“Not at all, Hartley. Just enjoying the tea.” Richard turned to Lady Dalling. “My compliments to your cook, my lady.”
She nodded. “I shall pass along your compliments, Lord Evans. She will be most happy to receive them.” She looked at Hartley. “Lord Hartley, I’m glad to see you can be civil after all.”
He nearly spit out his tea at her unexpected remark. “Madam, your opinion is not welcome, especially since you weren’t invited in the first place.”
“Hartley, there’s no reason to be rude to the marchioness,” Richard admonished his friend.
Jon growled. “This is my house, and none of you were invited so I may say what I wish.”
“Yes, but we’re here now, so do try to be civil.”
“My lord, perhaps tomorrow we may ride together?” Harriet asked, clearly trying to keep the conversation from devolving into an argument between the lords.
Hartley didn’t know what to say. On the one hand, he wanted his solitude, but on the other, he craved Lady Harriet’s presence. After pausing a moment, he finally said, “I suppose that would be tolerable.”
What had he just done agreeing to ride with her? This wasn’t the way to stop thinking about her. He didn’t want to be in her company but couldn’t resist her either. Ever since she’d unexpectantly appeared in the meadow, his mind had been in turmoil. Did he want to see her? Did he not want to see her? Back and forth, his mind struggled with the conundrum.
Harriet smiled and nodded. “I look forward to it, my lord.”
For the next half-hour, it was mostly Richard and George who carried the conversation, while Hartley sat back and nursed his cup of tea. He was at the limit of his patience, but before he had a chance to demand they leave again, Lady Dalling stood.
“Lord Hartley, thank you for your hospitality. I do hope you’ll accept my invitations in the future.” She turned to Harriet. “Come along, my dear. We’ve intruded on the earl long enough.”
Harriet stood and curtseyed, never taking her eyes off him. “Good day, Lord Hartley. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.”
He was the one to look away and grunted his reply.
George led the women outside while Richard stayed behind to talk to him.
“Jon, if you’re interested in the young lady, stop being a beast around her and court her properly. She’s young but quite mature for her age. I doubt you’ll ever meet anyone else like her.”
“Get out, Evans! Your opinions mean nothing to me.”
Richard nodded. “Of course, Jon. Think about what I said. I’ll see you soon.”
When everyone was gone, Jon slumped down in the chair. He never would have believed he had the patience to endure tea with strangers, especially not in his own home, but he’d surprised himself with his tolerance today. He’d been all set to walk out of the parlor until he saw Lady Harriet.
Lady Harriet.
A young lady without equal. Evans was right about that. There was no one else like her. And he couldn’t stop thinking about her.
What was he going to do about this obsession? Clearly, being in her company only increased his desire for the raven-haired beauty. For the first time in years, he desired a woman. But not just any woman. Lady Harriet. She was the first woman he’d wanted to kiss since he came home from the war. But would she welcome his kisses? Why would she? He was a beast, and she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.
“Greenfield!”
His butler appeared almost instantaneously. “Yes, my lord. Do you require something?”
“Have Zeus saddled.”
Greenfield nodded and left the room.
He was glad to see his butler obeyed him without question. The last thing he needed, on top of everything that had happened earlier, was a defiant servant.
Only the wide-open spaces atop his trusted stallion were going to soothe the savage beast inside him. A few minutes later, he stomped out to the stables, grabbed the reins from the groom, and vaulted onto Zeus’s back. The animal sensed his agitation and galloped off across the meadow.
When he was well away from his home, he screamed his frustration into the wind. Unfortunately, even that couldn’t banish the image of lovely Lady Harriet sitting in his parlor, drinking tea and looking at him with her beautiful blue-gray eyes. He was afraid she’d haunt his dreams forever.
Chapter 10
