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Before she could protest, he swung her up in his arms.
Claire wished she could swoon. She'd always detested scenes and now
she was the centre of one taking place in the middle of Hyde Park. She
could struggle to free herself but that would create even more of a
scene. And, from the stubborn set of Jack's jaw, she had no doubt he'd
force her to comply with his wishes.
"This is ridiculous. You cannot carry me home."
"I'm not planning to carry you home." Without preamble, he lifted her
up on his horse. She clutched at the pommel, stunned to find herself
atop the horse.
Dizzy, she swayed a little. In a quick motion, he mounted behind her,
his arm going around her waist to pull her back against him.
Despite her spinning head, Claire managed to speak.
"Let me down, now!
What will everyone think? "
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"Whatever they want, I imagine," he said dryly.
"Rotham, don't you think you are carrying this a bit too far?" Lady
Rotham said, her voice coolly amused.
"I doubt Mrs. Ellison's life is in danger. And she is quite
right--the gossips will construe the most damaging interpretation."
"Let them." He sounded completely indifferent.
"Harry?" Claire looked down at him, praying he would do something. He
merely shrugged, a faint smile at his lips.
"Sorry, Claire; I value my life too much to protest."
"Wise of you." Jack nudged his horse into a slow walk. Claire closed
her eyes, not wanting to see the stares and curious looks. If only it
were possible to simply disappear. Whatever was wrong with him? Was
he still so angry with her he planned to humiliate her at every
opportunity without regard to the damage it did? Unfortunately, her
closed eyes made her only too aware of him. His heartbeat was strong
and steady beneath her ear. The fine fabric of his coat caressed her
cheek. His arm held her close to him, the horse's movements causing it
to brush the underside of her breast. He smelled of horse and cologne
and maleness, and, to her chagrin, she felt as if her body was on
fire.
Which was ridiculous. She shifted, trying to move away from his arm
which was threatening to send her out of her skin. His response was to
tighten his hold.
Her eyes shot open. She squeaked.
"Th-there is no need to hold me so tightly. I... I can't breathe."
"I didn't want you to try and escape."
"I am hardly about to do that." The sound of his voice so close made
her dizzy.
"As much as you'd like to."
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"I can't imagine anyone who'd like to be dragged through the streets of
London atop a horse like some sort of... of parcel."
"I usually send my parcels with a servant."
"That is not the point."
"What is the point?"
"You are impossible!"
"Allow me to return the compliment." At least she had the satisfaction
of hearing he sounded just as exasperated as she felt.
Claire clamped her lips tight, not wanting to say any more to him. By
now they had made their way through the streets and had turned into St.
James's Square. She only prayed none of the neighbours were looking
out of their windows.
In front of her brother's home, he halted the horse, After he'd
dismounted, he turned and held out his arms. The sight of him waiting
for her, his dark face expressionless, made her feel dizzy again.
Perhaps it was only that the horse was so tall, or she had hit her head
too hard.
"Are you planning to sit on Satan the rest of the day?" The impatience
in his voice jolted her out of her reverie.
She scowled down at him.
"No. I was merely recovering my balance.
Besides, he is a very tall horse. "
He looked startled and then his mouth quirked.
"I can't remember you being afraid of heights before."
"I did suffer a jolt to my head, if you recall," she informed him with
icy dignity.
"Yes, but apparently not to your tongue."
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A stab of hurt shot through her. She slid off the horse. Jack caught
her, his arms closing around her as she stumbled. She shoved away from
him, wanting only to escape before he saw how his words had affected
her.
But it was too late.
"Claire? What the devil is wrong?"
"N-nothing."
She turned and started up the steps. The butler opened the door and
Jane appeared behind him, her face full of concern.
"Claire? What has happened? Are you unwell?" she asked, coming to
catch Claire's hands.
"I am fine."
"Lord Rotham?" Jane looked over Claire's shoulder.
"She fell from Devlin's carriage. I decided to bring her home."
"Oh, no! You were hurt!"
Claire tried to smile.
"Twas nothing. Please, Jane, I... I think I will just go in." Avoiding
Jack's eyes, she gathered up her skirts and hobbled in.
Jack stood against the wall in Lady Denbigh's Chinese drawing-room and
fought back a yawn of boredom. He prayed the soprano would soon halt
her piercing run, or he'd be tempted to put an end to it himself. He
shifted, folding his arms across his chest. The only reason he'd shown
up at such a dull affair was in the hopes of seeing Claire. But when
Lady Dunford and Thea had arrived with Harry just before the concert
started Claire had not been with them. He shouldn't be surprised.
After he'd carted her off like some sort of savage claiming a bride, he
wouldn't be surprised if she never spoke to him again.
The sound of applause startled him out of his thoughts. He waited
until the crowd dispersed before making his way towards Jane. He
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encountered the disapproving gaze of Lady Bellam, who barely gave him a
nod. She was a stickler for the proprieties. Undoubtedly his latest
exploit with Claire had marked him. From the turned heads and the [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]