Page 24 of The Banished Bride
Aurora shoved such disquieting insight aside, along her unfinished meal. As she made to rise, Jack ventured a tentative question. “I do not mean to pry, Aurora, but it is clear from your speech and your manners that you are a lady.” His voice trailed off in question.
She ducked head. “My father was a baronet.”
“And Mr. Sprague?”
“A younger son.”
“You did not care for the match?”
“I was not of an age to object.”
Jack’s brows draw together. “Sprague,” he repeated. “From what part of the country did you say he?—”
“I didn’t,” said Aurora quickly. “Please, I really do not wish to discuss the matter any further. It has absolutely nothing to do on our current situation. And seeing as in a few days we will go our separate ways and never see each other again, it is just as well to remain strangers.”
He nodded. “As you wish.” Then, following her lead, quickly changed the subject. “Speaking of our mission, you have heard what the information I managed to pick up in Kilmarnock. Is there anything you wish to add to our plans?”
She turned the question over in her mind. “Not as of yet, but I would counsel you to keep alert. I do not share in your belief that she will not show up because the major is here.”
“And why is that?” Alex’s eyes were half closed and his voice came in a lazy whisper.
“Because men are not the only ones for whom danger is a potent elixir.” Seeing she had startled him into full wakefulness, she went on. “We all agree the spy you seek is both clever and willing to take great risks. My guess is that she sees herself as able to outwit you, regardless of the fact that you know she is coming.”
It may have been a trick of the light, but Aurora thought she detected a glint of humor in his gaze.
“Well, then may the best man win.”
Seven
Agust of wind rattled the loose panes of glass in the tiny window above Aurora’s head. The noise had not caused her to wake, for sleep had proven elusive, despite all that had happened. After a few more tosses and turns, she threw off the single blanket and reached for the shawl that had been folded at the bottom of her valise. Perhaps a breath of air would help dispel the strange mood that had had gripped her since …
Since Alex had yanked her off her feet and into the carriage!
She had never quite regained her equilibrium. Usually nothing kept her off balance for long. No doubt it had something to do with the fact that she was not used to the presence of a man in her life. An overbearing man, she added, who thought he could order her around as if she were the rawest of recruits. An arrogant man, smugly sure of his irresistible appeal to the opposite sex, and one whose outrageous teasing and flirting made her feel?—
Admit it!Aurora bit at her lip. Loath as she was to acknowledge the truth, there was no denying that his practiced charm, however hollow, made her feel desirable. And attractive. She had never really thought of herself in such terms. After all, afemale scorned by both her father and her husband could hardly lay claim to an abundance of either.
But Alex’s casual words and searing kiss had kindled a small spark somewhere deep within her, one which she dared hope might someday, if properly fanned, ignite into real flame …
“And pigs may fly!” she whispered aloud, quickly mocking such girlish dreams. Only a complete ninny would think the sort of romantic nonsense that warmed Robbie’s heart took form anywhere but on the printed page.
Pulling her shawl more tightly around her shoulders, she rose from the thin pallet and crept noiselessly out into the main room. A loud, rhythmic snoring greeted her entrance. Good heavens, maybe the absence of a husband had its advantages, she mused as she tiptoed past a recumbent form. A cough and gurgling sputter hurried her steps toward the door. It was not latched and swung open at her touch with a minimum of squeaking.
Clouds obscured all but the brightest stars and a dampness in the air hinted at an approaching rain. Still, the cool breeze felt good against her cheeks, chasing away the last vestiges of her overheated imagination. Aurora stood very still and tilted her head back, listening to the faint rushing of water over the granite rocks, punctuated by the low hoot of an owl.
“I would have thought you would have welcomed the opportunity for uninterrupted sleep.”
She whirled around at the sound of the soft voice.
“What about you, sir?” she countered.
Alex stepped from the side of the cottage. “Perhaps a bit later.”
“You think it necessary to stand watch?”
“I think it prudent.” He came to stand by her side, close enough that she could breathe in the faint scent of bay rum,smoke and peated malt, with an earthy undertone that was distinctly male.
Her fingers tugged at the corners of her wrap. “Now why is it that ‘prudent’ is hardly the adjective that comes to mind when I think of you, sir?”
