Good Earls Don't Lie by Michelle Willingham

rake,” he suggested cheerfully. He winked at her, and she relaxed when she realized that he was only teasing her.
    “I could be quite lethal with gardening tools. You don’t want to imagine what I would do with a pair of shears.”
    He winced and made a face. “You terrify me.”
    Her smile widened. “You should be scared. I can be quite fierce when provoked.”
    “I can easily believe that.” His green eyes locked upon hers. “You are a strong woman, Lady Rose. You would tell everyone to go and kiss the devil’s backside before you’d turn away from your family or those who need you. Am I wrong?”
    Rose blinked a moment at his assumption. No, he wasn’t wrong that she would fight to the death to protect her loved ones. “It’s true that I will always stand by my family.” She straightened in the saddle and regarded him. Though she didn’t know why she was telling him this, she felt the need to insist, “But more than that, I also intend to walk again.”
    He studied her for a moment as if he wanted to ask questions. But he simply gave a nod of acceptance. “You will.”
    His quiet confidence should have reassured her. But instead, she found herself confessing to him, “I am well aware that no man wishes to marry a woman who cannot walk. I’ve been trying for months, but no matter how hard I try, I fall. Every time. I just . . . don’t know how long it will take for me to rebuild my strength.”
    “All you can do is get up and try again,” he said. “If you want something badly enough, you won’t give up.”
    She turned to look at him, and when she met his gaze, she saw a challenge there. “You’re right. I suppose I have to keep trying—no matter how long it takes.”

Chapter Three
    After they had returned a scowling Master Beauregard to his home, Iain escorted Lady Rose back toward Penford. The boy had been correct that his father was not in residence. Iain learned from Lady Rose that Beau’s mother had died four years ago, and Beau had been a hellion ever since.
    Although the boy had paid the price for his thievery, Iain wasn’t satisfied. He wanted the rest of his belongings returned to him—but that likely meant tracking down the other boy.
    Lady Rose had grown quiet and had slowed her pace, taking a moment to look across the land.
    “You should ride every day,” Iain suggested. The freedom would do her a world of good. He couldn’t imagine being bound by the whims of others.
    “My sister is afraid I will fall and hurt myself even more.” She glanced behind her at Calvert. The older footman had a resigned expression upon his face, and he looked displeased at this short outing.
    “It is a risk, aye. But I’d say it’s a sight better to be away from Penford and go where you’re wanting to. You could take a groom with you instead of the dour Calvert.”
    She sent him a sidelong look. “Like yourself, were you suggesting?”
    He shrugged. “I’m not a groom, but if you’re wanting me to ride with you, I could indeed keep you safe.” Though he knew she would need a chaperone in that event.
    “I do not require anything from you, Mr. Donovan,” she said.
    “Lord Ashton,” he corrected. Though she persisted in believing he was a liar and a beggar, he thought it better to correct her. It didn’t matter that he bore little resemblance to an earl, given his bedraggled appearance. And it didn’t matter that his mother had refused to have anything to do with him, wanting to hide him away from the world. He was her youngest son, and the heir to the estate.
    Lady Rose’s sigh made it clear that she still didn’t believe him. So be it. He would not spend needless time trying to convince her. The truth would speak for itself.
    When they reached Penford, Iain drew his horse to a stop and took her reins. “Shall I help you down?”
    “Leave her be,” came Calvert’s annoyed reply. “I know my duties well enough, and you can let Lady Rose alone.”
    Iain inclined his head and