze returned to Kitty.
    She curtsied. “Mr. Cox, did you by chance encounter a carriage and four on the road yesterday or today?”
    â€œFact, I did, ma’am.” He moved to her. “Last night near Atcham I spotted a very fine carriage, pulled up before a farmhouse not far from the road. It seemed out of place, but