Page 26 of Unfettered

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Jessie sat back against the richly upholstered seat of Rodrigo’s open phaeton and watched the passing scenery. She glanced at Rodrigo, who handled the reins with deft skill. At their back, ready to pay the toll, which they were fast approaching, was Rodrigo’s young Spanish groom. Oddly enough, and although it had been Sir Warren’s announced intention to ride beside the open phaeton, he was, she thought thankfully, nowhere to be seen, and with good reason.

She eyed Rodrigo suspiciously. “I don’t understand how that could have happened,” Jess remarked, tongue in cheek. “How does a horse throw a front and back shoe?”

“Badly rutted roads,” Rodrigo said easily, a slight smile on his lips, then threw back his head with a laugh.

“You did it!” she accused, then giggled.

“Ah, I am found out,” he said, grinning broadly.

“Blame it on the perversity of my disposition,” he said, and released a mock sigh.

“Villain,” laughed the lady. “Wouldn’t one shoe have been enough?”

He chuckled. “No, I had to be certain, for if he did accompany and ruin our excursion, I might have throttled him.”

She couldn’t stop the little laugh that escaped her. “Yes, if you hadn’t, I might have done so myself. I have to admit, he behaved insufferably at lunch.”

“Indeed, I only regret that Simon saw fit to remain behind with him ’til the job was done.” He frowned. “Why he felt it necessary, I don’t understand.”

“Your friend...unlike you, is highly principled,” Jessie said, and wagged a finger.

“Admit it, you are very glad I am a villain,” he said in a low affectionate voice. “Besides, I wanted to see you home myself.”

She shook her head. “I don’t know when you managed your devilish feat.”

“It was an easy thing. A quiet word with my man—he was very clever about it as well, leaving one shoe partially on.”

“Amazing that the ostlers didn’t see it done,” Jessie remarked.

“A coin does much when offered to a lad much in need. He managed to look the other way.”

“Well, that I don’t approve of. You have corrupted that young boy!”

He tweaked her nose and chuckled. “Do you miss your beau so very much?”

“No, and Sir Warren is not my beau. In fact, Rodrigo, I rather think my great-aunt put him up to it. I am displeased with her. I don’t like to be manipulated. I shan’t have it,” Jessie said with a frown.

“Your aunt might have told him where we were, but I doubt she asked him to interrupt our outing with his presence. She is too smart for that. In truth, my spitfire, I think Sir Warren’s intentions are to marry you, and I can’t blame him for wanting to protect you from any and all rogues such as myself.”

She said nothing to this, but instead turned her face away from him.

His turn to frown. “Will you have him in the end?”

His words went through her sharply. Did he not care? Was it so easy for him to contemplate her marriage to another? Was he so determined to stay a bachelor? He had kissed her with more than passion. She was sure he had feelings for her, but were his feelings enough? No, she thought not. She must remember he was a rakehell, charming and diverting, but he would never be hers.

“In order for me to give my hand to anyone...I would have to be in love with him,” she said simply.

“Ah, unwise. You should see if you can fall in love with a wealthy duke, because, Jessie, you are worthy of a king,” he said with feeling.

“I take it you mean that as a compliment. I don’t take it as one. As I said, I will only follow my heart, and that is the whole truth,” she said softly.

“You are too smart to rely on love. It doesn’t last. It is a fleeting emotion.” He scoffed.

“Is that what you really believe? Don’t be flippant with me, Rodrigo. Answer me as a friend,” she said quietly.

“From my experience...” He paused. “I have much, Jessie...” His eyes stroked her. “The word forever is a lie.”

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