Beauty licked her hand, and Millie hugged her tight.
The wind whipped around the barn and thunder shook the walls, but it wasn’t so desperate with the soft warm company she kept. Worry over Doris brought tears that she’d been too terrified to shed earlier. It would be her fault if Doris was injured or worse. “Oh, Beauty, I don’t know what I’ll do. I cannot stand the thought that poor Doris might be hurt and alone. I should have demanded Preston take me with him.”
A low woof was her answer.
“I know it was a terrifying and dangerous situation. I know I was of little use under that kind of fire. Still, I wish I were not here alone.”
Another soft bark.
“Yes, of course, I have you.”
Still cold, she scooted back to the hay and leaned back. “Not a bad bed under the circumstances.”
Beauty curled up in front of her, a warm pillow of fur and comfort.
Chapter 12
Several hours before dawn, Preston returned to the barn. The carnage wrought by lightning striking the munitions building was as bad as anything he had seen in France. His military career had been cut short by his father’s death, but he had seen more than enough of what war could do.
He expected to be met with hysterics, but he found Millicent asleep in the hay, a candle burning in a lantern hooked to a pillar and a pretty Labrador female curled up next to his Everton Lady.
The dog growled like one raised to protect Millicent.
“I assure you, I mean no harm.”
Another growl.
Millicent stretched and blinked awake. “Preston?”
“Yes. Would you mind telling your new friend that I am not a danger?” Preston stood like a statue. Being mauled by a dog, after what he’d done and seen that night, was the last thing he wanted.
“Shh, Beauty. He’s with me.”
The beast she’d called Beauty wagged her tail and trotted over, tongue wagging. Preston knelt on one knee. “I suppose I owe you thanks for keeping her safe.” He scratched Beauty behind the ear.
Millicent rushed over. “Are you injured.” She clutched his arm where blood stained his white blouse.
“It’s only as scratch. I wouldn’t mind sitting down in your very comfortable-looking hay.” His legs were like rubber.
Moving aside, she invited him into her makeshift bedroom. “Did you see Mrs. Whimple?”
The chaos did not leave him much time to search the area outside the wreckage. “No, but she was not among the injured. I think she found a safe place to wait. Hopefully one with a warm hearth.”
“I hope so.” Her voice filled with worry. Sitting down next to him, she petted Beauty.
“As soon as the sun comes up, we will find her. The rain has all but stopped. I’m sure she will return to the inn to find you.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her tight against his side. She was a vision with her hair wild and bits of hay attached to her. But her eyes were bright, and she was unharmed. Fear for her safety had sent him into near-panic when the smoke started to fill the inn. All he could think was that he couldn’t lose her, not like this.
“Preston, I know it has been a trying night, but you should not hold me this way. It can only lead to disaster.” Despite her assertion, she did not make any motion to pull away.
“Just let me hold you, sweetheart. I may even kiss you, but don’t send me away.” He was begging, and he didn’t care. He needed to feel her body and know she was safe.
She tilted her head up to look at him. “You want to kiss me?”
“Why do you sound so surprised? I kissed you before.” He cupped the side of her face. Skin like silk and the most trusting eyes.
“You had been drinking that night. It was late. I assumed it had been an error in judgment. In fact, you are exhausted now, and I suspect the same lack of common sense might be at work.”
His plans to convince her slowly over the next two weeks was a solid one, but she was right. “I am tired and cold and hungry, but mostly I just want to be close to you. Common sense be damned.” He longed to devour her mouth but settled for rubbing his lips across hers. It was at once heaven and torture. The kiss sent a wave of desire down his body.
A soft moan pushed from between Millicent’s lips.
Running his tongue along the crease, he reveled in her gasp. The fact that she didn’t pull away or tighten up emboldened him and gave him hope.
A low growl from the third party froze him. Beauty’s teeth were bared and her eyes sharp. Tail stiff, none of the happy dog who had greeted him remained.
“Sweetheart, if you want me to stop kissing you, I will, but if not, you will have to explain it to your new protector.”
Keeping one hand curled into his coat, she petted Beauty with the other. “Go lie down. It’s all right.”
It sounded like a yes to him. As soon as the dog curled up a few feet away and rested her head on her paws, Preston wrapped his arms around Millicent. She was pliant and warm against him. His wet coat soaked her again, and nothing was as he’d imagined it. “I wish we were in front of a warm fire. This is no way to woo a woman.”
“Is that what you’re doing?” He loved the shape of her eyes, so wide and guileless. Women often had agendas, and a man foolish enough to put himself in this position could find himself married to the wrong woman. Now, with Millicent in his arms, he knew she was the right woman, but would never use the moment to trap him. The irony was cutting.
“If I need to tell you, then I’m doing a poor job.” Taking her bottom lip between his, he sucked gently.
She returned the same kiss, making love to his mouth and forcing all his blood out of his head and into his manhood. Lips, tongue, teeth and that silky mouth made for the most erotic kiss of his life. Longing mixed with innocence in the way she let him in. He wanted more of her, all of her. Not just sexually, as that would never be enough. Total surrender was the only option that would satisfy him, and he would gladly give the same. There was no other choice.
