A Less than Perfect Lady by Elizabeth Beacon

Author:Elizabeth Beacon [Beacon, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2008-10-01T21:00:00+00:00

‘Soon be home now,’ Miranda murmured, comforting Kit for her hurt as she relaxed into his embrace once more and wished she need never leave it.

She knew perfectly well that she would have to, so she lay quietly and tried to rise above the haze of pain now burning her mistreated arm. It was almost worth being shot to ride in my lord Carnwood’s arms like a damsel of old with her knight, she decided with a sigh. Even the pain in her arm subsided every now and again and it seemed a very long time since she had felt so secure and protected. It was all a lovely illusion, of course, but one she was not yet inclined to dispel for reality. As soon as they were back at the Court that would intrude. Until then, Miranda closed her eyes and allowed herself to dream for once.

Kit was her loving husband, her fantasy went, and they were riding home from a ball, tired and content with each other as only lovers could be. She was cherished and understood and fiercely desired by her lord, and under their contentment was an urgent need to experience the joys of the marriage bed once more. At that point her own imagination scandalised her so thoroughly she opened her eyes, to see Leah watching her with far too much understanding in her eyes.

‘Almost there,’ she warned, telling Miranda the world was about to encroach even if that meant the doctor and a comfortable bed were at hand.

‘Yes,’ she agreed fatalistically as the carriage turned into the northern avenue. ‘The tower looks even more derelict from this angle,’ she observed absently as they passed through the gates of the east lodge.

‘You leave me so little time for trivial tasks like repairing the ruins on my estate, Cousin Miranda,’ Kit said with ironic apology. ‘I’m just too busy rescuing you from assassins to take care of it at the moment.’

‘It needs putting right though, my lord, and never mind what Miss Celia says,’ Leah cautioned. ‘Her majesty isn’t like to have half of it tumble on her, considering she hardly ever goes outdoors.’

Miranda was faintly surprised Celia hadn’t joined them on their ride. It wasn’t like her to miss a chance to fascinate her quarry and she had a good seat on a horse, if one could be found who was not terrified of her. It was just as well Celia had let them evade her, though; Miranda didn’t feel like coping with Celia’s fussing and fainting when she wasn’t in command of her own senses. Nor could she have rested content in Kit’s strong arms if she had to endure Celia’s amateur theatricals and steely glances while she did so. With that in mind, Miranda insisted on climbing out of the coach with only the support of his lordship’s strong arm when they reached Wychwood.

‘Otherwise the whole neighbourhood will think I’m on my deathbed,’ she joked, but felt the loss of his strength so acutely her knees wobbled.

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