“It’s unexceptionable in the country.” She paused before adding, “And I’m not a young lady, Mr. Archer. I shall be five and twenty soon.”

“And therefore, at your last prayer.”

Her lips compressed. “Some people hereabouts might say so.”

“Then some people hereabouts would be foolish beyond permission. You’re a long way from an aged spinster, Miss Hayes. And an even longer way from being able to wander about unremarked—either here or in London. You should have taken someone with you.”

“It’s no concern of yours, sir.”

“No, it isn’t. And yet…” He fell silent a moment, his expression thoughtful. “I suppose I feel responsible for you.”

“I can’t think why.”

“I did all but save you from drowning on Monday.”

“You did no such—”

“The both of us wet to our skin and you in your knickers. It leaves an impression on a fellow.”

Heat rose in her face. “A gentleman wouldn’t mention such things.”

“But I’m not a gentleman, as you pointed out at Edgington Park.” His tone was dry. “Indeed, I believe you came perilously close to labeling me a fortune hunter.”

“And I have no fortune. So you can have no interest in me, sir.” She rose from her seat, even as the carriage rolled on. “You may set me down here.”

“God’s sake, Laura!” He hauled on the reins. The chestnut gelding came to a stumbling halt, the gig jolting behind it.

Her heart hammered as she moved to jump out. The skirts of her traveling gown wound precariously round her legs. “I’m obliged to you for bringing me this far, but I—”

“What in blazes is the matter with you?” Mr. Archer leapt down from his seat. He was in front of her in an instant, reaching to grasp her round the waist a fraction of a second before she tumbled down in a tangle of skirts. “Are you trying to break your neck?”

She permitted him to assist her down and then backed swiftly out of his arms. Her eyes stung with the threat of tears. “I would prefer to walk the rest of the way. If you would—”

“Laura,” he said again. His voice was husky with concern.

Her temper flared. “And I don’t recall giving you permission to use my Christian name! That’s the second time you’ve—”

“This is the second time I’ve come to your rescue. If that’s not a basis for some familiarity, I don’t know what is.”

“You haven’t rescued me from anything.” The words came out harsher than she’d intended. Tears quickly followed, spilling hot onto her cheeks. She dashed them away. “No one can.” She spun on her heel to leave.

Mr. Archer caught her firmly by the elbow, preventing her escape. He loomed over her. “What is it? What’s happened?”

“I want to be left alone.”