Nathaniel stopped his headlong stride down the weed-choked road to stare at Lady Barbara. “I didn’t ask you to accompany me,” he pointed out with a shade less than his usual deference. “I have a stake in this matter as well,” she replied frostily. “You’re concerned about Emma, and I’m concerned about Killoran.” “Of course you are,” he muttered under his breath. “Besides, I don’t know why you think Emma can’t handle him. She’s kept him in line so far, hasn’t she? And he’s hardly taken her all the way out here for licentiousness.” Lady Barbara looked at the lodge with a faint moue. “If he’d wanted her, he could have had her in his own room, not in this seedy place. That huge bed is vastly comfortable.” She’d said it on purpose, waiting to see Nathaniel’s reaction. His expression darkened for a moment, but he ignored the provocation. “I consider it any gentleman’s duty to look out for the well-being of innocent young women.”
