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Physical activity was what was required. It would keep his mind from wandering down unwanted paths. After today, there would be no more picnics with
Hattie Wilkinson. This was about a lesson in short flirtation rather than a prolonged friendship.
‘There is nothing much here,’ Rupert said unhelpfully, looking up from his book. ‘Just some empty fields.’
‘When you see the two crossroads, there is little mystery as to why the fair is held here,’ Kit continued, giving Rupert a meaningful glare. ‘Do you know how long the fair has been going on, Hattie?’
‘Since time immemorial,’ Mrs Wilkinson replied, dusting her fingers with a white handkerchief.
She leant back and the bodice of her gown tightened across her breasts. In other women, he’d suspect that it was done deliberately, but with Hattie, he was sure it was unconscious. All too often recently, his life had been filled with women who knew what they were on about and sought to accentuate their sexuality, leaving him cold.
‘There are some Roman remains just to the north of the inn. We could walk there.’ Her long lashes fluttered down, hiding her expressive eyes. ‘It is possible they had a fair. I’ve never really considered it.’
The tension went out of Kit’s shoulders. Virtue radiated from every pore. He could end the flirtation there. Something simple and it would be over. It was better to be done now, than to risk liking Mrs Wilkinson. They had no future. She’d never agree to an affair and he had no wish to become respectable.
The thought sent a pang of unaccustomed melancholy through him.
‘The perfect destination for an afternoon stroll.’ He made a bow. ‘If you are up for exploration and exercise...’
Mrs Wilkinson stood up and shook her skirts. Her carefully arranged crown of braids slipped to one side. With a laugh she brushed the grass stains from her skirt.
He considered his last three mistresses, all high-stepping courtesans, and if they would have reacted so favourably to a picnic or to eating strawberries or, worse, having any of their immaculate clothes soiled. The thought of the hysteria, shrieks and sulks which would have ensued made him shudder.
‘Shall we all go and explore? Mrs Hampstead and I will take the rearguard while you and Rupert...’
‘I do believe Mr Hook can stay with me,’ Mrs Hampstead said, looking up from her knitting.
‘But why?’ Hattie tapped her fingers together. ‘I can remember you always proclaiming about the virtues of a walk.’
‘I wish to find out about newts and I have seen enough stone to last me a lifetime. Why a bunch of old stones provides such amusement I’ll never know. But I know all about you and your walking, Miss Hattie. You were never able to sit still as a girl and you’ve never changed,’ Mrs Hampstead said with a placid smile. ‘Walk off your energy with Sir Christopher. You are a grown woman, not an impetuous girl of sixteen. I trust your judgement, even if you don’t.’
Rupert turned a dull purple and swallowed rapidly. ‘I’m sure you will find the subject quite dull, Mrs Hampstead. That is to say—a walk will do everyone some good.’
‘Not at all. It will do my bones no good to go clambering over rocks and stones.’ Mrs Hampstead patted a place beside her. It amused Kit that so many people in Mrs Wilkinson’s life seemed to think a bit of romance would do her good. ‘I have an enquiring mind and Miss Parteger came over yesterday to specifically ask about the subject. She assures me that you are a great authority. You are going to give a lecture in Corbridge and she plans to sit in the front row listening.’
‘Miss Parteger said that? She plans to?’ Rupert dropped the book and the page flopped open to lesser spotted newts and their habits. He hurriedly shut it and his face grew even redder. ‘Of course the lecture was pure speculation on her mother’s part... I mean, if called upon, I will be delighted to lecture. I believe I can give a convincing lecture...on newts.’
‘It is good to see that you are willing to rise to the challenge, Rupert,’ Kit said, looking at his protégé. Rupert was learning to honour his commitments and hopefully to think carefully before laying claim to any prowess again. He would repay his debt to Rupert’s father.
Rupert ducked his head. ‘I would endeavour to do my best.’
‘Practice always makes perfect.’ Mrs Hampstead fluffed out her skirts. ‘Mr Hook, I’ve waited a long time to hear about such things and I trust you will oblige me.’
‘You will have to imagine the illustrations.’
