Free The Gentleman's Quest by Deborah Simmons Page B

did not intend to march into Cheswick, demanding the use of a dressing room.
    Thankfully, she did not. Nor did she attempt to useany of the numerous outbuildings. “Too many servants. Too many eyes,” she told him, turning away from the house. Instead, she rode into a copse of trees and dismounted.
    Kit followed, dismounting, as well, though he was unsure of her intention until she shook out the blanket and flung it over some branches. The next thing he knew, her hat and coat were perched upon a limb, too.
    Kit found himself staring at the sight of her head and shoulders visible above the makeshift curtain. Then he blew out a breath and promptly turned around. He had slept a few feet from her the past two nights, but he was not prepared to watch while she removed her clothing with only a thin piece of material standing between them.
    His back to her, Kit could not see what was happening, yet he could hear well enough. And he tried not to picture what else was being removed. Her shirt? The breeches? Did she wear a shift beneath? She had to be cold, and the inevitable reaction of certain parts of her anatomy had certain parts of Kit’s anatomy reacting, as well.
    Drawing in a harsh breath, Kit concentrated on keeping a lookout, rather than taking a look behind. Just because the two fellows they saw at the Long Man were liveried servants in the employ of a duke, did not mean he could lapse into inattention. And the thought of anyone coming upon Miss Ingram in a state of undress kept him alert.
    “I’m ready.”
    Although Kit was surprised to hear Miss Ingram speak so soon, he swung round only to gape in wonder.Surely no female had ever dressed herself so quickly—or transformed herself so completely.
    The boy with the cap was gone, replaced by a prim young woman, her gloved hands clasped in front of her, her eyes downcast. Having acquired a taste for the sight of those long legs clad in breeches, Kit was prepared for disappointment. But a glimpse of a revealing bodice, visible below the ties of her cloak, banished all such concerns. In fact, he could have spent some time savoring the view, but Hero was already turning away from the trees.
    Abruptly, Kit was reminded of their whereabouts, and he realized that they still faced the problem of gaining access to Cheswick, no matter what Miss Ingram’s guise. He shot her a speculative glance. “Now what?” And he didn’t know whether to be encouraged or disappointed when she answered without hesitation.
    “We take the tour.”

Chapter Five
    A s Hero had hoped, Cheswick’s housekeeper was authorized to give tours of the great house, and who could refuse Mr Marchant and his sister, two genteel tourists visiting the countryside?
    Although Mr Marchant accompanied her without protest, he said little, and Hero was forced to comment admiringly on the elegant furnishings and works of art, while keeping her eye out for books. Yet as they moved from one spacious room to another, she didn’t see any. Had she made a misjudgment? Although she knew the current earl was no collector, she didn’t think he had sold off the family’s library. But if not here, where?
    Hero tried to recall what she knew of the man, including his other properties. Perhaps Cheswick was too new and had never housed the Mallory. When had the family gained the earldom, and where had they lived before? Hero wondered frantically. If the volume was not here, she would have to look elsewhere, forwhether Raven had orchestrated this little jaunt or not, he would expect her to return with the prize in hand.
    Despite her growing unease, Hero kept up a constant stream of chatter for the benefit of the housekeeper. But she must have given something away, for Mr Marchant shot her a speculative glance. Even as she ignored it, Hero felt suspicion roil through her again. Did he know something she did not? Is that why he hadn’t wanted to come here?
    Just when Hero was trying to work out what she might do next, Mrs Spratling