When Sparks Fly by Sabrina Jeffries

him. “Have you noticed nothing about me in the past few days? As it happens, I’m perfectly comfortable in the country. I like to read and sew and go for long walks. I’m not remotely a ‘society female.’ ”
    â€œDid you or did you not go to an expensive ladies’ school?” he asked.
    â€œYes, but—”
    â€œAnd were you presented to the queen? Did you dance at Almack’s? Did all your friends do the same?”
    â€œWhat has that got to do with anything?” she demanded.
    â€œYou said you weren’t a society female. I’m reminding you that you are.” When she opened her mouth to protest, he added hastily, “It’s the right kind of life for the daughter of Joseph Bancroft.”
    â€œAnd what about for the wife of a lord of the realm?” she snapped.
    â€œIn society’s eyes, I am only a lord because I killed my brother. The rules for other men of rank don’t apply to me. Trust me, the Black Baron can’t give you the kind of life you deserve.”
    â€œPerhaps I don’t want that kind of life!”
    He shook his head. “You don’t know what you want. How can you, after only a few days moldering here at Thorn­cliff? Give it another week, and you’ll be bored senseless.”
    â€œAnd you won’t even allow me the chance to find out, will you?” she snapped as she buttoned up her cloak. “You’re throwing me aside out of some dubious attempt to protect me from . . . from nonsense.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I told you I don’t care about any of that, and if you choose not to believe me—”
    â€œI choose to do what I think is right for you. You deserve better.”
    â€œAbsolutely,” she said hotly. “I deserve a man who wants me.”
    â€œI do want you!”
    A blush darkened her fine skin. “If you wanted me, you’d find a way to have me instead of making a lot of excuses.”
    â€œThey’re not excuses!”
    At that moment, they heard noises outside. Hell and blazes, he’d forgotten that he’d asked a groom to saddle his horse half an hour ago. That’s when he’d seen the boys trying to get in.
    Huggett’s voice drifted to where they stood. “I couldn’t find him in the house, so he’s got to be out here.”
    â€œP’raps,” the groom said. “It ain’t like him to keep me waiting so long.”
    â€œMy lord?” called the butler from a healthy distance, since he knew better than to approach the entrance.
    â€œBlast it all,” Martin hissed under his breath. “I have to go.”
    â€œWell then, go,” she said with a sniff as she turned for the table. She hunted until she found her spectacles, then put them on.
    When she made no move toward the door, he growled, “I’m not leaving you in here alone.”
    â€œOh, for goodness’ sake.” Ignoring his proffered arm, she hurried ahead of him, her sweet hips swaying in a motion that made him wish he could take back everything he’d said.
    He moved swiftly up beside her, grabbing her arm just in time for them to walk out together. “I’m here, Huggett. I was just showing Miss Bancroft the barn.”
    As the two of them emerged into the painfully bright morning sunlight, Huggett and the groom gaped at her. Too late, Martin remembered that her hair was down, though the rest of her looked presentable enough.
    â€œYou allowed Miss Bancroft into the barn ?” Huggett said meaningfully.
    Martin was just about to give his presumptuous butler a piece of his mind when Ellie answered. “Actually I followed him in there, which is why he’s kicking me out.” She shot Martin a cold glance. “Thank you for the tour, my lord.” Breaking free of his grip, she gave him a cool nod, then headed toward the house.
    As he watched her flounce off wearing the cloak that