It took all of his will to hold back taking her in a barn while both of them were wet, filthy and tired. He did not want that to be the memory, not for her and not for him. Pouring all his desire into what would only be a kiss, he vowed it would be one to remember. Deepening the kiss, he skimmed the inside of her mouth. Warm and soft, she tasted like sunshine.
When her tongue met his, he groaned out his delight and frustration. Pulling back, he pressed little caresses along her cheek and jaw. “You are so beautiful, my Everton Lady.”
“Preston.” She breathed his name, and it tightened a band around his heart. How could he convince her of what they both needed? Not this way, he knew that, but still he couldn’t bear the idea of letting go.
“We should get some sleep before the sun comes up.” He turned her so her back pressed to his chest and cradled her in his arms.
“I don’t think I can sleep.” She settled her head on his arm.
Kissing her hair, he breathed in her womanly scent. “I understand, but rest anyway.”
A moment later, her even breath told him she was asleep.
Beauty ambled over and spread out across Millicent’s legs.
Preston closed his eyes. He was content and frustrated. Everything about Millicent Edgebrook was a contradiction.
* * * *
Beauty pawed at him at the first sign of dawn. Preston eased Millicent away and stood, stretching his sore back. The horrors of the night before came rushing back as he opened the barn door for the dog to run.
“Where is Beauty?” Her voice was scratchy with sleep.
His shaft tightened at the sound. “I think she’ll be back. She seems quite taken with you. Are you going to keep her?”
“I shouldn’t, but I think I will. Either that or I will give her to my uncle.” In only a shift with her overcoat hanging open, the outline of
her breasts, the rosy nipples, her belly button and the shadows of a vee between her thighs made him light headed.
Closing his eyes against the wave of pure desire, he took a breath. “We had better get back to the inn and find our people.”
When he opened his eyes, she clutched her overcoat closed. A blush warmed her cheeks, and she would not meet his gaze. “Yes, of course. Will we reach Brookhaven Manor today?”
“I don’t think so. We will find a safe place with warm beds and spend a night in comfort. I don’t think a long day of travel is what we need today.”
Dark smudges marred the undersides of her eyes, and her shoulders slumped. “You need not delay on my account. I can manage one more day.”
Impossible woman. He slid his hands from her shoulders to her elbows and kissed the crown of her head before stepping back. “I need rest, and so will the servants. You look about to drop, and I’ll not have you sick and in bed for the entire house party if I can help it.”
“But—”
He held two fingers to her lips to stop whatever she was going to say. The soft moist touch on his skin left a mark when he lowered his hand. “No buts. We will gather our people and what belongings we can recover and ride for Pendleton. It’s only two hours from here and is a nice village where anything we need to replace can be purchased.”
Without further argument, she took his hand and they walked toward the inn. After five minutes, Beauty trotted beside them. As they turned into the inn’s yard, she dropped his hand. It was as if his heart were ripped from his chest. The sweet intimate connection had become part of him in only a few minutes.
The yard was still in confusion but with less terror and urgency. Bits and pieces smoked, but nothing burned. The sun crept in, making the scene less ominous by the moment. People slogged through the mud. Captain Bennett gave orders, as did Mr. Minot. Imogen Minot looked ready to fall out at any moment. She sat on the stoop, her skin pale and her eyes filled with terror. Black soot marred her face, but she appeared otherwise unharmed.
Preston approached the captain. “Any serious injuries?”
Captain Bennett grabbed his hand heartily. “Glad you made it, and Miss Edgebrook. I saw you helping with the buckets last night and questioned the lady’s safety. Of course, I had no time to ask. I lost the two men who were inside the building when the lightning hit and one in the yard. One of the stablemen was killed in the fallout. Other than that, only some minor scrapes and burns. It could have been much worse. The explosions woke the guests in time for everyone to get out before the smoke got them.”
The inn was still standing, though singed on one side and fire-damaged at the back. “Lucky indeed. That much munitions struck by lightning. I have no idea why we weren’t all blown to damnation.”
“Millie!” Doris Whimple screamed and ran through the mud faster than one might have thought a woman could wearing a nightgown, covered in mud and barefoot. Reaching them, she grabbed Millicent in a crushing hug.
“I’m all right, Doris. I’m all right. You look worse than me. What happened to you?”
“I heard the first blast and went into the hall to see what was happening. Before I knew it, a man grabbed me and rushed me from the building. I couldn’t get back to you, and I was frantic. How did you get out?”
Hesitating for an instant, Millicent swallowed and said, “His Grace found me looking for you and helped me escape.”
Doris crushed her again. “I’m so happy you’re safe. I cried myself sick with worry all night.”
Preston spotted his driver, William, leading one of the horses back, and he tied the mare to a hook on the side of the barn. “Mrs. Whimple, I too am relieved to see you safe. Where did you spend the night? This area was a battleground, but I did not see you.”
“Oh, Your Grace, William saved us. He took me, a few other maids and Mrs. Minot out of harm’s way. He herded us across the field and by the creek where he found a small cave we spent the night inside. He even managed to build a small fire, though I’ve no idea how he did it. A miracle that man is.” She gushed with enthusiasm for the story and the deeds.
