Page 10 of Brazen

After she finished cleaning the wound, Mr. Forbes said, “There will be no need for a bandage. I can have the wound further attended to at Barkely Hall.”

“I have no wish for you to ruin a perfectly good shirt,” Aunt Leana said. “It will take only a moment to secure a bandage.”

She had Mia stand to his left and they handed the bandage off to each other as they wound it around him. Mr. Forbes looked up at Mia. She tried to ignore him, but his stare, so close to her face, unnerved her. She took a step behind him as she handed the bandage to Aunt Leana but, when her aunt extended the end of the bandage to her, Mia was forced to lean so close to his arm that her breast brushed his shoulder. Her face heated and she quickly wrapped the bandage around his back, then handed the end to Aunt Leana, and gave thanks that was the last of the cloth.

Mia hurried back to the stove, poured out the last of the water and replaced the pot while Mr. Forbes donned the fresh shirt. The driver John entered, and she released a breath of relief when Mr. Forbes stood and began buttoning his shirt. Mia glimpsed his mud-covered breeches and couldn’t help a laugh. He paused on the fifth button and she realized he was looking at her. Mia lifted her gaze to his face.

His expression remained neutral as he said, “What is so amusing?”

All eyes turned upon her. She shook her head, afraid if she spoke, she would burst out laughing.

He glanced down at his breeches, then returned his attention to her and lifted a brow. “Do I have Lucy to thank for the muddy breeches, as well?”

The need to laugh evaporated. “As Aunt Leana said, she is a menace. Send them back with John and we will clean them for you.”

He resumed buttoning his shirt. “That will not be necessary.” He faced her aunt. “Many thanks for your hospitality, but I believe it is time I take my leave.”

“Of course,” she replied. “John will take you home.”

Mr. Forbes bowed slightly, said, “Ladies,” then left.

When his bootfalls receded, Aunt Leana whirled to face her and said, “Our troubles are over.”

Mia paused while removing the bowl of bloody water and stained cloths from the table. “What are you talking about?”

Her aunt opened her mouth to reply, then glanced at the servants. “Come with me.” She took the bowl and rags from Mia, set them on the table, then grasped her hand and pulled her from the room.

“Aunt Leana, what in the world is going on?”

She didn’t answer, only pulled Mia upstairs to their private parlor.

When they entered, Angeline looked up from her sewing. She frowned. “Is something wrong?”

“I have no idea,” Mia said.

Aunt Leana closed the door, then whirled to face them. “Mr. Forbes is the answer to our problem.”

“Who is Mr. Forbes?” Angeline asked.

“The new owner of Barkely Hall.”

“Someone finally bought the estate?” Angeline said. “It will be nice to have a close neighbor again.”

“What is nice is that an eligible gentleman has moved in next door,” Aunt Leana said.

“I can’t see how him being an eligible gentleman matters,” Angeline said.

“But it does,” their aunt said. “He will need a wife to run Barkely Hall. In fact, there is no doubt he is looking for a wife.”

“Perhaps he simply likes country life,” Angeline said.

“Pish.” Their aunt waved a hand dismissively. “No young gentleman of means prefers the country to gay city life.”

Mia began to comprehend her aunt’s line of thinking. “It does make sense,” she said. “A wealthy bachelor does not move into the country for his health—well, some gentleman might, but not Mr. Forbes.”

“Why not Mr. Forbes?” Angeline asked.

“Because he is—” Her cheeks flushed warm at the memory of his muscled chest. “He is, well, healthy.”