"I do not want a baby and I most definitely do not want a young woman," Adrian retorted before he could stop himself. A sudden chilling thought numbed him. "Good Lord, is the baby yours?"
"Of course not. It could not be mine. I am not married," Carin said. Her tone showed she thought that to be irrefutable proof it was not her child.
Adrian sighed. "Whose baby is it then?"
"A Miss Partridge's if I am not mistaken." Carin frowned. "At least that is what the coachman told me. I never met her personally, of course. She deserted the baby, you see. Right there in the inn. Can you imagine that?"
"Certainly," Adrian said. The girl's eyes widened in disbelief. He frowned, attempting to ignore her look. "What I cannot imagine is why you took the baby."
"It seemed the only thing to do," Carin said. The bundle let out a squall. "Shh I know. Please do not take it to heart about your mama. Aunt Carin will take care of you now."
"Well, Uncle Adrian does not intend to do so," Adrian growled. "Nor can you, young lady, remain here. It would be most improper."
"Why would it be improper?" Carin asked.
"I am her chaperone," Miss Mumford interjected quickly.
Adrian bit back a stinging retort. He did not know Miss Mumford's credentials, but with Carin's beautiful looks, it would require one of the highest title and standing for the ton to accept her as a proper chaperone. Adrian cast a glance at Carin. His blood heated immediately. No, he corrected himself, he feared it would require a mother superior. "I am sorry, but her reputation would still be endangered."
"Is that all?" Carin asked. She smiled quite blithely. "Do not let that concern you. I have no need of a reputation. Not anymore."
Adrian stared at her. Her eyes were so very innocent. Who was this duplicitous child before him? His voice came out in a roar. "What?"
The baby set up a shriek.
Miss Mumford jumped. "Good heavens!"
Nelson stepped forward. "If you will excuse me, my lord. I do believe the ladies and infant should step in out of the cold. Their Chambers are prepared . . . or will be, with some alterations. You have an appointment you wished to keep. Perhaps this may be settled in the morning."
"No, she can't sleep under this roof," Adrian persisted.
"Very well," Carin said. Her chin jutted out. "Meg and I will return home."
"Do cut line," Adrian said, exasperated. "You know you cannot."
"Why ever not?" Carin said. Her eyes showed hesitancy with a fine dash of bravado. "It was Father's wish we come for a visit. I personally would have preferred to remain home, thank you very much."
Adrian leveled a cynical stare upon her. She neither flinched nor wavered in her attitude. Damn and blast Worthington. Just what kind of devilish imbroglio had he created? He gritted his teeth as the thought of seeing the delightful Delilah died. "You'll not go home, but you will bloody . . . er . . . very well explain yourself."