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his teeth at his brother before the insolent pup smiled and dutifully turned his head.
       "We need to reach the next village before dark," Simon said.
       "Haslemere is just a few miles up the road," the coachman informed them. "It's fairly good-sized, so there's got to be someone in a coaching yard who can fix this up with plenty of time to spare."
       Plenty of time to Jenkins and plenty of time to Simon meant two very different things. Even if they found a fellow to repair the axle as soon as they reached the village, when they returned, it would be too late for them to continue on this day. Lily couldn't ride in a carriage with him or Will after dark.
       During the daylight hours, he could honestly say he was more aware of her injury than her body. He had the beast firmly under control—for the time being, though he wasn't so sure how long he could maintain his composure after the sun went down.
       "I think that's a good idea," Will agreed goodnaturedly. "We'll send someone back for you, Jenkins."
       His brother nudged his gelding forward, and Abbadon dutifully followed. Simon noticed Lily wince from being jostled on the horse, though she didn't utter a complaint. He sighed.
       "Will!" he called. When his brother pulled up on his reins, Simon gestured toward the road in front of them. "Your speed isn't conducive to Miss Rutledge's injury. Go on ahead, and find someone to fix the axle. We'll follow at a more leisurely pace."
       "Whatever you say, Simon." Will had the audacity to wink at him.
       Simon glowered at his brother. "And we're going to need rooms at the inn. See if you can't get the innkeeper to track down the local doctor before we arrive."
       "Anything else, Your Grace?" Will raised one eyebrow at him.
       Simon wasn't sorry at all for his tone. Being alone with Lily while her body was pressed against his would be some of the hardest work he'd ever done. No reason why Will shouldn't have a few chores of his own.
       Lily stirred in his arms and looked up at him. "Shouldn't we see if the coach can be fixed first, Your Grace? It's not that much farther to Westfield Hall, is it?"
       It might as well be on the other side of the Atlantic, for all the good it did them. They'd never make it in time. He shook his head. "It's too dangerous to travel these roads at night, Miss Rutledge. We'll stay in Haslemere."
       Will chuckled. "My brother thinks everything is too dangerous."
       "Be off, you dog," Simon ordered.
       Will smiled at Lily. "His bite is much worse than his bark, my dear. Keep that in mind."
       "William!" he roared.
       Will tipped his hat, then pressed his heels to the side of his gelding, and raced down the road.
       Simon was surprised when Lily laughed against his chest, her warm hazel eyes twinkling in the fading light. Having her close, smiling at him, made him wish for things that could never be. A pang of regret pierced his heart, and he urged Abbadon on. "What could you possibly find amusing, Miss Rutledge?"
       "The two of you. Emma and I used to bicker like that… Well, not exactly like that, but close enough."
       "He's infuriating," Simon huffed.
       "You're very close," she said. "It's easy to see you adore each other."
       "We're connected," he amended.
       Lily rested her head against his heart and closed her eyes, an endearing smile lighting her face. For a moment, Simon thought he could stare at her for hours, for days, and never tire of the sight. Then he snorted and shook his head. When had he become a fool?
       Lily's brow furrowed as she opened her eyes and lifted her head. "Are you feeling all right, Your Grace?"
       Simon nodded. "I've never felt better," he lied.
       Lily's frown deepened. "Are you certain? Your heart is racing, and you're nearly burning up through your shirt."
       He and his brothers were warmer than most other men. By the time most women realized it, they were too