Page 23 of Wickedly Yours
She set her cup of tea down with a clatter, spilling some on the tray. The tea was terrible. She didn’t even bother to wipe it up. Instead, she stood and began to pace around the room. Nothing like what occurred last night must ever happen again. Ever. She would avoid Malden like the plague, insisting he ride on horseback for the remainder of their journey. If he brought up her previous lapse in judgement, she would pretend ignorance.
Satisfied, Arabella began to search through her things for the tooth kit.
* * *
She need not have worriedabout avoiding Malden.
He was waiting for her in the courtyard, solid and handsome, with nothing more than a polite look on his face. There was no hint of the passion he’d displayed for her the night before. Had she not known better she would have thought them meeting for the first time.
“Good Morning, Lady Arabella. I trust you slept well?”
She searched his face for some hidden innuendo and found none. Arabella wished to reply that no she hadn’t slept well. His lap hadn’t been at all comfortable. Nor had she cared to be kissed senseless then left wanting more.
“Yes, quite. Thank you, Lord Malden.”
He assisted her into the coach, waiting patiently as she settled her skirts over the warm brick he’d procured. She felt his eyes on her the entire time as she pulled the rug over her lap and finally clasped her hands.
“It’s a fine day. I believe I’ll ride the remainder of the journey and leave you the coach. I’m sure you’ll be more comfortable.” Malden was the very epitome of politeness.
How annoying she found his manners today. “I appreciate your courtesy.”
“We’ll be in London by nightfall.” Malden’s eyes lingered on her for a moment longer before he turned and shut the door. She heard him speaking to the coachman and the jingle of reins as he mounted his horse.
Malden stayed slightly ahead of the coach for the remainder of the day, not even allowing himself to ride alongside, probably to avoid any opportunity for her to speak with him. When they stopped briefly to change horses and she saw to her own needs, Malden stayed with the coach.
Coldness settled over her. This is what became of letting your guard down. She completely disregarded the fact that her intent had been to avoidhim. Rejection was a feeling Arabella knew well. She just didn’t like it. All things considered, Malden’s manner was for the best. If he ever realized she had lied about Corbett, his rejection would become full blown hatred.
Arabella must have dozed off because when she awoke, the light in the coach had turned to the dim mistiness of twilight. The coach moved slowly, winding through London’s evening traffic. As the noise of the streets filtered into the coach, she allowed herself a small smile.
I’m home.
Lights twinkled in the windows of the rather imposing town home which took up the entire back section of the cul-de-sac. The London residence of the Duke of Dunbar was massive and bespoke of great wealth and power, but to Arabella, the brick structure was home. As the coach slowed, a sense of urgency filled her. She wished to be safely inside where she could allow Peabody to fuss over her. Tired and dusty, she longed for a bath in the sanctuary of her own room.
As the coach rolled to a stop, Arabella was surprised to see Malden open the coach door. She had honestly wondered if he still traveled with them. His tall form had been absent from view the entire afternoon. The waves of his dark brown hair blew about his face and curled about his ears. His cheeks held a touch of red owing to the days spent riding outside. He looked so vital, so masculine and unbearably attractive that Arabella had trouble looking at him.
I’ve touched that skin. Tasted him.
The brief touch of his fingers jolted down her arm. Immediately she shook him off and moved quickly towards the steps leading to the front door.
Malden gave a small sound of frustration as she shook him off.
“I’ll inform my brother of your assistance and he will reimburse you for any monies owed for my care and travel.” Arabella marched up the steps without looking back at him. “I’m certain you wish to be on your way so I will bid you goodnight. I appreciate your care in seeing me back to London.”
Legs brushed against the back of her skirts causing her skin to prickle deliciously.
“I’ll see you in.”
The door was flung open to reveal Peabody. He took one watery look at Arabella and clapped his hands as a look of utter joy suffused his craggy features. “Lady Arabella! Thank the heavens!” The butler’s hands shook, too well trained to hug her.
“Peabody.” She took hold of the butler’s hands, much to his surprise. “I am soveryglad to see you.” How often she’d taken Peabody for granted, a man who’d seen to her well-being since she was a child. Arabella wasn’t certain she’d ever touched him before.
The butler smiled at her regard, the tops of his cheeks pinking. “We are most glad you are home, Lady Arabella.”
She was suddenly so exhausted Arabella thought she would faint at the butler’s feet. “A bath, Peabody, please, then something to eat.” Malden still stood behind her, but she ignored his presence, wishing he would leave on his own. She moved towards the stairs. “Please see Lord Malden out.”
“There you are.” A deep, husky voice boomed from the direction of her brother’s study. “I was wondering when my sister and herbetrothedwould arrive. I insist you and Malden join me.”
Her brother Nick, the Duke of Dunbar was home.
