Page 16 of The Dare Before Christmas

“Ah, Torie. If I get to speak to the man today, I shall tell him how wonderful you are and—by the time he gets home—he’ll be thoroughly in love with you.”

Torie gave a squeak of alarm. “Don’t you dare! He’s already got the comte pushing him in my direction, which has naturally set him even harder against the idea. If you do it too, he’ll likely run away and never be seen again. No,” she said with a sigh. “Just leave it be. I’ll not set my cap for a man when he’s made it so obvious he doesn’t want to get involved.”

“Oh,” Emmeline said with a dejected sigh. “Shall I stay with you? I don’t like to leave you all alone when you’re sad.”

“I’m not the least bit sad,” Torie said at once, forcing a bright smile. “A little disappointed, that’s all, but I have a mystery to unravel and treasure to find. Who on earth could be sad in those circumstances?”

“Well, probably not you,” Emmeline conceded with a wry smile.

“Exactly. Now, run along before they go without you. I shall see you later.”

“If you’re sure, then?” she asked.

Torie nodded and Emmeline hugged her before hurrying to the waiting carriages.

Mr Godwin hesitated, standing outside of the carriage he was sharing with Evie and Louis.

“You’re not coming?” he asked, something that looked like suspicion lurking in his hazel eyes.

“No,” Torie said succinctly, not seeing why she ought to explain further.

“Why not?” he pressed.

She let out a sound of irritation and folded her arms. “I would think you’d be pleased. You’re free of my presence for a whole day. Why not enjoy it?”

“That’s what I’m asking myself,” he grumbled. “But I have this prickling feeling down my spine that tells me you’re up to no good.”

“How very unpleasant,” she said coolly. “But none of your affair, unless you have changed your mind and wish to spend the day with me?”

She quirked an eyebrow. He sighed, and she wondered if that had really been regret in his eyes and if she were very wicked for wishing it had been. He was only doing what he thought was best, after all, no matter how muddle-headed his thinking.

“Have a good day, Lady Victoria,” he said politely, and took his place with the others.

Victoria stood on the doorstep and waved them off before hurrying back inside and collecting her bonnet and gloves. She had exploring to do.

Barnaby sat back against the squabs, quite unable to shake the sense of unease that nagged at him. The lady was up to something, he was certain of it. No doubt the moment their backs were turned she’d be off investigating the unrestored parts of the building, despite Louis’ warnings to stay clear, or plunging back into the woods in pursuit of whatever it was she thought she’d seen.

His thoughts returned to that moment yesterday, with her in his arms, and he wondered what he would have done had the duchess not called for her when she had. He snorted inwardly, well aware of what he would have done. He’d been within moments of plunging headlong into catastrophe and kissing her. God, but it had been tempting, the way she had licked her lips, as if anticipating the touch of his mouth, the taste of his kiss. His skin tightened at the recollection, and he forced himself to think of something else… like the fact she might go into the woods alone and break her ankle, and not be found until tonight, when they returned, if the staff didn’t notice she was missing. He tried to force the feeling away, telling himself he was being ridiculous. She was a strong-minded young woman, but by no means daft. Yet, the temperature was dropping, and he could not shake the vision of how enchanted she’d looked when Louis had told her about the treasure. She had been utterly spellbound. The chances of her not going off exploring were nil.

“Hell,” he muttered.

Louis turned to look at him, frowning. “What is it?”

“Stop the carriage,” Barnaby said, unable to hide the impatience in his tone.

Evie sat forward in her seat, regarding him with alarm. “Barnaby, whatever is the matter?”

He hesitated, wondering if he was being ridiculous, but he could not shake the sense of unease nagging at him. “I’m not going with you.”

“Whyever not?” Evie asked, her face filled with concern.

“It’s your fault,” he told Louis irritably. “You ought never to have mentioned that dratted treasure. She’ll be off tearing the place apart, you mark my words.”

“Oh.” Louis’ expression cleared and grew remorseful. “Indeed, had I known what an imagination the young lady had… but too late now. I suppose she’ll be so intrigued she’ll be tempted to explore the unrestored parts of the house. That might not be wise.”

“Exactly!” Barnaby snapped, rapping on the roof of the carriage.

“Oh, but Louis, since you spoke to Mr Trencher yesterday, he said it’s not so—”