Mistletoe and Mischief Read Free Page A

Davenport reside at number 57 Half-Moon Street, Mayfair.”
    Charles turned back to the window before the meaning of her words fully struck him. When they did, he gasped and had to swallow several times before he found his tongue.
    “Mayfair!” he said, whirling to face her. “Dear God! Do you mean to say you came all the way from London at this time of year?”
    Louisa’s eyes, round with surprise, looked fearfully back at him.
    “Why, of course, dear sir ... didn't you?”
    Charles blustered, “Yes--that is to say I am returning to London from Edinburgh, but–”
    She sighed with relief. “Then, isn't it fortunate! For a moment, I thought you were about to say that London would be out of your way.”
    Charles opened his mouth and then closed it. He collected himself and started again. “My dear young–” He tried again. “Miss Davenport! It would be highly improper for a gentleman, such as myself, and a lady of your tender years to spend all of four days enclosed together in a carriage! “
    She spoke as to a child. “Yes, you have already told me so and I agreed, but I thought we were also agreed that my reputation had suffered already?”
    “But the implication– The rumours that are sure to result–”
    She laughed. “I am in no position to reflect on that now. But I daresay,” she added comfortably, “that they will all blow over. I am not so green that I do not know that heiresses are forgiven much.”
    This information caught him off guard. “Are you an heiress?”
    She nodded. “A considerable one.” Then she added regretfully, “I greatly fear that my fortune might have been Geoffrey's object in eloping with me. But perhaps, in my present circumstances, a large fortune might not be such a bad thing to have.”
    Charles reflected that at least he, as a marquess, would not be accused of trying to steal her fortune. But as he looked at her–her dazzling curls clustered about her pretty face, her attractive figure–he realized that other motives might quite likely be attributed to him.
    He swallowed again. “Miss Davenport, I'm afraid that your innocence keeps you from recognizing your full peril. Why... my own purposes might even be called into question! Improper notions are certain to be roused.”
    “Lord Wroxton!”  She fixed him with a look of assumed shock. “Do you mean to tell me you are getting improper notions?”
    “No! Not at all! It is just that–”
    She chuckled. “I thought not.” She shook her head, and her curls bounced with the motion. “If neither you nor I have an improper idea in our heads, my lord, then I do not see what there is to be concerned about.”
    Thinking of his own reputation, and his honour, which might be compromised by such an interlude, he stammered, “But Miss Davenport, how shall we explain such a compromising situation?”
    The imperturbable Miss Davenport smiled carelessly at him. “I shall be happy to leave that up to you, Lord Wroxton. For myself, I shall just tell the truth–that you found me in great distress and saved me from my folly.”
    Then, as if the discussion were over, she settled back on her seat, raising the lap rugs to cover her shoulders.
    “Hadn't we better get under way?” she suggested. “My aunt and uncle will gladly reimburse you for whatever expenses you incur on my behalf, so you need not worry on that score.”
    Her mention of this put Charles forcibly in mind of the accommodations they would need to seek on the road. The day was already quite advanced. Charles could not possibly make it to Lord Northridge's estate, nor would he dare show up on his lordship's doorstep with an unknown lady on his arm. Such conduct would surely ruin him. He would never have the government's confidence again.
    But the journey to London was far too long to make without breaking, and if they did not hurry, they might find themselves without suitable lodging for the night.
    Still suffering from the jolt Miss Davenport had dealt him,