Derick rubbed at the spot where Emma’s elbow had speared him. The spot she’d poked on his chest still smarted, too. She was quite strong for such a compact little thing. And as bright as he remembered, given what he’d seen of her tactical mind, even if she were overreacting. Emma always had been one to take things too seriously and infect those around her with her imaginings. He guessed she was making a mountain out of the proverbial molehill.
She was also adept at giving orders and accustomed to being obeyed. Oh yes, little Pygmy had grown into just the kind of woman he’d thought she would.
Emma turned her back on him—again. Derick shook his head as he watched her struggle with the heavy oak door.
She still had more intelligence than common sense, however, since she was apparently planning to run out into a dangerous storm alone.
He reached around her and grasped the handle, stopping the door from opening. “You neglected to give me an assignment.”
Emma turned, effectively caged by his arm and the door at her back. Those large amber eyes widened as he loomed over her. Which heightened his own awareness of how close his body was to hers, nearly touching. How fragile she seemed…how diminutive, and yet he’d already been the recipient of her tart tongue and sharp appendages. Besides, he knew her to be tough. As a girl, Emma had always kept up with him, no matter how he’d tried to lose her.
As if to demonstrate that her stubbornness still remained, Emma lifted her chin in challenge. “I hadn’t thought you would—”
“Wish to help?” Derick returned her challenge, raising a brow. Damn. Her assumption irked. And the fact that he’d been stung by it irked more. He’d long grown accustomed to not caring what anyone thought. “Feel responsible for a member of my household?”
Emma blinked. “Your household?” she sputtered. “You haven’t been to Derbyshire in fourteen—”
“No, but I am human, Miss Wallingford.” Derick stepped closer, bringing his other arm around and planting it on the door behind her, trapping her. Only so that she would listen to him, of course. Not at all because of her tantalizing scent, a heady mix of lavender and… something he couldn’t quite place. “I may not agree with your assumptions, but it is clear you strongly believe the maid is in danger. If there is a chance you are correct, I would like to do what I can.”
A huff of exasperation escaped her lips, a gesture Derick took to mean she didn’t think too highly of him or his offer. He allowed a half-cynical smile to curve his lips. What did he care if Miss Emma Wallingford disapproved of one of his many alter egos? It wasn’t him, after all.
Besides, he doubted she’d like him any better if she knew his true purpose in Derbyshire.
To investigate her brother for treason.