Only Marriage Will Do Read Free Page B

chest had been firm, not soft, his arms corded with muscles, unmistakable even through his coat. Dark blonde- hair pulled back in a bag and those intense blue eyes. Soon he’d be with her in the carriage. Yes, Captain Amiable Dawson cut a fine figure. The man would make any woman a wonderful husband.
    The object of her affection entered the carriage and sat opposite her.
    Just looking at him, so close to her, her heartbeat fluttered, her mouth went dry, and all manner of little chills raced down her arms. This must be love.
    “Does the coachman have the direction, Lady Juliet?”
    “Yes. He knows I am to go to Lady Honoria’s home in Beaumont Crescent.”
    “Very well.” Smiling, Captain Dawson rapped on the trap and the carriage started. “You said you will stay some days with your friend?”
    The curve of his sensuous lips caused her heart to pound unmercifully. “Until my aunt arrives from Northumberland. Perhaps a week or so.” Could she invite him to call on her at Honoria’s? Would that be too forward? Perhaps not. Especially, after the ordeal they had suffered together this morning. Lord, what might Philippe have done if Captain Dawson hadn’t appeared? Ice needled through her veins.
    “Is something wrong, Lady Juliet?” Amiable leaned forward.
    “No, Captain Dawson. Yes. I just thought, what if Philippe finds out where I have gone and follows me to Lady Honoria’s home? What am I to do?”
    Amiable gently squeezed her hand.
    Her heart swelled and she wanted to melt into the springs of the carriage. Such a kind man, and so concerned for her.
    “I know you are frightened of him, my lady. Still, all will be well. Your friend’s family will rebuff him if he puts in an appearance there.”
    “What if he brings papers that convince the Claypools I am his wife?” Her chest tightened. If St. Cyr could produce documents showing a legal marriage, the Claypools would have no choice but to turn her over to him. She blinked back tears. Suddenly, she could not breathe.
    He pulled her across the carriage and sat her beside him, his arm around her shoulders. “The proxy marriage is null in this country and any other certificates of marriage he brings would be forgeries, would they not, my lady?” He soothed her with his low-pitched voice. “You can insist the Claypools take them to an attorney for authentication.”
    Tears spilled down her cheeks. “But what if he has been clever about it? What if they can’t tell they are forgeries? He seemed so determined this morning, I believe he would do anything to—” The scenario unfolded before her with frightening clarity. Great sobs overtook her. “I just wish my brother were here.”
    “My dear, please do not distress yourself so.” He steered her head to his shoulder.
    She struggled to get herself under control, all the while reveling in the feel of his strong arm around her, the clean scent of his clothes, and his fainter but still comforting male smell.
    He stroked her hair where her cap had been knocked askew. Her face had grown hot with crying. She must look the very devil. She attempted to sit up, to repair herself in some way.
    He would have none of it and pressed her to stillness against his chest.
    Happy to feel this closeness to him, she nestled there quite readily. “I feel so safe with you, Captain Dawson. Is that not strange?”
    “I suppose it is, my lady, as we have only known each other for about an hour. Of course,” he said, and chuckled, “we were married for at least half that time.”
    Juliet smiled at that, and a trembling seized her stomach. She’d never experienced such a thing before. She never wanted to part from him. “I begin to fear I will not be safe at the Claypool’s. I find I truly do not wish to go there, Captain Dawson. If Philippe finds me I am afraid he will manage to take me away with him, and I would rather die than have to be married to him.”
    He tilted her face and looked into it. “Is there somewhere else I