A Convenient Bride by Cheryl Ann Smith

experiences. In that, you
are
a child.” He finally turned to her, his face stoic. “I served my country, saw things a young man should never see. I married young and lost my wife and son in childbirth. My sister may be in danger, and I can do nothing for her.” He walked to her. “So if you think I will easily succumb to your seduction, you need to rethink your game. I am world weary and hardened to the games of women.”
    Stunned by his confession, Brenna sat on the bed. She realized she knew very little about the man she intended to wed, and nothing about his lost wife and child.
    “I didn’t know,” she said softly. She tried to imagine the pain of losing someone she loved. How he must have suffered.
    Ashwood’s jaw tightened. “I have much to accomplish tomorrow. While there is still a chance to save my sister from making a grave mistake, I’ll continue onward.” He returned to the bed and stretched out on the quilt. “For now, I need rest.”
    Brenna watched him for a moment before taking a second quilt from the foot of the bed and making a pallet on the floor. She’d not ask him for any consideration.
    Blowing out the lamp, she lay on her hard bed and listenedto him breathe. “I want to help you find Anne. Though I have no experience in such matters, I can see things through a woman’s eyes. If we are successful, perhaps you will do me my favor in return. As your wife, I would make no demands of you.”
    The silence stretched until Brenna was convinced he was asleep. Then, “Perhaps,” he whispered in the darkness.
    T he first rays of sunlight stole through the darkness and peeked through a space in the worn curtains, the light teasing her lids. Brenna awoke to movement in the room, stretched, and startled upon realizing she was in the bed and tucked neatly beneath the quilt.
    Sometime during the night, Lord Ashwood had placed her thus. There was no other explanation for her placement there or his kindness. She’d certainly given him no reason to treat her well.
    “The maid brought bread with jam and tea,” he said, from a shadowed corner of the room. “If you hope to break your fast before we leave, you’d better hurry. I’ll wait below.”
    Before she could answer, he collected a small pack and left her alone. Brenna wasted no time dawdling and hurried from the bed. She took care of her needs, ate quickly, and fled the room. There was no guarantee he’d wait very long for her. He’d said he was in a hurry to find his sister. He’d not think twice about leaving her behind.
    The common room was quiet, with only two men lingering over their breakfast. She worried that they might be the two men from last evening, but they paid her no mind.
    Ashwood sat in the corner watching her with hooded eyes, a hat low on his head. He was dressed casually in workman’s clothing and his dusty coat. He was obviously trying not to draw notice to himself, perhaps to protect his identity and therefore his sister’s reputation. Or perhaps it was to keep from being robbed on the road. Either way, there was nothing about him that indicated his nobility or wealth.
    He pushed up from his chair, and Brenna followed him outside.
    Brontes was standing next to his horse, saddled and ready.The mare bobbed her head as Ashwood gave the boy a coin and helped Brenna mount. Brenna patted Brontes’s neck and stared down at her companion. “I thought I was to take the mail coach back to London.”
    He looked up from checking her stirrup. “I thought proper ladies rode sidesaddle.”
    She smiled. “Then we were both mistaken.”
    Ashwood snorted and stepped back. “The ride will be long and difficult. If you whine, whimper, or complain, I’ll leave you off at the first coaching inn and be done with you.”
    Brenna shrugged. “Then do try to keep up.”
    Gathering the reins, she nudged Brontes. The mare took off as if she had wings, while Brenna laughed happily as a curse followed her flight. She was no simpering lass, and