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She ignored this and said stiffly, “That is very nice, but I a really that either of you can do to help, and I am sure you were on your way … somewhere, and I do not wish to detain you Thank you soyou not to bother about er”

One expressive dark brow rose as the marquis answered, “Ah, but, es of e can or cannot do You are perhaps too young to coers to a beautiful woman in your, er, predicament You are unaccompanied and should not be left on the open road without even your driver to deter strangers fro you”

“Quite true,” agreed Percy with a nod of his fair head

Sassy wanted him to leave She needed hi her ar inside to do just that A voice in her head whispered, Kiss him, kiss him now

“You, my lord, and your friend here, have made me all too aware of that sorry fact However, as you may have observed, there is little I can do about it”

She could not help but note that theat her Of all the outrageous nerve Her chin went up

Percy was taken aback; it was apparent that he’d never thought of hiy and reiterated that a gentleman could not abandon a lady alone on the open road, and that he and the marquis had no other intention in mind

She smiled towards Percy, whom she found she rather liked, but her attention was diverted by thewe can do about this sorry situation that the young lady would not object to, is there not, Percy?”

Percy frowned “What do you mean, Justin?”

“Why, what else? We shall stand guard over Miss …” He looked at her to fill in the gap and repeated, “Miss …?”

“Winthrop!” Sassy snapped, irritated without true cause

“Ah, yes, Miss Winthrop We shall make certain she is not accosted in the absence of her driver”

“Unless Miss Winthrop takes us up on our offer to convey her to her destination, which ht be the better choice” Percy looked skyward “There is no telling, but it ht rain”

Sassy sighed and with a wry s is, I doubt that it would appear seeentlemen at my side”

“You are bound for Netherby?” The marquis seemed surprised “May I ask in what capacity, Miss Winthrop?”