The Perfect Arrangement (The Not So Saintly Sisters #4) - Annabelle Anders Page 0,21

ride in the other carriage and Mr. Smythe will ride with us.”

Lillian frowned. “But he is injured!”

“Mr. Simmons says the wound wasn’t all that bad. Most of the blood was from the pig. But he wanted me to reassure you that he’d watch it closely. He’s very protective of the duke.” She stepped across to stare out the window. “The first coach is leaving already. Come now, I’ve pressed a gown for you today. I threw the mint away. It was a total loss.”

Of course it was. Lillian moved slowly, astonished to discover that her arms and shoulders ached. What must Christian feel like today? She allowed Becky to pin up her hair, she dressed, took a few mouthfuls of tea, and then hastily joined Mr. Smyth, who awaited them in the luxuriously modern carriage.

It was hard not to be disappointed. She’d enjoyed spending time with Christian the day before, but she was glad he wasn’t injured so much that he couldn’t travel.

And he was still prepared to go ahead with their marriage.

But what would have happened if the boar hadn’t pounced on them when it did? He would have kissed her.

Would it have been a mistake? Had the attack been a sign, a warning to her to not get too attached to him?

She settled into her seat, leaned back her head, and closed her eyes.

Perhaps the courtship idea had been a bad one. It had sounded wonderful when he’d suggested it. Because she’d wanted him to flirt with her, to compliment her—to woo her. And where would that leave her after he succumbed to his illness?

She’d always considered herself to be so practical. She was the rational one, not easily swayed by compliments and gifts, but something had changed in her the moment she met Christian Masterson. Because inexplicably, ironically, and most inappropriately, Lillian wasn’t feeling rational at all.

She had wanted the wooing.

* * *

Three days later, just a few miles from the border that would cross them into Scotland, Lillian had hardly spent any time at all with her betrothed. By the time they’d arrived at their respective inn at the end of each day, he’d have already retired to his rooms. Mr. Simmons explained that the travel hadn’t been easy on him. The duke refused medicine for the pain, and so by the time they stopped each night, he was exhausted, wanting nothing more than to rest.

She had managed to convince the protective valet to allow her to visit Christian a few times. He’d been asleep the first night.

The second evening, he’d been awake and filled with apologies. She’d assured him that she was fine. She’d thanked him and even offered to sit with him, to read to him if he’d liked.

But he’d declined. He’d insisted that he did not wish to be a bother.

The boar hadn’t taken his life, but it had very effectively reminded him of how little of it he had left. It had reminded him of Bernadette’s precarious circumstances. It had reminded him that he had no business wooing Lillian, of becoming attached to her and allowing her to become attached to him.

He’d been careless. He’d gone beyond tempting fate, hell, he’d sent it an open invitation. If he’d been in London, he would have not set foot outside of Master’s House. But he was on the road to Scotland. It was imperative that he make it there safely, marry her, and then do his damn well best to sire a son.

The idea was sounding more than a little farfetched by this point. If he failed, Bernadette would be protected. Oxley had assured him as much. But she would not be able to have the life she was meant to be. She would be in hiding. Her return to society after coming of age was by no means a certainty.

One more night and then they would be arriving in Gretna Green.

This time, when the second carriage arrived at the inn, Christian sent word requesting she dine with him downstairs, in a private dining room.

And he’d specifically asked that she come alone. They had matters to discuss. The wedding was almost upon them and he wanted her to have one last opportunity to change her mind. It was a decision that she would have to live with for far longer than he would.

When she finally entered, looking pale but even more beautiful than he remembered, he rose from his seat and stepped forward to bow over her hand. “You look stunning.” He hadn’t planned