“No?”
“It is a perfectly acceptable tree.”
Colin crossed his arms over his chest. “The orphans are supposed to decorate the tree for Christmas,” he said. “Pray tell, what will they think when they see this pathetic tree in the saloon?”
She tilted her chin stubbornly. “They will admire its character.”
“If that is the case, then perhaps we should select two trees for the children to decorate,” he suggested.
“I think that is a grand idea.”
Colin reached into his pocket and pulled out a red ribbon. “I will mark this tree for the servants to cut down and we shall proceed to find another tree,” he said as he tied the ribbon to a branch.
“Now that I’ve brought you to the tree I picked, I don’t believe my presence is required.”
“But it is.”
“Why?”
“Because I feel duty-bound to prove to you that I can find a more symmetrical tree in these woodlands.”
“I daresay that you would be hard pressed to do so.”
Colin stepped closer to her horse and put a hand on its neck. “I could throw a rock and find a better tree than you.”
“Prove it, then.”
Colin smirked, then he leaned down and picked up a small rock. He threw it towards a cluster of pine trees that were a short distance off. “Shall we see if I was right?”
Arabella cast her eyes back in the direction of the manor, hoping the servants would catch up to them soon. Could she spend additional time with him and pretend that it did not affect her?
Colin’s voice broke through her musings. “Bella?”
She brought her gaze back to meet his. “I suppose a few more moments in this cold weather won’t hurt.”
“It might be best if we walk,” he said. “May I assist you off your horse?”
“That won’t be necessary.” Arabella swiftly dismounted and secured her horse.
Colin watched her with a smile on his face.
“What are you smiling at?”
“You.”
“Me?”
He nodded. “You never were one to wait for someone to assist you off your horse.”
“Why would I?” she asked, placing a hand on her hip. “I am more than capable of dismounting my own horse.”
“Of course you are,” he said. “But that isn’t the point.”
“Then what is?”
“Never mind,” he replied, then pointed towards the pine trees. “It’s time I prove to you that I am the master of selecting Christmas trees.”
Chapter Five
