Desiring Lady Caro by Ella Quinn

have an early day to-morrow.”
    He stood. “I’ll escort you to your room.”
    Caro waved him back down. “Really, there’s no need. You stay and have your port.”
    Huntley came around the table. “It is my pleasure.” He did his best to look innocent as he searched her face for any sign she was softening toward him. “Please?”
    She glanced up, peeping uncertainly through her long, curling lashes, apparently still shy of him and their situation. He knew it would take her time, and he was willing to give it to her. After all, they only had the rest of their lives.
    “Very well.”
    He opened the door and stood back to allow her to pass before joining her and placing her hand on his arm. “Do you mind if we break our fast at six o’clock?”
    “Not at all. When do you wish to leave?”
    They strolled down the corridor. “As soon thereafter as possible. If you agree, I’d like to continue to stop in smaller towns, where we are less likely to meet other travelers.”
    Caro turned to him, and the fear he was determined to vanquish crept into her eyes. “Do you think he’ll follow?”
    He stopped at her door and knocked. “I don’t know. We’d be wise to assume he will. Better safe than sorry, but try not to worry.”
    She nodded. “I suppose you’re right. Thank you again for dinner. I had a lovely time.”
    When Nugent opened the door, Caro turned and entered her chamber.
    He stood for a few moments staring at the door, wondering when he’d finally be allowed in her bed. He sighed and ambled slowly back to the parlor, where he poured a glass of local red wine—port would only give him a bad head in the morning. The lack of sleep and events of the day were finally catching up with him. The thought occurred that this was his wedding night, and he wouldn’t be spending it with his wife.
    He shrugged it off. Perhaps he was too optimistic, but there was always hope that somehow they’d work it out. The only thing he knew right now was that he’d not dishonor her by taking another woman.
    He could take small steps to convince Caro to be a real wife to him and protect her at the same time. To-night was the warmest she’d ever been toward him, and he wanted it to continue. Yet if he went even a little too quickly, she would draw back like a scared animal in fear for its life. He wondered if they could ever grow to love one another. Strange how he looked forward to having a real marriage when he’d been so set against it only a few months earlier. This must be what Beaumont and Rutherford had gone through for their wives.
    Huntley sipped his wine. It would be largely up to him whether they did or not make it work. He must craft a plan to woo her: feeding her, which included finding chocolate, keeping her busy and engaged, and showing her how safe he could make her feel. He’d not take any steps toward physical intimacy until she was ready, but little by little, he would convince her to be a wife and make her his, body and mind. By the time they got to Nancy, she would be his countess and his lover.
    Movement on the street below caused him to look down. A man on horseback stopped and spoke with their coachman, Raphael. Once Raphael stepped back from the horse, the man turned around and cantered back in the direction he’d come. The marchese must be closer behind them than Huntley had thought.
    He started for the door when it opened, admitting Collins and Dalle, with identical looks of worry mixed with humor.
    Huntley motioned them in and shut the door. “Was he looking for her ladyship?”
    Dalle bowed. “Yes, my lord. Raphael told him he saw a fair-haired woman and a man in one of the towns we passed early this afternoon. It’ll take him a good long time to chase that hare.”
    The rider would need to find a place to stay this evening and have a look around before returning here to-morrow. By then, his little party would be well on their way north. “Dalle, ask her ladyship to join me. Collins, I need