Page 36 of When a Lady Kisses a Scot
“You’ve taken ill?”
She came to her feet. “I’ve little appetite. As Esme has taken her leave for the evening, I think it best if I follow suit.”
“And if I wish to continue our efforts tomorrow?”
“That should prove suitable.”
He rose. Placing a light hand on her arm, he escorted her from the restaurant.
“Avery must be paying court to his lady.” Good humor flavored Stanwyck’s voice.
“As I recall, he’d been instructed to return in an hour’s time.”
“True. I shall arrange a coach and see you home.”
The steady clop of hooves against the cobbles reached Sophie’s ears. As the carriage neared, a shrill whistling cut through the street noises.
Stanwyck cocked his head. “That’s him. I’d recognize that infernal sound anywhere.”
Sophie smiled despite the slight aching in her head. “Your driver must have had a pleasant time with his friend.”
“Knowing the man as I do, he’s had more than apleasantevening.”
“Far better than yours, I would presume,” Sophie quipped in a matter-of-fact tone.
“Without a doubt.” Was that a flash of humor in his eyes?
The carriage stopped feet from where they stood. The pulsing pressure an inch or so below her hairline intensified. She’d no desire to spend time in close quarters with Stanwyck. Especially not tonight, while her senses still drank in his clean scent and the all-too-recent memory of his kiss stirred an entirely irrational longing.
“If you would be so kind as to instruct your driver to transport me to Trask’s studio, I would be most appreciative.”
“I’d planned to see you home,” he countered. “After all, I do need to redeem myself as a gentleman in your eyes.”
“Please, do not put yourself to the trouble. Truth be told, my opinion doesn’t matter one whit. It’s Esme you must impress.”
“Sadly, the prospect of impressing a ghost does not move me in the least. I shall focus my efforts on you and hope the old gal takes notice.”
“Good enough. Still, there’s no need to accompany me. I assume you trust your driver to provide safe transport.”
“Of course,” he said. “You do realize you’ve put me in a scandalous position.”
“How so?”
“Your abrupt departure from the café is a gossip’s delight. If you listen carefully, you can already hear the tongues wagging.”
“More fodder for your reputation as a cad. Truth be told, you should thank me.”
“You delight in thwarting my attempts at redemption, don’t you?”
She bit back a smile. How decidedly unsporting, wielding his charm like a weapon. She could not allow it to sway her. Cultivating a hearty dislike of the man would prove a far more prudent strategy.
“I would advise you to devote your energy to more promising endeavors.”
He shrugged. “In any case, I will not press the issue. Avery is as trustworthy as they come. He will see you safely home.”
“Actually, I would prefer he transport me to the salon. Mr. Trask expects to be informed of the evening’s success.”
Stanwyck’s mouth pulled into a wry smile. “That should prove interesting.”
