“Yes, well, I believe I have said enough. Now we must be off. Good day,” Thea said with a tight smile.
Daniel nodded to the men, and then they were rolling away.
“That was enlightening,” he said.
“They are idiots,” Thea growled.
“I hadn’t realized there was a sister, but she has my sympathies. I know those men in a business capacity only, and they are ruthless, especially the eldest.”
“To be fair, I think, as does Oliver who would know, that their reputation has been embellished, but there is always a basis to rumors, Daniel. I think in part this is why they control their sister, as they know what men are capable of more than most.”
It was then he saw the woman he’d seen earlier. She was some distance away, but he felt it again. Awareness.
“Thea, would you continue without me for a while? I see someone I have been trying to speak with for some time.”
“Who? Is it a she or a he?” Her head was turning left and right.
“A he,” he lied. “I shall return soon.”
“Oh, very well, and I see Hannah, Primrose, and Phoebe over there. I shall stop and talk with them awhile, and we shall discuss more prospects for you.”
“And yet, still I have no wish to marry.” He kissed her cheek. “Behave yourself.”
Her answer was to swat his arm before he left the carriage.
Daniel followed the path the two women had taken; it wound around some trees and down to a pond. He would simply stroll by, glance casually at the woman, then move on when he’d confirmed it was not Abby. He found her throwing bread at the ducks with considerable force. She got one on the head, and it quacked its protest loudly.
Moving past slightly, he looked back and saw it was Abby. She was even more beautiful out here in the daylight. Her dress was cream, and she wore a deep blue pelisse and matching bonnet. He thought fleetingly that being a governess must mean she had to dress well, then he shoved his hands in his pockets and approached.
“Abby?”
She turned quickly, stepping toward him, her blue eyes lit with pleasure.
“Daniel!”
“Forgive me, I do not mean to intrude, but I saw you from my sister-in-law’s carriage.”
Her eyes went to where an older woman stood.
“I’m sorry, is she your employer?”
“Ah… yes, she is.”
“And clearly displeased we are talking, if her glare is any indication.”
“In all honesty, she always looks like that.” The side of her mouth kicked up. “But I really must go.”
“I want to see you again.” She wasn’t getting away from him this time. “Please.”
“I want that.” Her words were whispered. “I-it’s complicated.”
“Most things worth fighting for are.”
She looked at him, and he saw the longing.
“Abby, please let me see you again. Could we meet at the Duck and Goose in daylight hours this time?”
Her eyes shot right and then left before returning to his face. Was the old woman such a tyrant that she terrified Abby?
“Evening is better for me.”
“Tuesday, then?”
She nodded, looking nervous. “I will try.”
“So are you a companion or a governess? Because that woman doesn’t look like she needs the latter.”
“I—a companion.”
“Strange you would get them confused,” he teased.
“You confuse me.”
He stepped closer. “You confuse me too.”
He wanted to kiss her again, needed to hold her.
“We are leaving,” the woman demanded.
“Do you often walk in the park, Abby?” He didn’t want her to leave.
“When my employer wishes it.”
“We must go!” The woman’s voice was getting louder, and Daniel had no wish for Abby to be censured, or worse, lose her position.
“Tuesday,” Daniel said, clenching his fingers to keep from reaching for her. “Save the space beside you for me.”
Her smile was blinding. “I will. Goodbye, Daniel.”
“Goodbye, Abby, and promise you will come.”
“I promise.”
She hurried to follow the woman, who was now walking away. He watched, and seconds later, a footman passed. Clearly he was there to protect the elderly woman. Daniel wondered who she was. Thea would likely have known.
Wandering back the way he’d come, he felt ridiculously pleased that he would see her again soon. He doubted Abby had much time off, especially by the look of her employer, but hoped she would make their next meeting.
She had to make it, and if not, he was hiring someone to find her. This was more than attraction, much more, and he was not letting her go this time.
“Oh, so you’ve returned!” Thea called when he reached her carriage. She was with three ladies he knew well. “And you look a great deal happier than when you left.”
“Ladies.” He bowed before them. “So much beauty all in one place; how can I not be happy?”
“Oh, pooh to that,” Lady Levermarch said. She was one of the most beautiful women Daniel had ever met. When most men encountered her, their jaws literally dropped at the sight of her golden-brown hair and curvaceous figure. Phoebe was married to the Marquess of Levermarch. With her were her sisters-in-law, both married to twins Benjamin and Alexander Heatherington, the brothers of Lord Levermarch.
Primrose was married to Ben, and Hannah to Alex. Both were beautiful in their own right, but when seated beside Phoebe, everyone paled into insignificance. Abby wouldn’t, Daniel thought. She’d pale to no one.
He was to see her again soon; the thought made him ridiculously happy.
“We think you should accompany us to the Withers’ picnic, Daniel.”
“And yet as I told Thea, Lady Levermarch, I have no wish to attend.” Daniel looked around him but saw no sign of Abby. Was she happy in her employment? That old woman had certainly looked a bit of a tartar. He didn’t like to think of anyone upsetting her, which was usually a reaction reserved for his family or close friends.
“I want to introduce you to someone… well, several someones, actually.” Phoebe ignored his words.
“I have no wish to marry a noblewoman, so stop meddling.”
“We
