“You didn’t know who he was. You once told me I could come as go as I please, so long as I had no secret assignation.”
Kiernan pulled the pistol from his waistband and extended it toward her, butt first. “You heard the single shot. There was no time for a reload.”
Phoebe’s mouth twisted. “That is not the only pistol you own.”
He stuffed the gun back into his waistband. “Do you honestly think I shot him?”
“Kiernan,” Elise said in a calm voice.
He looked at her, then returned his gaze to Phoebe. “I assumed you shot him in self-defense.”
Phoebe lifted her chin. “Adam would never hurt me.”
Kiernan raised a brow. “This is the same Adam you said tried to kidnap you the night I kidnapped you?”
“He didn't send those men.”
“How can you be so sure?”
Phoebe turned her head aside.
“Miss Wallington,” he snapped. Her eyes jerked to meet his and his heart wrenched at the pain he read on her face. He reached into his coat pocket and produced a handkerchief. “Here, take this.”
She glanced at his hand, took the handkerchief, then blew her nose. “Adam's response when I mentioned that night proved he knew nothing.” She wiped her eyes. “I have never known him to lie. In fact, I thought it was him only because I could think of no one else, but kidnapping isn't in his nature. He was—" she hiccupped a small sob and Kiernan felt his heart constrict "—he was as you saw him tonight.” Tears streamed down her face. “He came here, faced the wrath of a duchess, to beg me once again to marry him.” She lifted her chin. “I wasn't in love with him, but I did love him.”
“Listen to me.” Kiernan scooted to the side and slid forward so that his legs were on each side of hers. “I didn't shoot him. Listen,” he emphasized, when she shook her head and looked away, “I did not shoot him.” He paused, then said softly, “If you shot him, I know it was self-defense.” Her eyes widened, but he went on. “You needn't worry about telling me the truth.”
“You bastard.” She raised her hand and Kiernan caught her arm mid-swing.
He held her gaze. “All right, then, who shot him?”
She looked as if he had slapped her. “I—" She brow knit in confusion.
Kiernan released her hand and looked at Elise. “Who are the strangers?”
“Their carriage—”
“Yes,” he interrupted impatiently, “I saw that. Do you know who they are?”
“Lord and Lady Ingersol,” she replied.
“Are you acquainted with them?”
“No. But it couldn't have been them. They were with me when the shot was fired.”
“What about the men in their party?” Kiernan asked.
Startlement washed over Elise's features. “We were all outside. I didn't want to return to the carriage until Phoebe returned. I saw them step into the trees, but never dreamed—Oh, Kiernan,” tears sprang to her eyes, “I’m so sorry.”
“Please, Elise,” he said, “keep your wits about you.”
“Yes.” She nodded and swiped at her tears with the back of her hand. “Of course.”
He looked again at Phoebe. “You're sure—”
“I did not shoot him,” she snapped. "I'm not even carrying a weapon."
That was true—or, at least, he hadn't seen a weapon. He had to search the area.
Phoebe burst into tears again. “Where is he? Dear God, we left him out there.”
“We didn't leave him out there. Mather brought him." Her eyes widened, and he said, "I will see to him. Elise.” He looked meaningfully at her, and she nodded.
Elise wrapped an arm around Phoebe and pulled her close. “Come, Phoebe,” she soothed as Kiernan opened the door. “That’s it, yes. Cry all you like.” And he clicked the door closed behind him.
Despite Phoebe's objections, he held her. She fought it, fought him. Not outwardly, for he made it clear her efforts were useless, but from within. She fought to shrink from the arm resting reassuringly on her hip, fought to ignore the rise and fall of the chest he pressed her face against. He had taken off his greatcoat and wrapped it around her. Her cheek lay against the soft linen of his shirt and her senses swirled with the smell of him. The scent of Sandalwood she had noticed that first night he appeared in her carriage. Despite the stink of Adam's blood on his shirt, Kiernan smelled as though he had just bathed. His scent comforted—but she despised the comfort—oh, how she despised it. How much comfort was Adam—she sobbed and Kiernan’s arms tightened around her.
“Shh, love,” he whispered so softly she knew neither Elise nor Sue could have heard even in the close confines of the carriage. “We're nearly there.” He smoothed her hair and Phoebe melted into a river of dreams.