“Will you ladies see if our belongings are salvageable from the inn. I’ll check on the rest of the staff and carriages.” He watched Millicent as she stared at the ground and then at the ruined yard filled with dirty scared people. Maybe she wanted to tell him to stay with her, but she nodded and strode away. He kept watching until they were inside the inn.
Aimsly helped with two more of Preston’s horses while William managed the last.
“I’m happy to see you both survived. What of Brian and Trevor?” Preston asked after the footmen.
William said, “Both safe, sir. They are behind the barn, checking the carriages. I think we should be ready to leave here in an hour or so, if you like.”
The degree of relief that swamped Preston could not be measured. His people all safe, if a little worse for wear, was more than he could have hoped for after the hell of the night before. “Yes, let’s get us out of here. The captain will help Minot with repairs, and we can stay at the inn at Pendleton. It’s a short drive, and we need not kill ourselves to get to Brookhaven today. I’m sure all the guests have been delayed as well by the storm. I long for my own bed, but not enough to drive all day today.”
“Yes, sir.” William tied the horse next to the first.
“I understand you were quite the hero last night, Will.”
“Not at all, sir. I only did what anyone would do.” Will had seen a bit of the world and had the crow’s feet around his eyes to show for it.
“That is not the way Mrs. Whimple tells it. You might have slain a dragon from her tale.”
“I just found a cave and made a fire, sir. Hardly praiseworthy deeds.” He narrowed his eyes on the horse and avoided eye contact, clearly embarrassed by the praise.
Preston slapped him on the back. “Oh, I don’t know. Making a fire in the rain with no dry wood to work with is quite a feat.”
He shrugged. “The river has a lot of caves along the bank. I found dry leaves and twigs inside. It wasn’t magic. I’m just glad the ladies survived the night.”
“And you too,” Preston said before leaving him to check on Minot and the state of things.
* * * *
It took an additional half an hour, but by midmorning, they were on their way. Preston couldn’t blame the servants. It was amazing they had gotten packed up and ready in that time. The horses were as tired as the humans they hauled. It was slow going along muddy roads, and he was glad he hadn’t planned to go far. Millicent avoided his gaze and dozed the entire way. Though, every bump in the road startled her awake.
Dirty and smelling of smoke, it was a great relief when they arrived in the town of Pendleton and the Old Salt Inn could accommodate them for the night. He offered to have baths arranged for the servants, but the men all said they would take care at the river as the inn’s proprietress, Madam Goodbattle, suggested. They also took poor Beauty for a good bathing, for which Preston was appreciative and would compensate all four.
Once the ladies where in their rooms, he went to Madam Goodbattle for help. “Do you think there are some clothes the ladies might wear until I can go shopping? I cannot see them putting on anything that was in the fire. Everything will have to be washed, and we really must be on our way tomorrow morning.”
Madam Goodbattle was as round on the bottom as she was full at the top. She was a perfect, if rather large, hourglass with bright blue eyes and red hair that had only a touch of gray. She was a handsome woman, and she grinned at Preston as if she might devour him as a snack. “I will find them something to wear. I can offer you a clean shirt and coat, Your Grace. Perhaps a warm basin of water before you go traipsing around town. I only have the two bathtubs, or I would offer you a third while the ladies clean up.”
It was impossible not to be charmed by her flirting. I
t came as naturally to her as breathing. “I trust you to see to their needs, madam. I will take you up on the clean clothes and water. I’m sure I am without redemption.”
She shrugged. “I’ve seen worse.”
They both laughed, but she sobered. “You say the fire was at Minot’s inn at Barley?”
“Yes. Munitions were being stored by a passing regiment who stopped for shelter in the storm. We assumed lightning was the culprit. The inn itself is still standing, though the smoke did its worst.” Preston was sure it would take the Minots months to be ready for guests again. He’d left payment for the night, despite sleeping in a barn. Hopefully, Captain Bennett was as good as his word.
“I’ve known them for years. Competitors, but also friends.” She shook her head. “I’ll send a cart their way tomorrow. I’m sure to have some things around here that will help with their recovery. I can send one of my men as well.” Her gaze was far away, calculating what she could send to the desperate innkeeper and his wife.
“You are a good woman, madam.”
Coming back to the present, she gave him a slow, sexy smile. “If you’d like to find out just how good, Your Grace, you might stay around a few days and take me to dinner. Or are you already smitten with that lovely woman you’re traveling with?”
It was a tempting and flattering offer from an intriguing woman. “I’m afraid I must decline, but I’m honored by your regard.”
She laughed and looked toward the stairs leading up to where Millicent was probably relaxing in a bath. “That’s what I thought.”
“I am sorry.” Though he was only sorry for any offense she might take, it was true.
Waving off his apology, she wrote down directions to several shops he might try in the village. “The heart goes where it must, and I am not the kind of woman who stands in its way.”
After washing up and donning the few clean items Madam Goodbattle gave him, Preston set out to find what he needed. Two dresses with all the underthings a lady might require and perhaps a change of clothes for himself. It was five o’clock by the time he returned to the inn with several boys he’d hired off the street to help him carry his packages.
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