Just One Touch by Debra Mullins

Author:Debra Mullins [Debra Mullins]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9780061746062
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2007-11-27T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

“I want to be a good wife to you,” Caroline said. Her hand lay tucked within her husband’s much larger one as he led out of the clearing and through the maze of her father’s garden. The sensation of his warm, strong fingers encircling hers gave her a feeling of security—and made her feel very feminine. “While I will take over the running of the house, I thought perhaps I might also manage your ledgers. I’m quite good with numbers.”

“I have no objection.” Rogan glanced back over his shoulder and smiled. “I have no love for those books.”

She found herself smiling back as warmth swept through her. Dear Lord, he was handsome. “I’m more than happy to help you make your business a rousing success.”

Before he could reply, they heard a cry of alarm, followed by the sound of something large crashing through the shrubbery. Instantly Rogan settled into a fighting stance, shoving Caroline behind him with a sweep of his arm. She didn’t argue, gladly seeking the shelter of his big body and bracing herself with a hand on his back as she peered around him.

“Who’s there?” Rogan demanded. “Show yourself!”

There was silence for a long moment, then the slow crackling of something moving through the flora. A moment later, Gregson broke through the hedge, twigs stuck to his hair and coat.

Caroline came out from behind Rogan. “Gregson!”

The secretary straightened his spectacles, a sheepish expression on his thin, handsome face. “Good afternoon, Lady Caroline.”

“Good afternoon indeed!” Caroline planted her hands on hips. “Gregson, I know you must obey Papa’s orders, but…skulking about in the bushes?”

Gregson flushed and glanced at Rogan, who folded his arms and glowered. The secretary cringed. “I heard you coming and didn’t want you to see me. I knew you’d be displeased.”

“Quite so.” Caroline shook her head. “Papa really must learn to leave things be. You may tell my father, Gregson, that my husband and I have resolved our quarrel.”

“Yes, Lady Caroline.” The young man bobbed his head in acquiescence, then cast an uncertain look at Rogan.

Rogan curled a lip in disgust. Gregson blanched, and Caroline nearly giggled.

“I’d best not catch you following us again,” Rogan warned. “I don’t care what the duke told you.”

“O-of course not, Mr. Hunt.” The secretary gave a quick bow and scurried off down the path.

“Rogan, I do believe you have intimidated Mr. Gregson,” Caroline mused, laying a hand on her husband’s arm.

He made a noise that might have been a grunt or a chuckle and tucked her hand more firmly into the crook of his arm. “Your father is a martinet, Caroline.”

She sighed. “I know. He means well.”

“He doesn’t trust me to take care of you.”

She smiled up at him. “I do.”

The annoyance faded from his gray eyes. “I’m glad.” He began to walk, escorting her down the path as gracefully as any courtier. “When did you want to look at the accounts?”

“Tonight perhaps,” Caroline replied, sweeping her skirt out of the way of a prickly rose bush. “Right now I’d like to stop in the village to see Mrs.

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