Madcap Miss by Claudy Conn Read Free Book Online

obvious he did not wish to speak of it.
    The doctor worked on Scott and made some ‘aahs and ohs’ sounds. To Felicia the time ticked by slowly as she watched him and saw Scott squirm with pain.
    “Well,” said the doctor. “We are lucky. The bullet has passed straight through … there is an exit wound … here.” He indicated without actually moving Scott to show them. “No main arteries were severed, and although he has lost quite a bit of blood, he should do. We still have to worry about infection, however, so we are not out of the proverbial woods yet. I’ll see to the dressing now and be back in the morning.” He glanced at Felicia once again. “Perhaps you had better take Miss  to her own room now, for I mean to give the lad something to help him sleep.”
    “As you wish, doctor, but when your ministrations are complete, do stop by and have a word with me. I will be in the private parlor.” So saying he took Felicia’s elbow and began to lead her out of the room.
    She made a feeble objection. “Yes, but …”
    “No buts, my girl. It is time you and I …” He smiled at her softly. “… have a bite to eat and a little chat. I would wager, and win, that you are starving.”
    It was true. She hadn’t eaten all day, what with the news that the duke was nearly about to descend on her and then rushing off beside Scott with London in their sights. She was absolutely famished.
    “Yes, it is an awful thing, but I am hungry,” she answered.
    “Awful?” He frowned. “Why?”
    “Well, I shouldn’t be, should I? What with poor Scott …?” She shook her head. “He lies there in an awful state all because of me …” She stopped herself and said without looking at him, “Well, I shouldn’t want to gorge myself, should I?”
    He chuckled. “Very loyal sister.” He then eyed her as though studying some new species, which made her almost squirm in place, before he added, “Well, as to that, it is perfectly natural for you to be hungry after such an adventure, and after all, you have seen to Scott’s well-being.”
    She cocked her face at him and considered this. “Yes … especially as I haven’t eaten since a piece of toast early this morning.”
    “My poor dear, why is that?”
    They had by this time reached the private parlor her hero (as she had begun to think of him) had hired for the evening, and he saw her seated. Felicia looked up at him and suddenly knew: he did not believe that she and Scott were brother and sister. Why he didn’t believe it, she could not say.
    She would have to be careful. What did he think? She felt herself blush as she realized what it might look like. He thought she and Scott were lovers … eloping!
     

 
    ~ Six ~
     
    FELICIA FOUND HERSELF staring up into silver glitter full with secrets and was momentarily both taken and set on guard. Well, she told herself, that wasn’t quite fair, as she had her own secrets.
    She looked away and studied the small parlor dominated by a huge window that overlooked a garden with wrought iron chairs and tables, lit up with garden torches. It was most charming. She looked back at him to find him studying her, and butterflies took flight in her stomach.
    The room itself was dimly lit with candles and a small fire in the grate. She had never dined alone with a man, other than Scott, and this was a completely new experience for her. She felt intimidated by it all and chewed her bottom lip.
    She knew she must look a mess with her long hair all windblown and her simple brown velvet riding ensemble covered now in dried blood. She had no other clothes with her. How could they ever present themselves to Scott’s aunt in their present circumstances?
    He offered her a smile. “Well, I can see you are thinking that you have gotten yourself into a fine mess, and you have, child, you have.”
    She put up her chin. “I am not a child.”
    He chuckled and inclined his head. “Oh, are you not? Do forgive me. Perhaps the breeches