by Regina Scott
“And the happiest woman,” Katherine assured him.
“Well, if they won’t accept a position,” Sir Richard declared from the doorway, “I will.”
“Did you all overcome my guard,” Lord Hastings demanded, “or was he carried away by gypsies?”
“Neither,” Sir Richard replied, moving into the room with a nod toward Laughton, who was shaking his head. “Though I suspect him shortly to carry off my niece in marriage by the way they are crooning over each other.”
“Blasted epidemic,” Hastings complained, though there was a twinkle in his dark eyes. “Just like this spying. Send them on their way, Richard, and we can talk.”
“Your servant, sir,” he replied, putting a hand on Alex’s shoulder and pushing him toward the door. “Send Bixby to me and see that my nieces get safely home, won’t you, Borin?”
“With pleasure, sir,” Alex assured him.
Out in the antechamber, he slowed his steps, savoring a few moments alone with Katherine. She did not complain, lingering with him before the door.
“Have you truly forgiven me?” she murmured, enfolding one of his hands with her own.
He used his free hand to trace her cheek with one finger. “There is nothing to forgive. You did what you felt you must to save your family. I admire your courage and your foresight in carrying out the plan. Do you forgive me for thinking you were anything but marvelous?”
A tear trickled down her cheek, and he caught it with his finger. “Tears?”
“Happy tears,” she replied with a sniff. “And there is also no need to forgive you. You had every right to be angry with me. I used my talents to disadvantage. I promise not to manipulate you again, Alex. But I fear I shall always be a managing female. It seems to be in my blood.”
He smiled. “I have a great number of activities that need managing, my dear. Your considerable skills will not go to waste. In fact, I have a task for you right now.”
She cocked her head. “Oh?”
He grinned and placed a quick kiss on her ear before whispering. “Yes. Can you manage to find a way to occupy your stepsister once we return to your townhouse so we may have some time together?”
She smiled back. “For you, Lord Borin, I can manage anything.”
To managing females everywhere,
especially Gariann Gelston and Christa Knudson
Copyright © 2000 by Regina Lundgren
Originally published by Zebra (978-0821772799)
Electronically published in 2011 by Belgrave House/Regency
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This is a work of fiction. All names in this publication are fictitious and any resemblance to any person living or dead is coincidental.
