The Duke's Daring Debutante by Ann Lethbridge

Author:Ann Lethbridge [Lethbridge, Ann]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781460384602
Google: B_g_BgAAQBAJ
Goodreads: 24403036
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2014-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Why could he not have simply accepted her apology instead of scowling and looking grim?

Did he think she did not care that she could have badly injured his horse?

The blood in her veins seethed with her anger at his injustice, as well as her embarrassment at her temper.

When they reached the gate she waited in frigid silence while he let them both through and closed it behind them.

He came up alongside her. ‘I apologise for my rudeness. I feared for your safety.’

While his face remained grim, his tone was sincere. The hurt inside her subsided. ‘Apology accepted. I had no wish to cause you concern, but I can assure you I have survived more than one tumble.’

The muscle in his jaw flexed. ‘Not every fall is survivable.’

It was then that she remembered his brother. The reason for his unreasonable fury was suddenly clear. Not that she was about to let him wrap her in cotton wool but she should not have been quite so angry.

‘I beg your pardon for striking out at you.’

His lips twitched at the corners. ‘Likely I would have done the same if someone took control of my horse.’

She smiled at him. ‘It seems we are both endlessly sorry. Shall we put it out of our minds?’

He nodded. ‘The Pearson farmhouse is over that hill. We will enter the lane up ahead and come at it from the road.’

‘In case anyone is lurking about.’

A small smile curved his lips. ‘Exactly.’

The distance to the farmhouse took no more than a few minutes to cover. It was a thatched house washed white and gleaming in the sun. Several outbuildings ranged behind the house. No animals. No sign of inhabitation.

And yet...the place did not feel deserted. ‘Someone is here.’

A surprised glance shot her way. ‘I was thinking the same thing.’

‘D’accord. What do we do? Pretend to notice nothing amiss and knock on the door?’

‘I’m not out to invite trouble.’ He raised his arm and pointed to the buildings and the house as if telling her something about them. ‘I wish we could get closer.’

‘Moreau would know me in an instant.’

‘And you could tell me if he actually had chosen this place in which to hide.’

‘Damned if we do—’

‘And if we don’t,’ he finished. At that moment the door to the house opened and a grey-haired man stepped out.

‘Hello?’ he called out. ‘Can I help you?’

‘Not Moreau,’ Minette confirmed over the pounding of her heart. It was already slowing now that she knew he was not the man they sought.’

‘Will you please leave the talking to me?’ Freddy asked as they started closer.

How could she say no when he asked so nicely? ‘As you wish.’

He cocked a brow, but there was definitely a hint of a smile curving his lovely mouth. Perhaps she was truly forgiven.

The man strode into the courtyard and they brought their horses to a halt beside him.

‘Good day,’ Freddy said. ‘Falconwood.’

He didn’t introduce Minette. The man looked like some sort of well-to-do tradesman.

‘Pocock,’ he said.

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