Page 31 of Kiss the Scoundrel Farewell
After they left, Meg collapsed onto the chaise longue. Her eyes flew open, and she bolted up. “Mr. Jackson. Where has he been?”
The surgeon entered at that moment, followed by little Tommy. “He’s fine, but I’m afraid he’ll be laid up for a couple of weeks.”
“What—”
“Calm down,” Simon said, coming behind her and placing his hands on her shoulders. “He was shot, but it hit his shoulder. Your stable master saw to him and sent his boy into the village for the constable and surgeon.”
Tommy beamed with pride, his chest puffing out. “Da said I did good, milady. I helped save everyone.”
Meg held out her arms, and the boy ran to her. She held him close and whispered in his ear, “You are my hero.”
He blushed and stuck his hands in his pockets while Chipper sat on his foot. “I’m fast, that’s all.”
Meg insisted the surgeon inspect Farrell and Simon’s heads. “They both have very nasty bumps, and Mr. Farrell has a gash that was bleeding.”
An hour later, Simon and Meg stood before her bedchamber door. She leaned against the hard oak, Simon’s strong arms caging her against the frame.
“I thought I would lose you, Meg. Again,” he tilted his head and brushed her lips.
Pesky wings took flight in her belly. “I hope never to have that much excitement in my life again.” She peeked up at him from under her lashes. “I was certain we would all die tonight.”
“We’ve already lost several years, thanks to overbearing parents. Let’s not waste any more, Kitten.”
“Why do you call me that?” she asked, deciding she liked the way he said it, sensuous yet sweet.
“Your eyes remind me of a cat, but when we were disguised, you sometimes acted more like a frightened kitten.” His eyes darkened with desire, and he bent his head.
This time when he kissed her, he wrapped his arms about her waist and fitted her against his length. It was a long, slow kiss that had seared her to her core. She nestled close, her hands clinging to his neck.
“Marry me,” he said against her lips.
“Yes,” she breathed against his mouth. “Yes, I will marry you.”
CHAPTER 15
The next day
Meg sat in the cottage of her stable master, hovering over Mr. Jackson. “I shall pay you more. You risked your life for me.”
She was overwhelmed by the loyalty of her driver and her butler. After her parents arranged her marriage to the baron, Meg had learned daughters were insignificant. Yet she was surrounded by friends who thought otherwise.
“The world is full o’ bad people, milady,” said Jackson, “but it’s full o’ good ‘uns too.” He gave her a crooked smile. His shoulder was bandaged, and his arm was wrapped in a sling to hold his arm against his chest as it healed.
“I’ve been reminded,” she said, smiling at him. Meg was so relieved to know Jack would recover. What would she do without him?
“When I woke in a strange place, I thought I’d failed. That they’d gotten to ye.”
“You did your best, and that is never a failure.” Meg squeezed Jack’s arm, then felt Simon’s hand on her shoulder. Gentle security washed over her at his touch.
“We wanted you to know,” Simon began, “Lady Drake has agreed to become my wife. We would like you to continue as her driver.”
A wide grin split Mr. Jackson’s face. “Well now, see what I mean? Plenty of good people in the world. Congratulations.”
“I wish you didn’t have to go,” said Meg. “Or that I could go with you.”
“We’ve discussed this. I don’t want you in London until I know it’s safe.” Simon pulled her close, reluctant to leave this beautiful woman. “Besides, I need to prepare my family about our betrothal.”
“What will happen to Lady Lydia?” asked Meg, and he loved her all the more for worrying over a woman who had made her own bed.
