Mary waited and waited as time seemed to stand still. Kit was so close. She’d been sure he was going to kiss her. Then he moved away. She could have screamed with frustration. This was so unfair! The first time she wanted to be kissed, and the blasted man didn’t eventry. How was she to determine if she could love him if they didn’t kiss?
Stamping down her annoyance, she took a sip of chilled white wine. She would be reasonable. They’d only known each other a few days. Perhaps he thought it was too soon, yet Grandmamma had said men always took what was offered and sometimes what wasn’t. Mary remembered catching Barham kissing his wife during the house party at which they had met. They hadn’t thought it was too soon.
Maybe Kit had not wanted to kiss her. Perhaps he was willing to wed her only to stop a scandal. He could go jump in the river if he thought that.
Mary opened her mouth to ask, then shut it again. She would wait a while longer, but if he didn’t do something by next week, she’d call this courtship off. There was no point in being wooed by a gentleman who didn’t truly want her.
She tried not to frown as he tossed off his cup of wine and immediately poured another. She hoped he did not always drink so quickly. She’d never heard of him being a drunkard, but some hid it well.
Perhaps it was something else. “Kit, is anything wrong?”
“No.” He set his cup down. “I was merely distracted by the view.”
Trees lined the area in which they sat, framing the vista across the narrow river. On the opposite bank was a meadow dotted with sheep, across the fields to the hazy blue hills beyond. “It is beautiful.”
And she would miss it if she had to leave. Yet now was not the time to grow maudlin. Her friends were coming, and anything could happen in a week. She tucked into her meal. There was no point in hurting Cook’s feelings. Kit was eating as well, and silence fell, but it was not uncomfortable.
Once she’d finished, Mary wiped the corners of her mouth with a serviette and searched for conversation. “Have you seen Phoebe’s little boy, Arthur?”
“Yes. I visited them before I left to travel here. He is the image of Marcus, but with Phoebe’s eyes.”
That told Mary nothing as she hadn’t yet met Marcus. “He must be a handsome little boy.”
Kit grinned. “The ladies think so.”
“I don’t doubt you are correct. I cannot imagine a baby of Phoebe’s not being beautiful.” Mary checked her watch brooch. “It is almost two. We’d better return to the house soon.”
Kit sprung lightly to his feet, holding out a hand to her. As she clasped it, warmth filled her, and she scrambled up quickly but none too gracefully. When he didn’t release her, she glanced up and their gazes caught for a moment before he seemed to recall himself. Something had lurked in his eyes. If only she had the experience to read them.
Her heart sped as he once again placed his hands on her waist and lifted her into the carriage. That . . . her reaction . . . had to mean something.
He strode around to the other side, climbed in, and took the reins. “I believe it is your turn to handle the ribbons.”
“I’d love to. It has been a long time since I’ve tooled an equipage this fine.” Joy filled her as she threaded the leather through her fingers. He released the brake, and she gave the horses their office.
They were moving at a brisk pace when a rabbit suddenly darted out from a hedgerow. One of the horses shied. In an instant, Kit’s arm was around her shoulders as she struggled to control the pair.
“Can you manage?” he asked, his tone on edge.
“I think so.”
“Let me know.”
Mary tried to ignore the feel of his large body touching hers from hip to shoulder. He had tensed, and his hands were ready to seize the reins if required. She was impressed that he hadn’t just taken hold of the ribbons. Most men would have assumed she couldn’t handle them.
Finally she got the team to a walk and Kit eased back. She wished he hadn’t. On the other hand, maintaining such close contact was not prudent. She liked it much too well.
“Excellent job.” His deep voice caressed her. “I’d let you drive any of my cattle.”
She didn’t even attempt to hide her smile as she slid a glance at him. “They are yours. The other pair was too old, and I had to put them out to pasture.”
“You don’t say?” A boyish grin appeared on his countenance. “I admired them earlier. If I’d known, I would have spent more time looking them over. I heard you got them from the rector. Did Mr. Doust help you with the two cover-hacks as well?”
“No.” She shook her head. “We didn’t know Mr. Doust well at thetime. I bought them at the horse fair in Edinburgh. I did not think there would be much chance of meeting anyone there who knew me.”
“You are resourceful, and you’ve got a good eye for horseflesh.”
A rush of pleasure rose in her. “Thank you.” It was nice to be admired for her abilities. She feathered the turn onto the drive. “I do love driving.”
