Page 83 of When a Lady Dares
The coach wheels clicked over the small stones as Bertram reined the horses to a stop. Sophie peered from the window, spotting the man at the reins of the second carriage. Fitzhugh had introduced himself as Bertram’s brother—younger by nine months, proudly in possession of three-fourths of his teeth, and evidently, still fancying himself a charmer with the ladies. He bounded from the driver’s bench with abundant energy as the door opened, the steps unfolded, and Gavin and Henry stepped from the coach.
Moments later, Bertram opened their door, stepping aside as the younger men escorted them from the compartment.
Gavin gestured to the castle. “As you can see, my father never did anything in a modest fashion.”
“It seems a fascinating place,” Sophie said. “I trust your father had an interest in medieval history.”
“No. Not at all.” Gavin smiled. “In truth, I believe he purchased it to irk my mother. She referred to it as ‘the monstrosity.’”
“Well, I find it intriguing.” Sophie peered up at the north tower. “Exploring this structure shall be a grand adventure.”
“Indeed,” Rebecca agreed. “I can well imagine a knight charging up to this castle on a fine Arabian.”
Henry fixed his gaze on her. Was that a smile threatening to brighten his dour expression? “Shall I take yer bag, miss?”
Rebecca flashed the handsome Scot a coy smile. So, the prim Miss Beddingham wasn’t quite so stuffy, after all. “I would be in your debt.”
“No trouble at all.” Henry’s lips thinned as she motioned him past the tapestry bag in her hand to a sizable trunk at the rear of the coach. His shoulder and biceps muscles flexing against its weight, he hoisted the container onto his shoulder. “I see you’ve come prepared for a lengthy stay.”
“One must be prepared for any eventuality.”
“I’d say you’ve accomplished that.” His voice had taken on a tone of good humor, so very different from the agitated concern he’d displayed that morning.
Gavin placed a hand on her sleeve, silently drawing her aside. “Was I ever so gullible? One crook of Miss Beddingham’s dainty finger and he’s off to do her bidding.”
“I must admit I am surprised. I’d felt rather sure she carried a tendre for another man.”
He cocked his head, observing the pair. “It would seem she’s decided to pursue a more promising interest. Henry seems to be quite taken with her.”
“Perhaps,” Sophie said. “For the record, I am quite capable of carrying my own traveling bag.”
Gavin’s attention dropped to the leather satchel in her hand. “Is there a trunk still on the coach?”
Sophie shook her head. “I prefer to travel without the burden of too many possessions.”
He reached for the bag. “In that case, I have no qualms about demonstrating that I am a gentleman.”
“Ah, chivalry is not dead,” she said, handing him the traveling case. “With any luck, neither you nor Mr. MacIntyre will have further cause to demonstrate that trait while we are here.”
He gave a shrug. “I’ve no doubt you will be able to count on Henry should a crisis arise.”
“And what about you? I’ve seen your courage in action.”
“As for me, my dear Sophie, I intend to find a secret passage in the dungeon and cower within it if we should come under attack.”
He affected a serious demeanor, but he could not hide the mischief in his eyes. Bloody unsporting, really, employing his charm at precisely the time when she needed to guard against any undue emotion. This was not the time to indulge her decidedly irrational feelings for Gavin Stanwyck.
“You have a dungeon?” she questioned, if only to focus her thoughts on something other than the subtle, spicy scent of his shaving soap.
“Doesn’t everyone?”
“You’re teasing me.”
“Not at all. There is a chamber that served as a dungeon in its time. If you’d like, I can find out where I might acquire the proper equipment. I’d imagine a rack might be just the thing to ease the tension in my back.”
“That will not be necessary.”
“I must confess that is a relief. I can bloody well imagine how the tongues would wag if I went in search of such a thing.”
