Lord Darlington's Darling (27 page)

Her brother-in-law shot a keen look at her as he
slipped the pistol into the pocket of his greatcoat.
“Good enough, I’d say.”

“Abby! Did that scoundrel hurt you?” Lord Darling
ton’s fingers bit into her shoulders as he swung her round to face
him. His eyes were hard and bright.

Abby shook her head quickly. “No, I stopped him.
After the chaise was wrecked and he forced me to
this inn, I knew I had to do something.” She smiled
at his anxious face and reached up to softly caress
his cheek. “I am so very glad you found me, my
lord.”

“Bethany brought me that damnable letter you sent.
I set out at once,” said Lord Darlington. He folded
her back into his arms and breathed, “I was so fright
ened for you, my darling.”

Abby sighed deeply, happily. Then she recalled
something and lifted her head from his lordship’s
shoulder. Rather defiantly she said, “Peter, I have
made up my mind. I am
not
marrying Lord Fielding.
I am marrying Lord Darlington, and
nothing
you or
Melissa say will change that!”

“Of course you are, Abby,” said Mr. Crocker
mildly. “Now let us quit this place. I feel as though I
was one of a circus act.”

Lord Darlington laughed, ruefully and with the release of relief. “I couldn’t agree with you
more, dear sir.”

Abby was astonished. She stared at her brother-in-
law even as Lord Darlington was leading her out of
the room. “Peter, do you perfectly understand?” she
asked anxiously.

“You are going to marry Lord Darlington,” said
Mr. Crocker, nodding, keeping pace with them down the stairs. “But don’t you think you might allow the
fellow to propose in form first?”

Abby stared, blushed. Then she glanced swiftly at the
marquess, who was possessively holding her elbow. “Do
you still wish to marry me?” she asked shyly, a little
breathlessly, as they emerged from the inn.

Lord Darlington met her gaze, his own alight with
laughter and tenderness. “My very dear Miss Fair
childe! I am only too happy to be of such service, my darling!”

“Well!” Abby allowed herself to be lifted into
the phaeton onto the seat. “All it took was a
little resolution, after all, to get what I had wanted
all along!”

Other Books by Gayle Buck

The Righteous Rakehell

Mutual Consent

Willowswood Match

The Demon Rake

Love’s Masquerade

The Fleeing Heiress

Cassandra’s Deception

Belle’s Beau

Magnificent Match

Honor Beseiged

Lady Althea’s Bargain

Love For Lucinda

Frederica’s Folly

Chester Charade

Cupid’s Choice

Lord Darlington’s Darling

A Chance Encounter

The Waltzing Widow

Tempting Sarah

Lord John’s Lady

Lord Rathbone’s Flirt

The Desperate Viscount

Hearts Betrayed

The Hidden Heart

Miss Dower’s Paragon

Lady Cecily’s Scheme

Regency Tales

Old Acquaintances     Holybrooke Curse

Christmas Cheer     Season of Joy

Regency Tales: Christmas Collection