Read Good Earls Don't Lie for Free Online Page B

the sight of the mare, Lady Rose hesitated. “I don’t know. I haven’t been riding in some time, and—” Her words broke away. From the look on her footman’s face, she could tell that he had no desire to go anywhere. Nelson also seemed unwilling to condone it.
    But then, it was her decision, was it not?
    “It’s not so very far, is it, lad?” Though Mr. Donovan directed the words to Beauregard, he never took his gaze from hers. His green eyes held interest, and she felt a prickle of awareness toward the man. His shirt was damp with perspiration, and it outlined rigid muscles. She wondered exactly how strong he was, and a blush stole over her face. Even Lord Burkham had never looked at her in such a way . . . as if he were trying to know her intimately. The thought unnerved her.
    “It’s about three miles,” Rose heard herself answer. Her brain argued that she had no business escorting Beauregard home—not with this man. He was an Irish stranger whose flirtatious demeanor was entirely improper.
    And yet, she’d felt so trapped in the past few weeks, any outing was a welcome opportunity—even if it was only for a chance to leave the estate. She was so weary of being inside, unable to move or go anywhere without the curmudgeonly Calvert.
    “Three miles isn’t a long journey at all. And it is a fine evening, to be sure.” Mr. Donovan reached for one of the saddles and began readying Molly.
    Nelson started to protest, but Lady Rose lifted a hand and shook her head at the coachman. It was not his place to deny her the right to ride.
    Once Mr. Donovan had cinched the saddle, he beckoned to her. “Bring Lady Rose here,” he told the footman, “and you can return to the house if you’ve no wish to go with her.”
    “I won’t be leaving her with the likes of you,” Calvert countered. And while Rose could understand his reasoning, the idea of a ride tempted her. It was a lovely evening, and despite her inner doubts, was there any harm in riding a few miles down the road? She didn’t think so.
    “Put me upon Molly,” she ordered her footman. “I’ll be fine.”
    “But, Lady Rose, you cannot consider this.” Calvert appeared aghast at the idea. “You don’t even know this man.”
    “No,” she agreed. But she did want to know more about him and why he had come to Penford. It would give her the chance to ascertain whether he was telling the truth. “You are welcome to follow on your own mount, if you wish. Or Nelson can accompany me.” The coachman looked uncomfortable at the idea.
    Calvert also appeared uneasy. “I can’t be leaving you alone with the Irishman.”
    “Then come with me.” She pointed toward the mare. “But help me onto Molly first.”
    He brought her over to the horse, looking uneasy about her decision. Rose sent him a pointed look, reminding Calvert that he was in her employ. Eventually, he lifted her onto the mare. She sat sidesaddle and guided the animal to the door. “Thank you. I shall wait outside until you decide whether to attend me yourself or send another servant.”
    The footman sent her a weary look, but nodded. “I know my duty, Lady Rose.” With the greatest of reluctance, he went to fetch his own horse with the help of Nelson.
    Mr. Donovan clapped his arm on Beauregard and followed. “Come, lad. We’ll get you washed up before you go home.”
    Resentment was written all over the boy’s face, but he obeyed. Rose guided the mare out of the stables and toward the path. A moment later, Mr. Donovan led the adolescent boy from the stable toward the water trough, and ordered the boy to strip off his shirt.
    Beau looked disgruntled, but did as he was told, washing his face, arms, and torso. Donovan did the same, splashing water on his face and throat. Droplets of water spilled over his skin, while his hair was wet along his forehead and cheeks. He turned to her, as if he’d sensed her watching, and he sent her the pirate smile again.
    Rose felt her cheeks