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Despite her sarcasm, she wrapped herself snugly in his coat, hunching into herself to gather some warmth.

“We shall stop at the next inn for a foot warmer,” he promised.

“Do not worry about me. I am all right.”

He favored her with a skeptical glance but refrained from saying anything else.

They rode in silence for a while, seemingly alone on the road, the thick mist cutting off any evidence of civilization. Robert kept a watchful eye out for brigands, but he was not overly concerned in the light of day.

“Why?” Georgiana asked, breaking the long silence as she turned to face him.

Robert glanced at her. “Why, what?”

“Why did you decide to go after my sister without alerting me?” She paused, a slight edge creeping into her voice. “Is this some sort of…heroic attempt?”

He scoffed, casting her a sidelong look. “Hardly. I am not here to play the noble rescuer, if that is what you are suggesting.”

“Then why, exactly?” She tried to keep her tone calm.

“Because her impulsive actions also reflect upon my reputation, and I have no interest in seeing it dragged down by Newston’s foolishness—or your sister’s, for that matter.” His mouth twisted with a hint of irritation. “So, forgive me if I took the liberty of stepping in without your knowledge.”

She gave a short, incredulous laugh. “Oh, so now Daisy’s choices are a direct threat to your image? How dreadfully inconvenient for you, Your Grace.”

He stopped, turning to face her fully. “Yes, quite inconvenient,” he replied coolly. “But believe it or not, I am here to help. And if my presence keeps her out of trouble—and spares you a potential scandal—then you are most welcome.”

Georgiana narrowed her eyes at him. “Well, I am grateful for thethoughtfulintervention, but I am perfectly capable of managing my own family matters, thank you very much.”

They sat in tense silence, neither one of them willing to back down, until finally, a smirk softened the hard edges of Robert’s expression.

“I suppose we will see how capable we both are, then.”

Suddenly there was a loud clap of thunder. Georgiana flinched and gasped, her fingers closing around Robert’s arm and digging in hard.

He winced but did not pull his arm away.

“We are fine,” he soothed.

She was shaking and he frowned in concern, letting go of the reins with one hand so he could encircle her shoulders.

He offered her a reassuring squeeze and repeated, “We are fine.”

The carriage slowed down significantly, and the horse seemed agitated. The burst of thunder was followed by a bright streak of jagged lightning. Robert worriedly looked out the window.

Heavy, ominous, dark grey clouds were gathering quickly, and the wind was picking up speed.

We must find shelter.

He recalled that there was an inn not too far ahead, just outside of Gretna Green. They could stop there and wait for the storm to pass.

Georgiana clung to him as the color drained from her face in obvious fear.

He cast about for something to distract her from her worries. “Do you know, that in spite of my owning several properties in the continent and the Indies, I have not left England in my lifetime?”

She gaped at him, “What? Not even to Scotland?”

He shook his head slowly, hoping the good Lord would forgive him for lying.

“Why?” she asked incredulously.