Read Online Scoundrel by Elizabeth Elliott - Free Book Online Page B

this time to forget Remmington and her childish infatuation with him. That thought made her sigh, for she could sooner forget her name. She missed him already; his air of authority, the gentle way he held her, the tenderness in his expression when they stood before Crofford House. She’d wanted him to put his arms around her then, to draw her closer, to—
    “Are we really in a duke’s carriage?” Gretchen asked. The maid brushed her hand over the tufted seats and reverently touched the velvet upholstery of the walls. The brass trim of the doors and fittings sparkled like gold in the soft light that glowed from the carriage lantern, and rich mahogany gleamed along the trim.
    Gretchen shot Lily a guilty look and returned her hands to a prim position on her lap, her eyes downcast. “Sorry, my lady. I didn’t mean to be so forward.”
    Lily smiled. She doubted whether Gretchen had known an
un
forward moment in her life. “I don’t mind your questions. Yes, it is a duke’s carriage. He’s the employer of Jack and Mr. Digsby, and the other men at the house tonight.”
    “Is he one of your suitors? The duke, that is.” Gretchen fidgeted uncertainly when Lily took a moment to reply.
    “No. He is courting another lady.” Lily wondered how they’d gotten onto this subject. “Don’t you have a beau yourself, Gretchen?”
    “Oh, no, miss. I had one a long time ago, but he married my best friend. Wasn’t much interested after that. I’m not the sort to draw a man’s attention anyway.”
    “Well, I don’t agree,” Lily said kindly. She inspected the maid with a critical eye, looking for some trait to praise. The girl’s hair was a nondescript shade of brown, her eyes murky green. She had the sort of face that would look very motherly in a few more years. Though not obese, Gretchen was certainly on the plump side. “You’ve a very nice complexion and a pleasant face, Gretchen.”
    “Why, thank you, miss.” Gretchen’s cheeks glowed from the praise. “I’m afraid the men don’t seem to see it that way. Then again, could be the right one hasn’t seen me yet!”
    Lily began to chuckle over Gretchen’s outlook on men, but the laughter caught in her throat. The carriage door snapped open and a hand reached inside to wrap around her wrist. She could barely draw a breath before she found herself yanked out of the carriage.
    “Remmington!” Lily tried to keep her feet underneath her as he pulled up the steps toward his house. He didn’t acknowledge his name, barely seemed to notice that she was at his side as he towed her along. His mouth was set in a straight, determined line, the dark expression on his face nearly frightening. She looked lower and realized he was wearing a black satin robe. His strong, bare legs emerged from the folds of the garment with every long stride. “Good Lord. You’re on the street in your robe! Have you lost your wits?”
    “I seem to recall you in a similar state not so long ago,” he said in a faintly mocking tone. His stride didn’t break as he continued into the house. He passed through a door into the library, slammed the door shut behind them, then led her to a low couch and pushed on her shoulders until she sat down.
    “You’re staying here.”
    Of all the things he could have said to her, that was the last thing she expected to hear. In fact, it wasn’t even on the list. “I’m
what
?”
    “You’re staying here. In my house.” He planted his hands on his hips and stared down at her. The look in his eyes dared her to defy him. “Digsby told me that your father sent you packing to some elderly aunt’s house in the country. I’ve never heard of anything so ludicrous in my life. Until I can talk reason into your father, you’ll stay here.”
    “I will do no such thing!” As she stood up to face him, it dawned on her that Remmington thought he was doing her a favor. He’d rescued her once tonight, and now he seemed to feel responsible for her safety. She