Noah called, his voice seeming even more stygian in the dark. “Yes.” Emma decided simple answers were best. That way, she might be able to keep her mind on the importance of not getting involved with this handsome man. She could not risk ruining his life as Miles had ruined hers. “All right. Let’s go, then. Gladys gets crotchety when I’m late for dinner.” “Gladys?” Stepping up to sit beside her, he leered like a stage villain at both her and Sean. He added as the boy giggled, “You need not look so discomfited. Gladys is my housekeeper.” He whispered against where her hair was now falling onto her shoulders. “In spite of any gossip you may have heard, I’m not keeping a mistress hidden away out on the farm.” “No one has said … I didn’t mean to suggest—” His laugh prevented her from stumbling through her inadequate excuse. “Of course you didn’t. I was just teasing you because you looked very serious all the sudden.” She slapped the reins on Toby’s back and tried to see through the darkness.
