Page 31 of Miss Wylde and the Wynd

What would be proper would be to move away from him, yet her body would not obey.

“Would you like to stretch your legs?”

His voice was low, warm, concerned.

Georgie quickly licked her lips then nodded because she was suddenly unable to speak.

Damian stood and exited the carriage then assisted her to the ground.

She drew in deep breaths of the fresh air and ordered herself to control her thoughts and reactions, especially the physical ones of her body warming and needing. Now was not the time for such foolishness. She had a sister to find and should not lust over a self-proclaimed guardian. “This may be indelicate, but do you need direction to the necessary?” Damian asked.

“I do not, but I will wait here if you need to visit one.”

He hesitated and looked in several directions. “Do not move. I will return shortly.”

Where would she go? The last thing she wanted to do was wander off and be stranded if the coach left without her.

Stable hands rushed forward and unhitched the horses that had brought them from Southampton, then returned with fresh horses and quickly had them secured just as the driver climbed back in the seat. Two of the men who had been seated across from her returned and entered the coach and took the same seats as they had before.

The moments ticked, but Damian was not back. She had not even noted what direction he had gone.

Not certain what to do, Georgie tried to decide if she should return to her seat or wait for Damian.

Anxiety rose as she glanced at the driver who was preparing to leave.

If Damian did not return in time, she could travel on her own. She had her notes and knew where to find the docks but, though she loathed to rely on anyone, Georgie admitted that having Damian’s assistance would make her search easier.

How long had it been since they stopped?

Just as she decided to return to her seat since she needed to get to London, Damian hurried forward from the back of the inn. He had barely settled into his seat and closed the door before the coach was moving again, with two of the former passengers left behind.

Oh, she hoped that they had intended to stop here, otherwise, they would be in a pickle, especially if their belongings were still on the back of the coach as her valise was.

“I am not going to complain about more room,” the man who smelled like fish announced as he stretched out his legs.

While there was no reason for Georgie to still sit so close to Damian, she also did not move terribly far away because as much as she hated to admit it to herself, she liked having someone who kept a protective arm around her.

She also knew that this would likely be the last time she enjoyed such because she was determined to find her sister, if not tonight, then tomorrow. After, she would part with Damian Wynd, her non-husband.

Chapter Ten

Damian glanced down at Georgie, still beside him but not as close as she had been at the start of the journey. He knew that she had turned toward him because of the overwhelming stench of garlic and fish and likely had wanted to bury her nose in his suit coat to block it. He could not blame her and part of the reason he had pulled her close was because the lavender scent of her hair was much more pleasant than the other options. Not that he had a habit of smelling women’s hair, but the slight whiff when she had turned toward him was enough for Damian to pull her closer.

It had also been a mistake, but one that he did not regret.

He had liked having her head resting on his chest and her breasts pressed against his side.

With a suppressed sigh, he looked out the window.

Why the blazes had he claimed Georgie to be his wife?

She was also correct that the gossip would spread. No doubt his declaration had been overheard and someone not so well meaning but wanting to be the first to know how it all came about would call on his brother with congratulations to gain further gossip.

While Sterling may be shocked, Damian also trusted that his brother would likely inform the person that matters involving the Wynd family were private and if they wished to know more that they needed to ask Damian directly.

Then there was Georgie.

What to do about the woman who sat beside him? The one who had drifted asleep with her head resting against him while he kept a hand on her shoulder to keep her from falling if they hit a bump in the road.