Ah.” He nodded. I see a break in the trees.”

“Yes.” She sounded regretful.

“Yes,” he said, his words oddly regretful as well. In the last few hours, he’d lived intensely, felt as intensely as ever he had. He had met the Incomparable in a way he had never expected.

“I imagine they’ll send word to my father. I can’t imagine what he’s thinking.”

Charles thought quickly of what he knew of the Earl of Harlow, a proud, autocratic man. “I’d think he’s out of all reason worried about you.”

“Mm.” She nestled back against him. She felt fragile against him, and a wave of protectiveness swept over him. No one would hurt her, not if he had anything to say to it

“I’ll see you back to London, if you’d like,” he offered gruffly.

She raised startled eyes to his, and he realized for the first time how pretty she was, even with smudges of dirt on her nose and cheeks. Her features were as delicate as her bone structure, and her eyes were a clear green under finely arched brows. “You needn’t do that.”

“It would be best, I believe.”

“You’d be expected to marry me, you realize.”

He gritted his teeth, already regretting his offer. “You’re the one who’s in danger of that, princess.” It was as well that she would soon no longer be his concern, he thought, trying to convince himself. She could be deucedly sharp-tongued and forward, attributes he didn’t like in a lady at all.

“I am sorry,” she said after a moment. “That was uncalled for, after what you’ve done for me.”

“It was the least I could do,” he said gruffly, touched again.

“Don’t be foolish. I have this habit.” She stopped, and then drew in her breath. “Oh, well, you may as well know the worst. I can be terribly snappish at times.”

“I hadn’t noticed.”

Again she turned to him, this time grinning. “Only when I feel challenged or afraid, though.”

“Afraid? Of me?” he said, startled.

“No. Challenged, of course.” Her eyes twinkled. “You’re not like any man I’ve met in London.”

“Then you’ve met the wrong men.”

“I’m not so sure of that”

He nearly groaned. Lord help him if she began to develop feelings for him, even if only admiration. He didn’t want any female to care for him again. Soon, though, she would no longer be his responsibility, he thought with mingled relief and regret. Strange. All he asked from life now was peace, was it not?

Both were quiet for the remainder of the ride to the house, a half-timbered manor whose diamond-paned windows glowed golden in the early evening sun. Edged about it were flowers, and an emerald green lawn. A groom ran up to take Samson’s reins. Charles dismounted and raised his arms to help Serena down. Her waist was so small that he was almost tempted to span it, to see if his fingers would meet. Then she stepped back and he released her, though the imprint of her remained.

His hand at her back, Charles escorted her up the few stairs to the door, glad of the respite after their adventures. His arm ached like the very devil.