The carriage swerved, and she held on for dear life.
“Here we are.” Richard had maneuvered them into the small yard of an inn. He glanced at her. “You’ll be warm soon enough.”
An ostler ran out, grabbing onto the lead horse’s head. “I’ve got them, sir. Get you and your lady into the inn.”
A moment later, Richard lifted her from the curricle and carried her into the inn. “Landlord,” he bellowed unnecessarily as a man was already hurrying toward them. “I’ll need a room for her ladyship and a private parlor.”
The landlord wrung his hands. “Right sorry I am, my lord, but I only got one chamber left. It has a parlor with a table fit for dining, and the fire was lit a few minutes ago, so it should be warmish.”
Richard looked at her, then nodded. “That will do. Send a maid up as soon as may be.”
“I’m that sorry, my lord, but all my girls are running their tails off. One of my lads can bring you tea, soup, a fresh loaf of bread, and wine right soon though.”
Pae stood next to Richard, staring around and shivering in earnest now. If she did not remove her wet clothes, she would soon be ill. “That will do. Thank you.”
He cupped her elbow, guiding her as they followed the innkeeper up a set of plain, wide stairs. She pressed her lips together but said nothing until they were in the room and the door had closed.
“I suppose I should be glad we are not in the common room.” She pulled at the bedraggled ribbon of her ruined bonnet. “Oh, bother. I can’t get this untied.”
“Here, allow me to try.” The ribbon was completely soaked, but he managed to tease out one end. “There, almost done.” He lifted the hat from her head. “I don’t suppose there is any chance of saving it.”
The straw drooped and the artificial flowers looked as if they’d drowned.
She shook her head. “No, probably not.”
With shaky fingers she unfastened the toggles on her spencer.
She should never have come with him. How on earth would she ever explain this to her family?
Chapter Six
“Let me help.” Pae’s fingers were cold to the touch. The cloth was drenched, and when Richard removed the garment her skin immediately pebbled into gooseskin. Her bodice was soaked as well and her skirts clung to her legs. “It must all come off.”
Her eyes flew wide, and a lovely blush rose from her neck to her cheeks. “Richard, you know I cannot undress while you are here.”
“I don’t think you have much choice. I seriously doubt that you can get out of that gown by yourself.” He purposely didn’t mention that he must remove and dry his clothing as well. “Let’s see what we have.” Striding to the wardrobe, he found several blankets. “These should keep us covered and warm.”
A knock came on the door, and he opened it.
A boy of about fifteen carried in a large, covered tray. “My da said to bring this right away, and ask if you need anything else.”
“Towels would be welcome.”
“They’re behind the screen, my lord.”
“Thank you.”
Once the contents of the tray had been unloaded onto the sturdy wooden table set under a window, the lad bowed and left the room. Just as Richard was about to close the door, Sir Grant strolled by. A sly grin formed on his face as he looked in the room. The scoundrel could not have failed to see Pae standing before the fireplace trying to warm herself.
Richard shut the door with a snap. He had a few ideas what the other man would do with the information that he and Pae were in a chamber together, and none of them was good.
Turning back to the only woman he had ever loved, he prayed he was about to make the right decision.
“Stay where you are,” he said, handing her a blanket. “I’ll unfasten your tapes.”
Her back was as straight as a poker and her shoulders inched up toward her ears as he slowly undid her gown. His fingers accidentally brushed the back of her neck, and she sucked in a breath. He fought the urge to caress her soft skin and press kisses under her ear. The gown dropped to the floor in a waterlogged heap. Her stays were only slightly less damp, but still wet enough to cause her to remain chilled. They too fell to the floor.
The last thing to go was her chemise. “If you wish, go behind the screen.”
