“I know, but I also know that when I helped him to his bedchamber and sang to him, it seemed to soothe him. I know I can help him through these attacks.”
“Things aren’t always that simple, and you must brace yourself for the possibility that Hartley cannot return your feelings.”
“I will wait for him, no matter how long it takes.”
“It may take a lifetime. Are you willing to spend your life alone, waiting for something that may never happen?”
“I will wait for him. If I don’t marry Hartley, I won’t marry anyone.”
“Harriet, my dear, you’re young and in the first blush of love. Don’t put yourself on the shelf before you’ve even madeyour debut, especially since you never know who you may meet during your Season.”
“I don’t want a Season. I’ve told Mama that, but she refuses to listen. Can you speak to her? She’ll listen to you.”
“I will speak with her, but it’s ultimately your mother’s decision. She may not be amendable to you waiting for something that may not come to pass.”
“If I return to London for the Season, would you let my cousin force me to marry if there are offers from men I don’t love?”
“I would never let anyone including your cousin force you, Harriet. That you can rely on.”
“Thank you, Wiltshire. That’s all I ask.”
“Life is full of wonders, my dear. I don’t want you to close yourself off before you’ve even had a chance to experience them. Your future may not be here in Bath.”
Harriet nodded. “I’ll try to keep an open mind, although I know how I feel about Lord Hartley. There will be no changing my mind on that score.”
They gathered the horses, and Wiltshire lifted Harriet back into the saddle. They walked the horses back through the forest and across the meadow, and when they reached the property line, Hartley was waiting.
“Good morning, Lady Harriet. I thought I’d missed you this morning,” he said, tipping his hat to her. “Wiltshire.”
“Hartley.”
“It’s wonderful to see you, Lord Hartley,” Harriet said.
“Will you walk with me for a moment, my lady?”
Harriet looked at Wiltshire, and he nodded his permission.
Hartley dismounted and helped Harriet off Meribelle. As much as she wanted him to hold her close, he was polite and merely offered his arm. She slipped her hand in the crook of his elbow, and they walked a little further into the meadow while her brother-in-law looked on.
“You look lovely. I’m happy to see you today,” Hartley said.
“Are you?” Harriet asked.
“You know I am. I want nothing more than to take you in my arms and kiss you until we’re both senseless, but I don’t think Wiltshire would approve.”
Harriet giggled. “No, he wouldn’t, but I do desire more kisses. When will I see you again?”
“I don’t know.”
“Will you come to the next Assembly Room dance?”
“I’ll try to make it, although I can make no promises. That’s the best I can offer at the moment.”
“I understand. I would be thrilled if you could join us and I’ll save you a waltz.”
“I would like that, and perhaps you’d enjoy a spot of fresh air after we dance?” he asked with a wink.
Harriet giggled. “I would enjoy that very much, especially if there are kisses involved.”
