3. Just One Kiss by Dayna Quince

Author:Dayna Quince [Quince, Dayna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-10-20T04:00:00+00:00

~*~

Garrett was whistling as he rode into the stable. There was fervent whispering as he entered that suspiciously stopped when he was sighted. Granby, the stable master, approached and took Garrett’s reins.

Garrett dismounted. “Afternoon, Granby.”

“Afternoon, sir.”

Garrett quickly scanned the surroundings. Hazel’s horse was presently being brushed down. Had she been riding? He was pleased to see it. He wanted her to feel at home, and he knew she was an accomplished rider. “I see Lady Bainbridge has been riding this afternoon.”

“That she has, sir. Returned not long ago. Matthew escorted her about the land and into the village proper.”

“Excellent.”

“And Mrs. Danford, sir, has just returned in the open carriage.”

“Mmhmm.” Garrett took a closer look at Hazel’s horse. She was superb. He was only half listening to Granby now.

“It seems Mrs. Danford had some concerns about Lady Bainbridge being lost in the wilderness.”

Garrett swung his attention back to Granby. “Lost in the wilderness? In Oxfordshire?”

“Her words, sir.”

Garrett chuckled. “I see.”

“She took off in a panic to look for her.”

This made Garrett frown. “She did? Despite Lady Bainbridge having a capable escort?”

“I tried to tell her, but she was certain.”

“I see.” Garrett sighed. He could enter the back of the house and avoid his aunt for a short while, or face the situation head on. Garrett went to the front of the house and entered.

“Please summon Lady Bainbridge to my parlor,” his aunt was saying as she handed her cloak to Quinn.

“Yes, ma’am.” Quinn departed.

“Aunt? Is something wrong?”

His aunt spun around with her hand to her heart. “Oh, Bain. I didn’t see you there.”

“Granby said you thought Hazel was lost?”

“The stable master?”

“Hazel is an experienced rider and all the grooms hail from the village. She couldn’t get lost in these parts if she tried,” Garrett went on. He wanted to get this over with and upstairs to his wife whom he hoped to find naked in the tub.

“I am only worried for her safety.” Mrs. Danford turned away.

Garrett followed her up the stairs and into the small parlor she had made use of. “I’m so happy you care for her, but you shouldn’t worry so. Hazel is a modern young woman. She can ride, shoot, and manage well enough on her own.”

“A countess shouldn’t do such things. I wouldn’t have known she left if Emily hadn’t told me.”

He heard her grumble. He wondered where she got such ideas. “Hazel is exploring her new home. It’s important she do so.”

His aunt didn’t look pacified.

“I was summoned?”

Garrett turned to find Hazel in the doorway. He couldn’t stop the smile that spread across his face. She was still in her riding habit, cheeks rosy, and hair slipping from its pins. He wanted to ravish her on the spot. She caught sight of him and grinned.

His aunt’s voice was like a splash of cold water.

“Lady Hazel, I was only concerned about your whereabouts, but Bain prefers I felt otherwise. I shall keep my feelings to myself on the matter.”

Garrett wanted to groan. He hated the way his aunt called him Bain.

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