Page 40 of Reckless Desire

“Bishop Burnette?” Bryson swung his gaze onto Stirling as Stirling dismounted. “What are you doing here, Stirling?”

“Sir Stirling?” Miss Ramsay stepped around Bryson as the Bishop dismounted.

“You sent word you were on Hensley’s trail,” Stirling said.

Bryson frowned. “But how did you know—”

“To follow you here?” Stirling completed his unfinished thought. “I know something of the area. Bishop Burnette is familiar with the parson in Caystoke, and he was concerned Lord Hensley might be able to prevail upon him to perform the marriage.” His gaze shifted to Miss Ramsay. “I am relieved to see you are well, my dear. You are well?”

She nodded. “None the worse for wear, sir. Lord Newhall saved me.”

Stirling’s brow rose. “Indeed?”

“We fell in the river,” she quickly added. “Our clothes are still somewhat damp. Then Lord Newhall stopped Lord Hensley from shooting me.”

“I see Lord Hensley’s hands are tied. I assume that means he is not dead.” Amusement shone in Stirling’s eyes. “I must congratulate you, Newhall. You showed greater restraint than I would have.”

“He swooned when we hit the ground,” Bryson said. “The man is a coward.”

Stirling glanced at Hensley. “I would say he more than swooned, but never mind that. It seems a good thing that you found Miss Ramsay.”

Miss Ramsay’s cheeks pinked.

“You should know, Stirling, that Miss Ramsay and I are to be married,” the viscount said.

“Indeed?” he said, in unison with her, “I never agreed to that.”

“Which is it?” Bishop Burnette asked. “For I feel certain Miss Ramsay must marry someone.”

***

When Lord Newhall handed Kenna into the carriage and said, “The ride back is only two hours. We will stop along the way for your comfort,” she bit back the retort, ‘Comfort would be being home away from this madness.’

When finally they reached home, she started to slip away to her room, but Sir Stirling said, “Miss Ramsay, will you show the bishop and Lord Newhall to the Blue Parlor? I will have tea sent in and will be there presently.”

Frustration twisted through her. She understood too well that she was to wait with the men for Sir Stirling’s return. She’d managed to tie her hair back in a chignon, but she longed for a hot bath, then bed. She wasn’t even hungry.

They reached the Blue Parlor and the bishop seated himself on the divan nearest the hearth while she sat on the other end. Lord Newhall lowered himself into the chair nearest her. Kenna had no idea what to say and wasn’t sure whether or not she should be relieved that neither the bishop nor Lord Newhall spoke. Though, the viscount did send her furtive glances. No doubt, he regretted his marriage proposal. They’d been caught kissing—and more—and now he felt honor bound to marry her. She flushed with the memory of his hand covering her breast. She hadn’t realized how pleasant it could be for a man to touch her like that.

And the kiss. Her stomach did a somersault. How was it possible for a kiss to tempt her to allow such liberties? She hadn’t thought such a thing possible. The man deserved his reputation as a rogue. How many other women had he tempted as he had her? His skill bore testament: many. The thought sent a strange wave of emotion through her. Good Lord, she wasn’t jealous? Another horrible thought struck. Surely, she hadn’t fallen in love with him. She’d known him for two days. In so short a time, she could barely say she liked him. Could she?

She glanced at him. Still, he stared at her. Kenna dropped her gaze onto the large volume sitting on the small table located between the divan and his chair.

Sir Stirling entered the room.

Kenna shot to her feet. “I do not need to marry anyone.”

Sir Stirling halted. The three men stared at her.

“I need to return home,” she said. “That will solve everyone’s problem.”

Lord Newhall stood. “Miss Ramsay…” He grasped her hands. “Kenna, you and I spent several hours alone. Not to mention, Sir Stirling and the Bishop caught us in a compromising position.”

“Sir Stirling will not gossip and, of course, the bishop is above such petty behavior.” She smiled at the bishop. “I was upset, you see, and Lord Newhall was comforting me.”

“Comforting you by touching you intimately?” he said.

Kenna flushed warm. “I will ask God for forgiveness.”