Page 4 of A Wish Upon an Earl (A Maypole in Mayfair #3)

But Jack winced. She hadn’t fallen, and they both knew it. His mouth opened to say the truth. No gentleman allowed a woman to lie on his behalf.

“What hurts?” Aubrey asked, bending down.

Sarah swiped at the fabric at her hem, pulling it up. One ankle looked lovely. A shapely calf gave way to slender bones. His fist clenched as he realized how much time he’d just spent staring at her uninjured leg.

He blinked, his gaze traveling to the other foot, and he openly cringed. It was already swelling.“Let me just get this armor off and I can help you.”

“It’s all right,” Aubrey said, reaching for Sarah’s hands. “I can pull her up to standing, and then we can hobble up the stairs.”

“No,” he said, realizing after he said it how harsh he sounded.

He’d made this mess and he should help her now.

His eyes closed. How would he even begin to make up for this?

As if he hadn’t done enough to her already, so much so that he hardly knew how to make up for his last transgression against her.

“I’ll carry her. We don’t want to risk further injury. ”

“Forgive me.” Aubrey furrowed her brow. “But who are you?”

Jack sighed. Sarah’s friend should question him. She’d found Sarah and him out here on the terrace together, and now she was injured.

“This is Ash’s childhood friend Lord Bentley.” Sarah pushed herself up to sitting. “Jack, may I introduce the Duchess of Amesbury.”

Jack gave a quick nod. In his crouched position, there was no way to bow.

Then he began to pull at the complicated straps that held his suit together.

Which was slow and tedious, made worse by the fact that every time he glanced down at Sarah, she looked positively miserable and it was all his fault. Again.

He was a plague to this woman.

Which was particularly infuriating considering why he’d come in the first place.

“My lord.” Aubrey cleared her throat. “Can I help you?”

He sighed. He couldn’t even help Sarah without first needing help himself.

Jack had sunk to a new low. “That would be wonderful. Thank you.”

But just as she started on the first straps, more footsteps sounded on the patio. “Aubrey?”

Everyone looked up.

“Drew,” Aubrey called. “Thank goodness you’re here. I was looking for you. Sarah has fallen and hurt her ankle.”

Jack winced again. Because now Sarah had to suffer more embarrassment on his behalf. But that was Sarah. She was exceptionally kind, even when people didn’t deserve it. The breast plate fell away, and he yanked at the straps under his knees.

“You can stop,” Sarah whispered. “Drew will take me inside.”

“I’m taking you inside,” he answered, again more harshly than he intended. He was frustrated with himself and a bit embarrassed too. He softened his voice. “It’s the least I can do.”

Her ankle was still visible and, even in the dark, he noted the colors blooming along her ivory skin. At least the swelling seemed confined to a single lump and not the entire diameter of her ankle.

She cleared her throat. “Really, Jack. It’s fine. Drew will bring me inside and Ash will take care of me. You can go back to the party and enjoy yourself. I’m sure you’ll see Ash in the morning. You’re staying, aren’t you? Why wouldn’t you? You are Ash’s friend after all.”

Jack stared at her. Was she attempting to be the hostess even now?

The last of the armor finally gave way, his suit a heap on the terrace. He could explain that it was not only his duty, but that any decent human being would help her rather than leave her on the ground and return to the revelry.

Did she really think so little of him that she actually thought he’d just go inside? But an argument was not what he’d come out here for. Without another word, he gently wrapped her in his arms and lifted her off the ground.

She was lighter than he expected, and as her curves settled against him, he had the strangest feeling that she fit there perfectly. “Now, direct me to your chambers.”

She shook her head, her eyes growing wide. “But the party.”

Aubrey answered for him. “You can’t go back in there, Sarah. Not with your leg like that.”

“Precisely.” Then he turned and headed not for the ballroom, but toward the kitchen.

Best for no one to see Sarah in this state.

He could at least protect her in this. His sensibilities smarted again.

What a mess he’d made for her. “And it would be best if you’re not seen. No one need know you’ve been injured.”

“Oh, but…” Her arms had circled his neck and she grasped his shoulders with each of her hands, giving them a small squeeze. “But Ash needs my help tonight. I planned this party for his benefit.”

He smiled down at her. How was it that she felt so much lighter than that suit?

She was a fair bit prettier too. Her green eyes sparkled in the moonlight even as her skin glowed in its pale light.

Funny. He’d never noticed before that Sarah’s beauty was made for the night.

The length of her arm not covered with her glove tickled his neck.

“While I appreciate how selfless you are, I’m sure Ash will be fine without you.

You need to put up that foot and, honestly, we should send for the doctor. ”

“I agree,” Aubrey called from behind Sarah. Jack could only assume that the silent duke had followed as well. “Don’t worry about a thing. Camilla can take your place tonight, and we’ll help her. We’ll tell everyone that you have a terrible headache. No one will be the wiser.”

“And what about tomorrow?” she cried, squeezing his shoulders even harder.

He grimaced. He’d done this to her. Now she was going to miss her entire party that she’d likely spent weeks planning.

Guilt washed over him again. “I’ve planned a multiday house party full of activities. I have duties and obligations.”

“We’ll find a way to make it right,” he answered, low enough that only she could hear. Inwardly, however, he winced. What had happened to the girl who dreamed of wild adventures? All he’d heard from her was duty and responsibility. “We’ll make all of it right.”