An Artful Deception (25 page)

Cedric scowled. “You may have no fear on that account. I do not want her. It was my father’s idea to bring her here. I can find more obliging ladies anywhere in London.”

The men backed away, keeping Cedric in their sights until they were well clear of the house. Philip lifted Katharine onto a horse and they set off at a canter, leaving her memories, both good and bad behind her.”

When they had covered some distance, they slowed their gait. Philip glanced at Katharine. His heart hammered as he asked, “He did not hurt you, did he?”

She shook her head. Her smile felt like sunshine on a wintry day. “No. You were just in time to prevent it.”

He grinned at her. “It seemed you were already taking matters into your own hands.”

Katharine drew a breath of perfumed spring air. “And making a very bad show of it, I am afraid.”

Philip drew their horses to a halt and stared deeply into her eyes. “I do not want you to ever have reason to be afraid, ever again. I want you to feel safe and loved and protected.”

Katharine covered his sturdy hand with her own delicate fingers. “How could I have ever doubted my good fortune in coming to you?”

In answer, he leaned toward her and made her dream come alive by placing a fervent kiss upon her waiting lips. “I cannot wait until you are truly mine.”

“
Nor can I,” she whispered.

“
Then let us return to your Lizzy and my mother, both of whom are nearly mad with worry. By this time tomorrow, all will be forgotten and my mother will happily resume her dedication to our wedding arrangements and the general running of our lives.”

Katharine straightened herself upon her horse. “As long as I am with you, I do not care who arranges or wedding or where we may live.”

He smiled at her and Katharine imprinted the image of his face forever in her mind as they rode together side by side in this moment of joyful freedom into the sunshine of a glorious afternoon and the promise of a lifetime together.