Page 25 of Married to the Lord

“No, the rumors.”

“Oh.” Augusta pressed her lips together. “I suppose so.” Though, honestly, as awful as they were and how much they could impact her, she had buried that concern under her thoughts of Henry returning.

“Perhaps you should speak with Miles,” Joanna suggested. “He may have confided in someone and that is where the rumor came from.”

It was hard to imagine strong, stoic Miles confiding in anyone, butshehad told Joanna so why would she presume he might not do the same?

“I suppose I ought to.”

Joanna grinned. “Here’s your chance.”

Augusta stilled. She had not noticed Miles on horseback, riding from the direction of town.

“I am not sure I should,” Augusta whispered. “If we are seen together...”

“Lord Ashwick,” Joanna greeted brightly.

“Mrs. Lockhart.” He tugged on the brim of his hat. “Miss Larkin.” His gaze landed upon Augusta and a tremor ran down her spine, making her feel as though she had turned to liquid. “Miss Snow.”

Was it her imagination or did his voice deepen at the mention of her name?

“We were just about to take a little stroll and stretch our legs before returning home,” Joanna announced.

Chloe scowled. “We were?”

Joanna ignored Chloe and Augusta’s imploring look. “Perhaps you might accompany us?”

He glanced at Augusta, who could not decide whether to look away or meet his intense dark gaze. She did the latter, though hardly of her own will. His gaze sucked her in, leaving her powerless in his presence.

“I think perhaps I should—” Miles indicated down one of the country roads leading away from town.

“Nonsense.” Joanna indicated for him to dismount. “I insist you join us. After all, who knows what ruffians we might meet along the way? Your company will surely offer protection.”

Augusta winced. Their small town was known to be extremely safe and it was a rare occurrence that any ruffians stepped foot in it. Miles would know that. But, she supposed Joanna was doing her a favor. She did need to speak with Miles about these rumors, no matter how embarrassing it might be to discuss that night. If he could find the source of them, he could put a stop to them before it did any damage to either of them.

Miles gave a tilted smile. “If you insist.” He dismounted and led his mount by the reins. “I would never forgive myself if you were hurt by ruffians because of your lack of company,” he said dryly.

They strolled along the country road that would eventually lead to Chloe’s house. Joanna controlled much of the conversation, giving Augusta little time to speak with Miles. It gave her too much time to sneak sideways looks at him, though. His broad shoulders and strong profile kept sending little shivers down to her stomach that blossomed into something sweet and hot at the same time. He glanced her way and she cast her gaze to the ground.

Once they were farther away from town, Joanna and Chloe dropped back a little, leaving Miles walking at her side. She gulped down a breath and willed her heavily beating heart to slow. “I-I have heard a rumor,” she announced.

“Oh yes,” he said. “Was it a good one?”

“Not really.”

“Well, that’s a mighty shame. Whoever cast it about must be a useless gossip.”

“No, that’s not what I—” She peered at his amused expression and rolled her eyes. “Miles, the rumor is about us.”

“Us?” A dark brow lifted.

“Yes.”

“What about?”

Oh Lord, he was going to make her say it. Her face heated. “About...us spending time together.”

“Time together?” he repeated.

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