The Riddle of the Reluctant Rake by Patricia Veryan Page A

pointed out Lady Abigail reasonably. “And Rufus is—indisposed. Come along, Colonel.” She looked at him with an unexpected gleam in her eyes. “You’ve mauled two of us today, might as well try for a trois. ”
    â€œ No, I tell you,” cried Miss Hall, coming shakily to her feet.
    â€œOh, be still,” said Adair, and with a deft and sudden movement had her in his arms. He caught a breath of a fresh sweet scent, then saw her boot fly out. Tightening his grip on her distinctly feminine form, he said sternly, “One kick, madam, and I might very well drop you, which would do that arm no good!”
    The neat boot hesitated, then was lowered.
    â€œThat’s a good girl,” said her grandmother. “He is very strong, as you see.”
    Adair followed Apothecary Bright into the surgery and lowered his burden very gently onto an examination table. Miss Hall lay and glared at him. The apothecary went off muttering about getting some hot water. Adair said, “You’ll want your grand-mama here, Miss Hall. I’ll leave you now.”
    â€œNo, you don’t,” said Lady Abigail, taking hold of his cloak. “I had thought you would have left at dawn, sir. You must know our menfolk are searching for us. Why did you stay in the area?”
    â€œSo as to search your house, ma’am.”
    â€œSearch Singletree?” exclaimed Miss Hall, taken aback. “Of all the brazen effrontery! I’ll wager you got short shrift from my uncle!”
    Lady Abigail said in an odd voice, “I cannot think you will still claim you were seeking poor Alice.”
    â€œBelieve it, ma’am. I was sure you had her hidden there.”
    â€œRubbish,” said Cecily. “Of all people, you know Alice is not at her home.”
    â€œI know it now.” Adair detached her ladyship’s clutch from his cloak, and on an impulse pressed a kiss on her small gloved hand. “But I’ll find her and clear my name however you may try to stop me.”
    He was gone, the swirl of his cloak and the jingle of spurs followed by a shout of protest from Rufus, and the rapid pound of hooves on the lane.
    Lady Abigail looked after him thoughtfully. “Now, I wonder why he would take so desperate a risk as to show his face at Singletree if he really has my sweet little Alice hidden away somewhere.” She turned to the apothecary, who came back into the room carrying a steaming bowl. “Why was he here, Bright?”
    â€œHe said as how Miss Cecily had been hurt, marm, and sorry I was to hear it. But there was no cause for him to order me about the way he did.” The apothecary opened several drawers and investigated the contents apparently without success. “Now I’ve mislaid my scissors, drat it!” he muttered, and went out again.
    Lady Abigail said musingly, “So Adair took another risk—and for your sake, child.”
    â€œBetter late than never!”
    â€œTrue. But it was chancy. He must know that if your uncle had confronted him, he’d very likely have been shot.”
    â€œWhat a very great pity Uncle Alfred missed his chance,” said Cecily in a fretful voice.
    â€œBut you will admit, my love, that it is strange.”
    â€œI think it a deal more strange that you would give such a rogue the benefit of the doubt, Grandmama!”
    Lady Abigail hurried to bend and kiss her. “That arm is paining you, and you are worn out, my poor lamb. But—I know men, Cecily. The Colonel may be a rascal, but he is a charming rascal, and—”
    â€œAnd you rather enjoyed being swept up and held so ruthlessly, did you not, ma’am?”
    â€œNow you are being saucy.” Lady Abigail added rather wistfully, “He was really very gentle with me.”
    â€œAnd kissed your hand with such an air, no?”
    â€œDon’t sneer, my pet. It may be that he is indeed a calculating and conscienceless libertine.