The Duke's Alliance Book Two: A Dangerous Husband by Fenella J Miller Read Free Book Online Page B

were passing through was familiar but soon they would turn onto the toll road and then everything would be new to her. They were quite a cavalcade passing down the narrow country lane with three outriders and Lord Carshalton accompanying them.
    Half an hour or so later she saw her companion's two servants riding across the fields and wondered where they were going. Forgetting she was supposed to be silent and allow her ladyship to sleep she spoke up. 'Your men are leaving us, Lady Carshalton, why is that?'
    A remarkably alert response came immediately. 'They will be going ahead to arrange for refreshments at a suitable hostelry. This is a busy road and it wouldn't do to stop anywhere unless we have a private parlour.'
    'I see. I apologise for waking you, but I was surprised to see them go.'
    The carriage settled back into silence again and now both her companions were fast asleep. The sun shone through the windows making the carriage unpleasantly stuffy. The maid should be asked to open the window but Madeline had no wish to wake her so decided to do this task herself.
    She slid along the squabs until she was at the far side of the vehicle and then leaned across to unbutton the leather strap. She held onto this so there would be no sudden noise to wake the sleeping ladies.
    A cool refreshing breeze flooded into the carriage and then a rider drew alongside and his lordship looked in. He nodded at the gently snoring women. 'Would you care to come up with me for a while?' He spoke softly so as not to wake them. She nodded and he leaned in and opened the door. 'Move forward and I'll lift you out.'
    She did as he bid and was whisked from the carriage as if she weighed nothing at all and positioned sideways in front of his lordship. His man quietly closed the door and then both riders reined back and let the carriage move ahead of them.
    'I can't tell you how glad I am to be in the fresh air, I thank you for offering to take me pillion.'
    He had shifted back in the saddle allowing her more room, but despite him having one arm firmly around her waist she felt extremely unstable balanced so precariously.
    'I don't think this was a good idea after all, I'm in imminent danger of falling unless I ride astride and that's impossible in the gown I'm wearing.'
    He reined in and once they were stationary lowered her to the ground. 'You’re quite right; this was an idiotic notion of mine. Smith, ride after the carriage and get it to wait for us.' His man cantered away.
    'Fortunately I'm wearing footwear suitable for walking. I've no wish for a repeat performance of last time as my feet have only just recovered…' Madeline stopped, horrified she'd been so indelicate as to mention her feet.
    'I wouldn't have suggested it if I wasn't aware you had on walking boots.' He pulled the reins of his huge horse over its ears and then looped them across his arm. 'You should not have come; the duke will be most displeased.'
    'When I agreed to accompany your grandmother I'd no idea you were coming too. I should have politely declined the invitation if I'd known. I could hardly refuse to get into the carriage once she'd arrived, now could I?'
    He offered his free arm to her and she placed her gloved hand on it. 'I gave my word to your brother and I'm not happy that I've broken it.'
    'I'll explain to him it was entirely my fault. I shall enjoy the stroll, sir, it is particularly beautiful in this lane now the leaves are turning golden. Although I'd prefer to be able to see the surrounding countryside.'
    His arm tensed beneath her fingers. He was staring ahead with narrowed eyes. She was about to enquire what was wrong when he leaned down and whispered in her ear.
    'There's someone hiding in the woods ahead. I want you to lead my horse and continue to talk as if I was with you. Can you do that?'
    Her mouth was so dry she couldn't speak so nodded instead. 'Good girl. I'll be close by, it's me they're after and they won't reveal themselves until I'm close