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Rose forced a smile After her experience at the ain “Surely a dose of fresh air is exactly what you’d prescribe”

“Perhaps Had you not fallen into the lake or inhaled so h aware that you’ve left your bed?”

“I have not left roan forsuch a foolish comment

A smile touched the doctor’s lips “There is no need to be so defensive It’s just that he seemed overly concerned for your welfare”

What was the doctor i?

“Like any respectable eh treats all his staff with due care and attention” Heat rose to her cheeks when she considered the less than gentle way he’d devoured her mouth

“Indeed, he does Now, allow lanced up at the dark clouds forood thirty- you need is to get caught in a rainstorm”

“That’s kind, but I would not want to cause you any inconvenience” She struggled to hold his gaze While his eyes were a piercing shade of blue, there was a coldness about them that worked in opposition to his war to the inn I hear the patient there is in need of your services much more than I”

“In point of fact, I’ve just left a patient and am not due at the Talbot for three hours” The doctor shuffled back in the saddle “I can’t promise it will be a co for you is to miss the storm”

How could she refuse?

Perhaps sensing her hesitation, he added, “While you entleman in such close proximity, may I remind you I’m a doctor and have ferried h would be most displeased to know I rode by”

With no choice but to accept, she nodded and offered her hand Placing one foot in the stirrup for leverage, the doctor hauled her up to sit sidesaddle in front of hiripped the reins and turned the horse

The feel of his icy breath against her cheek sent a shiver all the way to her toes She expected him to canter away, to ensure she made it home before the weather broke But he appeared to be in no rush and so they simply trotted up the lane

“I find it rather distressing that a wo the children of the aristocracy,” he said absently “A woman with such a pretty countenance should have a husband to protect her, have her own house and family to mind”

To quell the nervous pang in her stohed “You should be careful Some women would take your comment as a proposal”