“I’m truly happy for you.” And Andrew meant it. He only hoped he could be so lucky. How could he convince Rose to give them more time together? Nevermind convince her to marry him yet.
She was a factor he couldn’t control. So now what?
Now, fate played her hand.
The horses gave a soft whinny and the sleigh rumbled over a lump of snow. Andrew watched in horror as Rose’s lithe frame flew in the air toward the end of the open sleigh. All he could see was her flying off, hitting her head on the hard icy ground, lying limp. He had already found her that way one time. And once was already too many times. If she fell, and hit her head, he just knew she wouldn’t be as lucky the second time. Fears ugly hands gripped his heart, but courage and hope swelled his beating organ to break their grip. He would protect her now. No matter what.
He shot to his feet, grabbed her midair, and pulled her into his arms. To safety. The thumping of his heart could be heard for miles, he was sure. But he didn’t care. She was in his arms. Where she belonged. Where he belonged. With her. Holding her. Tenderly caring for her. If only she could come to do the same, he would know that he had a chance with her. And he would hold out hope that maybe one day, she could care for him.
For now, she was safe, and he could relax. He sank into his seat and hauled her down onto his lap.
His breaths came fast and his heart pounded as he held her against his chest, the place she had rested so tenderly the night before. The night that had changed his life. He vowed then and there that he would never let her go.
“I’m alright, Andrew.” A whisper fell against his ear. “I think you should let me go. Everyone is looking at us.”
Reality hit him. More or less, society’s perception of him hit him. Andrew beheld the six sets of eyes on him and Rose. He didn’t care. But he knew that she cared. And if anyone’s reputation was going to be dragged through the mud of the scandal sheets, it would be hers. He should let her go. But he couldn’t.
And even though she had just reassured him of her safety, he had to ask again, “Are you sure you’re alright?”
“I’m fine.” A half smile crept up the side of her face. “Truly.”
It was wildly improper. It was scandalous. He knew it. Everyone watching knew it. Almost none of them cared though. And that’s why he rested his forehead on her shoulder and whispered, “As long as you’re safe. That’s all that matters.” In that position, he waited a moment for his heart to resume a more natural pace.
Begrudgingly, he stood, hands still around her waist, and deposited her in her seat.
Only after he sat down did he see the raging emerald fire in Lady Antonia’s eyes.
Luke nudged his side, “You had better watch out for that one. At this point she’s about to breathe fire. She tried to sabotage things between Adeline and me. I think this time she’ll be out for blood. She just can’t allow such disparity in rank to prevail.”
“Don’t worry.” Under his breath, Andrew mumbled, “Good will triumph.”
“You had better hope so. The alternative is not a happy one. For anyone.”
Chapter 10
IT’SIMPOSSIBLETOSAYwhether Luke’s warning or Andrew’s protectiveness alerted him more. Regardless, Andrew was tense as the sleigh ride ended and the guests alighted.
Andrew observed his friends. Walking briskly toward the house, Jonathan had his arms around his wife, rubbing her to keep warm. Luke pulled Adeline into a hug and swung her squealing through the air, as if the short ride had been an insufferable time apart. And Bedford seemed to be on a full out run from Lady Antonia. Who, come to think of it, was lingering around Rose.
The three of them stood alone in the snow. Lady Antonia was seething, and she wasn’t hiding it.
“How dare you.” She approached Rose.
Rose took a step back.
“If no one else will speak the truth, I shall.” Venom spewed out of her mouth, “You have no place here. What good could you bring to a dukedom?” Lady Antonia stood akimbo, and lowered her voice to a deadly tone, “Think about it. There’s nothing right about this situation. Go. Be on your way, and find someone who can stand to be with you.”
Andrew would not allow this to continue, “Who are you to speak of truth and of right and wrong? You know nothing of this woman’s virtue.” He gestured toward Rose. “She is goodness. She is doing more right in this world than you could hope to accomplish in ten lifetimes. I’m here. I’m standing with her.”
Lady Antonia took another step toward Rose. They were nearly shoulder to shoulder.
“That’s enough, Lady Antonia,” Andrew’s voice pierced the pause in the air.
But not before Lady Antonia used her hip to bump into Rose. Not an instant too soon, Andrew saw that Rose was about to land in the prickly briar bush behind them. He grabbed her arm and swung her in front of himself. Then, he fell back on the bush and let out a grunt of pain.
Lady Antonia laughed and sauntered inside.
Rose had to push slightly on his body to stand up, and as she did so, Andrew could feel a few thorns piercing into his back.
