They rode along in a companionable silence, and he studied their surroundings, trying to recollect any fond experiences as a boy. There had rarely been other children at the estate—not any with whom his mother would permit him to socialize anyway—so there had been no building of forts, no swimming in the streams, no playing of Robin Hood and his merry band of criminals.
As a sea-faring man, if he’d been pressed to supply his view of the property, he’d have declared it landlocked, so it couldn’t appeal to him in the slightest. But it was a balmy summer day, and he had a fetching temptress snuggled on his lap. The interval was as perfect as it could be.
They reached her gate, and he lifted her down, then dismounted himself. He tied the reins to the fence, and she said, “I assume you’re coming inside.”
“Yes, and you should be a tad more gracious about it. I doubt you have many visitors, so you should be glad I’ve bothered.”
“Have I told you that you’re a menace?”
“I’m sure you have.”
“I wasn’t joking.”
She started up the walk, and he followed like a puppet on a string.
“Where is Clara?” he asked.
“She’s at school. There’s a widow in the village who teaches a group of girls.”
“You have money for that?”
The nosy question popped out before he could swallow it down. She wasn’t offended though. “Her grandmother left it to us, to pay for incidentals.”
“Who was her grandmother?”
“I don’t know.”
He scowled. “I thought she was your niece.”
“I tell that story about her, but she’s not a relative. My Aunt Pru attended her mother at the birthing. The family didn’t want her, so we kept her.”
“Why didn’t they want her?” he inquired like a dolt.
“I’ll let you ponder the answer. I’m positive you’ll deduce it without too much heavy contemplation.”
“Oh. I’m guessing her mother was young and unwed.”
“You’d be guessing correctly.”
They entered the residence, and he was annoyed to see that the door was unlocked.
“How long will I have to nag at you about this situation?” he asked. “It’s not safe for you to be so trusting.”
“It’s futile to badger me about it. I’m very stubborn, so I would never listen.”
“I understand why you have no husband. What man would tolerate such blatant disrespect? Weren’t you ever informed that men are your masters? You’re required to heed them in all matters. It even orders it in the Bible.”
“I have to confess to being a terrible sinner. Most every man I’ve ever met is a fool.”
“What about me? Am I a fool?”
“You’re the biggest one of all.”
“Why would you believe that? Everyone agrees that I’m a brave, industrious, and smart fellow. Why is your opinion so different?”
She didn’t reply, but yanked off her bonnet and shawl and hung them on a hook. Then she lit a lamp and tugged open the curtains. The cottage was tucked away in deep woods, so there was never much sunshine to filter through the trees. Even though it was the middle of the afternoon, it felt like dusk was about to arrive.
Finally, when she had the room adjusted, she spun to face him. “You’re engaged to be married, Captain. Your fiancée is ensconced in the manor and planning your betrothal party, and you should be helping her, yet you’re here with me instead. When is the wedding to be?”
He’d been wondering if she’d heard, and he coolly fibbed, “Next year, so you see, Miss James, I remain very much a bachelor.”
“What would she think if your mischief with me was exposed?”
“My activities are none of her business.”
“Spoken like a true cad.” She gestured to the door. “Would you go?”
“No. I’m too amused by you to consider departing.”
“How about if I feed you? Might you then have your fill of me?”
“You already admitted you can’t cook, so I’m not keen to accept your offer.”
“I can’t cook, but I can pick blackberries. My servant baked me a pie.”
She went to the kitchen and drew out a chair for him. He sat down, and he watched her as she bustled about, pulling out plates and dishing up two slices. She put them down, then seated herself across from him.
They didn’t dig in immediately, but were content to stare, and he was irked to find himself drowning in her pretty green eyes. It occurred to him that he might be in a great deal of trouble with her.
There appeared to be something he wanted, something he needed her to give him. Until he discovered what it was, he probably wouldn’t be able to leave her alone. What would it turn out to be? How much mayhem would he stir before he settled on the answer?
She began to eat, and she ignored him completely, which was interesting to witness. He simply took up too much space in any room, and he was always the center of attention.
“What will happen between us?” she asked after they’d finished.
“I can’t imagine. What do you expect?”
She rested her elbows on the table, her chin on her hand, and she studied him in an absorbing manner, as if she could peer down to his tiniest pore. It produced the strangest sensations, as if she was creeping through his veins, and he didn’t like it one bit. He wouldn’t tell her that though. Nor would he let her realize she was having such a deleterious effect on his equilibrium.
He was much too manly to be undone by a look.
“Why are you studying me so intently?” he asked.
“I’m trying to figure out your purpose.”
“So am I.” He motioned around the kitchen. “When I was waiting for you yesterday, I snooped in your cupboards and drawers.”
“You poured yourself a glass of wine too. You are so rude.”
“This is the most intriguing
