Page 8 of Brazen

He started toward the house.

“Really, sir, this is unnecessary,” Mia said, but was glad he didn’t reply, for she had to admit, she did feel lightheaded. But her sense of smell was just fine, and he smelled quite nice, a mixture of shaving soap and something male.

He skirted the shrubbery that separated the backyard from the front drive. They neared the door.

“I must insist you put her down,” Leana said with force.

“Do you plan to pick her up and carry her inside when she faints?” he asked.

“I have never fainted in my life,” Mia said.

He looked down at her. “I can well believe that.”

They reached the front entrance and he took the four steps to the door, then halted and looked at Leana.

Leana frowned and looked at Mia.

“Open the door, Aunt. As I said earlier, it was me who crashed into him. So, technically, he did save me.”

“How kind of you to have noticed,” he muttered.

Mia ignored the remark. Leana opened the door, then stood aside as he strode through the doorway. The door creaked, then the sunlight cut off, leaving them in the foyer’s dimness.

“I can walk from here,” Mia said.

“Is there a sitting room or parlor on this level?” he asked.

Leana reached them. “Of course. Follow me.” She hurried past and led them to the room three doors down on the right.

He continued to the divan hear the hearth and set her down on the cushion.

“I am feeling much better,” she said.

“I suggest tea and rest,” he said. “I bid you good day.” He started to turn.

“Wait,” Mia cried. He paused and looked at her. “Sit down, sir. We must tend to your wound.”

“Wound?” Leana said. “What wound?”

“It is nothing,” he said.

Mia stood and grasped his right arm. She turned him slightly and pointed to the blood stain, which was larger than it had been.

“How in the world did that happen?” Leana demanded.

“That, er, really isn’t important,” Mia said. “Lucy was involved, just as she was involved in his fall down the hill.”

“That pig is a menace,” Leana said. She frowned. “We have not been introduced.” She looked at Mia.

“I have not been introduced to the gentleman, either.”

“What? We allowed a man into our house whose name we don’t know?”

“He is the owner of Barkely Hall,” Mia said.

Leana turned a hard stare onto him. “Who are you, sir?”

He gave a slight bow. “Magnus Forbes, at your service, ma’am.”