Page 4 of Scandalized by My Prince
Chapter1
Killian Lynwood,the Earl of Thornbury stared down at the lass lying on the ground. She had golden red hair and a heart-shaped face. Her eyes were a light brown with flecks of gold shimmering through them. Her small frame barely covered much of the earth beneath her. Her dress—he narrowed his gaze—it couldn’t really be considered a gown. The skirt fell beneath her knees and the top half was so white it appeared sheer. It appeared to be more of chemise than an actualblouse.
What had happened to the poor thing? The woman blinked several times and her head dropped, bouncing off the grass beneath her. He wasn’t entirely sure where she’d come from. One minute he was alone, and the next he turned to find her before him. It was possible he’d been so lost in his own thoughts he’d walked by her without noticing, but he couldn’t becertain.
When she regained consciousness, he’d have to ask her several questions. Starting with her name and ending with where the bloody hell she’d come from… It didn’t appear as if he’d be interrogating her anytime soon though. She wasn’t moving, and she may have injured herself in ways he couldn’t see. He’d have to help her even if he wasn’t feeling inclined todoso.
He sighed. “Och, what am I to dowithyou?”
There really wasn’t any choice. He would have to take her back to Kingsbridge castle. Once there, his servants would be able to assist him. He could send one of them to fetch a doctor and perhaps determine what ailed her. She was a lovely lass, but he’d rather not keep her around the castle for any length of time. His mother might start to get ideas about marriage and grandchildren. Killian had no desire to become a husband or a father. He already had too much responsibility on hishands.
He lifted her into his arms and headed back to the castle, thankful she was a tiny thing. The lass’s weight was nearly nothing, making it easy for him to carry her. The castle was over the hills, beyond the edge of the River Tweed. His home sat on the English side of the river, and while technically he wasn’t a Scot, he often identified with them. Most of his servants were Scots, including hisgoverness.
Killian crossed over a hill and stopped a moment to catch his breath. Kingsbridge Castle loomed in the distance. The magnificent estate was glorious to behold, and he’d never tire of this particular sight. Sunlight streamed down upon it, creating a majestic view. It sat on a hill, making it easier to look down on the worldaroundthem.
The castle was a throwback to times when medieval lords had to plan for sieges that could last for days. The large sweeping gates had long ago been renovated into actual doorways and the courtyard renovated so it wasn’t open and no longer allowed weather to stream in at will. The former courtyard had been converted into several different rooms. Over the years, the previous Earls of Thornbury had made changes. Each one constructing Kingsbridge even more impressively than before—Killian had yet to do any changes to the castle. He wasn’t even sure he wanted to. It didn’t belong to him in truth. He wasn’t really a Lynwood and didn’t deserve the title that came with the only home he’d everknown.
He glanced down at the woman in his arms. Standing around looking at the castle wasn’t helping her. She needed a doctor and he had to make sure she found one. With a sigh, he continued his journey to the castle. A short time later, he was standing before the large wooden doors juggling her as he attempted to open them. As luck would have it he didn’t have to shuffle her for long. The door swung open wide and a large man filled the entrance. He had black hair with gold highlights. It fell to his shoulders in untamed waves. His grey eyes were akin to a storm cloud ready to unleash the heavens on the world. They darkened as he glared atKillian.
“Gavin,” Killian said, addressing one of his closest friends. “Move before I knock you out oftheway.”
“I’d like to see you try,” he replied as he stared at the woman Killian held in his arms. “What did you do to the lass? Is this how you court a woman?” He crossed his arms across his chest defiantly. “Perhaps it would be best if you handed her overtome.”
Like hell he would. He hadn’t harmed the lady, and it irritated him his friend believed he had. Gavin, above anyone else, should realize that. They always had each other’s back and that shouldn’t have changed because of one slip of a lass. “Move. Now.” Killian counted to three and pushed forward. If Gavin was going to be difficult, so be it. He had no trouble laying his friend flat. Gavin stepped out of his way, allowing him to enter thecastle.
“What happened to her?” Gavinasked.
“I don’t know,” Killian replied. “I found her lying in the field beyond the castle.” He paused a moment and asked, “Do yourecognizeher?”
Gavin shook his head as he gazed at the lass. “She’s a bit of a sprite. If not for her generous bosom I’d think she was no more than a girl.” He frowned as a lock of his dark hair fell forward. “Did she lose some of herclothing?”
Killian wished he knew what had happened to her. She appeared a bit too delicate to be out in the world on her own. His protective instincts were starting to surface. That wasn’t a good thing. It would be hard for him to push her away if he continued to worry over herwelfare.
“I’m going to take her up to one of the unoccupied chambers,” Killian said. “Please have one of the servants summon the doctorforme.”
Gavin nodded. “Would you like me to send for your motheraswell?”
“Not yet,” Killian said. His mother would take one look at the girl and scheme. “It may not benecessary.”
Killian turned away from Gavin and moved toward the stairs. He went up and headed toward the solitary available chamber ready to use. His mother had made the servants keep it clean on the off-chance Killian would give in and take a bride. Putting the injured lass in that particular room was a risk, but he wanted to make sure she remainedcomfortable.
He pushed open the door and laid her on the bed. She moaned and curled over onto her side. Her blouse rose to reveal the creamy flesh of her stomach—Killian swallowed hard and tugged it back down. The flimsy fabric tore under his fingers. He swore under his breath. The lass needed proper clothing and fast, but first he’d see to herhealth.
“I heard we had a guest,” afemalesaid.
Killian swore again. How had his sister heard about the woman already? “She isn’t exactly a guest,Odessa.”
“You do know you don’t have to knock a lady over the head to bring her home, doyounot?”
Killian closed his eyes and prayed for patience. He turned away from the injured lass and faced his sister. Odessa’s dark hair was pinned up in an elegant coiffure. Her dark green gown brought the color out of her hazel eyes. Her lips were tilted up into a mocking smile. She wasteasinghim…
He lifted a brow. “I don’t need advice from my little sister.” Killian folded his arms across his chest. “Especially as you’ve failed to secure the match you desire for yourself. If it’s so easy, why is it I don’t have your betrothal to announce to theworld?”
She scowled at him. “That idiot hasn’t realized yet what a gift I am. He will soonenough.”
Killian held back the bark of laughter that threatened to spill from deep inside of him. His sister had been trying her best to gain Gavin’s attention since they were children. Back then, Gavin had better things to do than cater to a girl. Killian wasn’t sure if he still felt the same way now. Odessa was a pretty girl and well set in her ways. He adored his little sister even when she irritated him todeath.
“Perhaps it’s time for you to let go of him,” he said softly. “Some men have no desire to settle down and have afamily.”
