“Ye are not frightened?” Maybe if he talked to her more, it would keep his mind off his man parts.
She shrugged. “I was when it first happened, but one must notallow oneself to panic. Panic clouds the mind. During dire circumstances, one must stay sharp and ready to react.”
“I see.”
“I do not think you do.” She straightened her spine, stretching as much as she could in the close confines of the shared saddle. “I knew we would be all right. I just knew it.” She rolled her shoulders. “Things could have been so much worse. Panic makes you dwell on the worst that could happen rather than discover and strive for the better things that might happen.” She wiggled her fine, round bum against him, forcing him to bite back a groan. “I’ve not ridden for this long in ages. I fear I am out of condition.”
As far as he was concerned, herconditionwas nigh on perfect, but he wasn’t about to tell her that.
The lateness of the hour turned the wintry whiteness into a murky gray haze, but a golden glow up ahead gave him hope. “I believe that light is from the coach inn. They keep it burning on the roadway to help travelers find them.”
She bounced in place like a child, almost making him smile. “Wonderful news! We shall all feel better after a nice buttered toddy beside the fire.” She waved at her sister, rapidly fluttering her gloved hand like a wee bird’s wings. “Seri, look! The inn. We made it. I told you all would be well.”
He barely made out Lady Serendipity lifting her arm to wave back with the haughty grace of a royal riding in a parade.
Duncan huffed. He couldn’t help it. Lady Merry’s older sister behaved as though the Almighty Himself had assigned her the task of judging everyone. He had not missed her sharp looks as they rode along. She clearly did not approve of Lady Merry’s riding accommodations. Well, he supposed it wasn’t proper, but he’d not been able to help himself. He hadneededto ride with Lady Merry…for her own protection, of course.
Or at least, that was the excuse he had settled on.
They pulled up in front of the coach inn. A young man, bundled in so many layers of wraps he could hardly move, toddled out to meet them. “Bitter cold this evenin’, ain’t it?”
“It is at that,” Duncan said as he alighted from the saddle and reached up to help Lady Merry. The way she smiled and dove into his arms made his heart clench as though it had forgotten how to pump his blood. With the greatest of care, he set her on her feet and grudgingly released her, missing the warmth of her closeness more than he cared to admit.
The stable lad reached for the reins while squinting at the horses. “Six mounts, is it, then? No coach?”
“The river took our carriage,” Lady Merry told the boy before Duncan could answer. “Tomorrow, we shall need to lease another to get us to Broadmere Hall.” The smile she gave the lad sent a surprising flash of jealousy through Duncan’s veins. “We are so thankful to be here and are looking forward to a hot buttered toddy and a nice, warm fire.”
The young man stared at her, his eyes wide, as if he’d never seen such a lovely woman before. “We be nigh on full up, my lady, but surely there be a few seats left in the common room. Storm brought us more travelers than we ever seen before.”
Duncan expected Lady Merry to pout and flaunt her status as the sister of a duke, but she surprised him. Instead, she gave the lad another blinding smile. “We are thankful for the shelter, my good man, and more people mean more warmth.”
“And more pickpockets and ne’er-do-wells,” Lady Serendipity grumbled as she joined her sister.
“We shall protect you,” Malcolm assured her as he offered her his arm.
She stared at it for a long moment, then finally took it as if deciding she had little choice.
Lady Merry rolled her eyes, then went and whispered somethingto her driver. The man bobbed his head as if he couldn’t agree more with what she had said.
“My lady.” Duncan held out his hand. “Come. This lad and yer man will see to the horses.” They needed to get inside and lay claim to whatever territory might be left in the common room. The thought of the women having to spend the night in such a rough manner rankled him, but there would be little choice. He, Malcolm, and Jasper would simply have to guard them to ensure they remained safe.
His heart soared, or at least it lifted higher than it had in a very long while, when she slid her hand into his without hesitation. “Thank you again for all you have done,” she said quietly, her tone filled with sincerity. “And I am sorry about getting a bit wretched with you.”
He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and nodded, uncomfortable with her unnecessary gratitude. “All is well now. That is all that matters.” He escorted her into the inn before she could say anything more, determined to speak to the innkeeper about finding the women a safer place to sleep other than a chair in the common room. Even if it was nothing more than a pallet in the eave of the attic. Surely there had to be something more private.
But as they wound their way through the overfilled room, he had his doubts. He had never seen the inn this packed with travelers. A harried ale wench hurried back and forth, passing out tankards and refilling the glasses of thirsty customers as quickly as she could. An old woman wove through the crowd with steaming plates artfully balanced on both her chubby arms, handing out food for those lucky enough to catch her eye and be served.
“Over there.” Lady Merry tugged on his arm. “In the corner beside the hearth. That’ll suit us just fine. A bench and three chairs. Seri and I can share the bench, and once Jasper comes in, he can have a seat with you and your brother.”
Malcolm and Lady Serendipity were already headed that way, so the matter appeared to be settled. With a disgruntled huff, Duncandutifully escorted the lady to her seat. With the sisters situated on the bench, he and Malcolm formed a wall with the three chairs, so they might guard the women from any unsavory types. As many folk as were crammed into the room, there had to be at least a few untrustworthy sorts.
Duncan waved down the ale wench, easily catching her attention, since he towered over the others in the room. “Hot buttered toddies, ye ken? Five of them.”
She gave him a weary nod and trundled away to fetch them.
“Is that what ye wish to drink as well?” Malcolm asked Lady Serendipity. “If ye would rather something else, I can fetch it.”
She twitched a shrug. “A toddy will be fine. I am simply ready for this day to be over.” She turned to Lady Merry. “We must stay together. Please do not wander away.”
