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“The manner in which I spend my time is my own affair,” she said staring directly into his eyes, her hands now on her hips.
“Do you think so?” he glared back at her. “Do you think so, indeed? May I remind you that you will not leave the circumference of my protection, and therefore, my family name for at least another month. Therefore, you will conduct yourself in a manner I deem fit for your station in life.”
Mandy’s mouth opened and stayed that way while she tried to find the words with which to slap him. “And what of your conduct, Your Grace? Or does kissing your ward, no matter how unsatisfactory you may have found it, not count in your book of ethics?”
He frowned as though puzzled by something she had just said and his reply was tempered, “I do apologize. That unfortunate incident will not be repeated.”
She seethed from his words. Unfortunate incident? Unfortunate? She wanted to haul off and hit him, but instead she stood as regally as she knew how and said, “Really? I am so glad to hear it.” She then snapped her fingers in the air and told him, “In the meantime, you may go to the devil.” With that, she turned sharply and started to walk off, when she found his grip on her forearm and she turned to stare at his hand and then at his face, one brow going up.
He released her immediately and she could see he was spitting fire as he said, “Take heed, m’girl. You are not speaking to your groom, or your brother. Apparently your grandfather doted on you and spoiled you to the point where you lack all good manners. Your rudeness needs curbing miss, and it may yet not be too late. I am most willing to administer the spanking you so richly have been begging to receive.” His eyes were made of blue glitter.
“You wouldn’t dare!” she hissed.
When he finally answered this challenge his voice was low, hoarse, and controlled as he said, “You think not?”
She hauled off and tried to smack him across his cheek. He had her hand and held it, keeping her from her purpose.
She yanked her hand out of his hold, “Is that who you are? Do you manhandle females when they displease you? I have heard of such men. Despicable!”
He groaned with pure frustration and ran a hand through his uncovered black hair, “If you think that of me, I wonder that you would drive me to it.”
The sound of horses made them both stiffen and look away from each other. He said on a low note, “Hurry…into the stable.”
It was the closest building out of view, so she complied without demur, as he followed with his horse. A few moments later they were both relieved to hear her brother’s voice, which brought them outdoors once more.
“Ned!” Mandy said flinging herself at him. She felt like a sailor sighting land in a storm. “Oh Ned.”
He grinned, “Missed me, eh?”
“No, you are a horrid boy, going off without me.”
Chauncey took Ned’s reins, patted Mandy on the shoulder and reminded her, “Now there, Missy. Ye didn’t have a horse, did ye?”
“Hullo, duke,” Ned said turning to put out a hand to the duke.
> “Where did you go off to?” the duke asked.
“Went to Teeside,” he announced happily.
“Yes, but why?” Mandy asked peevishly.
“That I suppose, was my fault,” answered the duke pulling a face and sighing heavily.
“Your fault? How?” she rounded on the duke and was stunned that although she had been furious with him, she could so soon be taken by his handsome face, his bright blue eyes, his every movement. Ah, but she was a stoopid girl.
“It seemed to me, someone like Elly Bonner might have friends or family in such a village, as one of the viscount’s servants mentioned that she rather thought Elly Bonner came from Teeside.”
“So you sent them into danger, where they might be recognized?” Mandy accused, still unable to let go her irritation with him.
“Take a damper, Mandy girl,” her brother shot at her and pulled a face. “Whatever is wrong with you? Must find her, you know that.”
“Yes, but if someone saw you…”
“Look at him, Miss Sherborne,” the duke stuck in. “Was anyone likely to recognize him with a mustache and his hair blackened with soot?”
Mandy heard the formal use of her name with a sinking heart. He appeared to be just as angry with her as she was with him. But why?
She glanced at her brother and suddenly realized he was in disguise and all the tension was released as she burst out laughing and then reached for the mustache on his face and pulled.
