Page 9 of Scandalized by My Prince
“In six days,” he said. “At St. Peter’sfield.”
A female’s gasp echoed through the room. Gavin and Killian turned at the sound. Aubriella stood in the doorway staring at them both. One of the maids had altered one of Odessa’s older gowns to fit her. If possible she became even more lovely each time he saw her. The dress hugged her bosom and accented the color of her eyes. He stared at her for several seconds before he noticed that her mouth was hanging open as she glancedtheirway.
“Pardon me, my lords,” she said a bit breathlessly. “Did you say something about St. Peter’sfield?”
“What of it?” Gavin asked. “Have you beenthere?”
Aubriella shook her head. “Not that Irecall.”
Killian didn’t believe her. Something about his discussion with Gavin had caught her attention? Was she affiliated with one of the people organizing the meeting? Was she against the working class gaining the right to vote? He couldn’t be sure what Aubriella knew, but he’d bet his entire fortune she did have some information. He’d have to take the time to uncover it, but it would be worth it if it aided thecause.
“Do you have family in Manchester?” Killian asked. “Perhaps that is why it seemsfamiliar.”
Aubriella shook her head. “I’ve no family here,mylord.”
“Here?” Killian raised a brow. “So, you do have familysomewhere?”
“Not exactly,” she replied. “I’ve no living family at themoment.”
What a weird way to state her family was dead.At the moment?Did she expect them to suddenly rise from the dead, or was it something else entirely? Maybe she spoke of future children. Killian hoped she didn’t set her sights on marriage. Gavin would most likely marry Odessa once he got over the ridiculous curse notion. At least he didn’t have to worry about his friend taking a liking to Aubriella. Gavin’s superstitions made sure he didn’t get attached to anywoman.
“Why did the mention of Manchester make you gasp?” He still didn’t buy her answers. Something didn’t add up for him to let it go that easily. “You’ve not mentioned where youcallhome?”
Her accent suggested she wasn’t English, but he couldn’t be certain. It had a soft melodic lilt to it. If he had to guess, she was from Ireland. He’d not had a lot of contact with anyone from that isle, but he’d met enough to recognize the tone in hervoice.
“I’m not an English citizen if that’s what you’re asking,” she replied. “That’s why it’s ludicrous you’re implying I’m from Manchester. Surely you knew that muchalready.”
His lips tilted upward. “I’ve been wrong before. It’s best to ask questions to find the truth rather than assuming. Isn’t that right, LordHavenwood.”
Gavin nodded. “He makes an ass of himself enough as it is. Lord Thornbury likes to dig a hole for himself on a regular basis. Don’t think you’re special in thatregard.”
That was not the backup he’d been hoping for when he brought Gavin into the conversation. The urge to smack the backside of his head was growing with each passingmoment.
“The point, Miss Byrne, is you could still have family ties to Manchester regardless of the country youcallhome.”
Aubriella fidgeted in the doorway. She remained silent for several heartbeats. Killian was starting to think she might not answer him, but she proved him wrong a moment later. “As I said, I have no family here. I gasped because I had a bad feeling when you mentioned St. Peter’s field. Please tell me you’re not goingthere.”
A bad feeling? Killian was having something akin to that as he listened to her. “I can’t schedule my travel arrangements around a flutter of fear you feel. I’d never get anything done. I am going to Manchester, and will leave first thing in the morning. It’ll take me at least four days to get there, and I don’t want to waste time arguing with youaboutit.”
She turned toward Gavin. “Are you goingwithhim?”
He shook his head. “I’ve other matters that need my attention. Lord Thornbury is a big boy and can take care ofhimself.”
Aubriella scowled at him. “What kind of friend are you? There is possible danger, and you’re going to let him go therealone.”
Killian was becoming rather amused listening to her chastise Gavin, but he had to put an end to it. Maybe this was something he could use to his advantage. He’d promised Aubriella they’d become more acquainted. Perhaps he should invite her along for thejourney.
“If you’re so worried about my welfare, you should join me. If you share your bad feelings with me, I might be inclined to listentothem.”
He fully expected her to decline his invitation. So he was much surprised when she answered, “Very well, if you insist. I don’t have much to pack, and I’ll be ready to leave when you are. How early are wedeparting?”
Bloody hell. He should put an end to this before it got out of hand. He’d been partially joking when he’d suggested she travel with him. Now though, he rather liked the idea of her coming along. He wanted to keep her close. It would give him the opportunity to figure her out and learn why she was really at Kingsbridge Castle. There was a story there, and he’d uncover every last detail of it. He had a lot to consider. Being alone with her wouldn’t be wise, and it could trap them together in an unwanted marriage—at least onhispart.
Maybe that was her game all along. Could she desire a match with him? There was no way to know for certain what her motives were. Still, the risk of bringing her along might be worth it intheend.
“At dawn,” he said. “Don’t be late or I’ll leavewithoutyou.”
“I’m never late,” she retorted. “I’ll see you in the morning. I’ve much to do before weleave.”
Aubriella inclined her head to both Gavin and Killian, then turned to leave. She held her head high, chin in the air, as she moved out of the doorway. A strand of her golden red hair tumbled loose and she pushed it back in place almost on reflex. She turned briefly and met his gaze. There was fire within the lass, and it burned through him. The upcoming journey promised to be scorching in more ways than one. Killiancouldn’twait…
