“Are you familiar with Lady Langdon’s manor?”
He bobbed his head.
“I want you to come by tomorrow and we shall see about acquiring you a job,” she said. “Furthermore, I am sure our cook will have some bread to spare for you.”
Peter smiled. “Thank you,” he responded enthusiastically.
The sound of a horse whinnying in the distance drew both of their attention. She turned back to Peter and said, “You need to go.”
Needing no further encouragement, Peter ran deeper into the woodlands and disappeared from her view within moments.
Arabella led her horse over to the fallen log and used it to mount. Once she was secure on her side saddle, she urged her horse forward through the familiar path.
She had just exited the woodlands when she saw Colin riding towards her. She reined in her horse and waited for him to do the same.
“Good morning,” he greeted.
She brought a smile to her lips. “Good morning.”
“I see that you are still an early riser.”
“I find that I have a lot on my mind.”
His eyes left hers and scanned the woodlands. “My gamekeeper has informed me that a deer has been poached.”
“That is awful.” She felt bad for holding information from Colin, but she didn’t dare confess that Peter was the poacher.
“I would feel more comfortable if you would avoid the woodlands until after the poacher has been arrested.”
“I do not believe that to be necessary.”
Colin brought his gaze back to meet hers. “Is that so?”
“I can take care of myself.”
“Do be serious.”
Arabella tilted her chin. “I am,” she replied. “If it would appease you, I will bring a muff pistol on my rides with me.”
“I would prefer if you didn’t ride unescorted, at least for the time being.”
“You have no say in that.”
His jaw clenched. “Poachers are notoriously dangerous men, and I do not believe they would hesitate to harm you.”
“I understand, but I believe I shall take my chances.”
“Bella—”
She put her hand up, stilling his words. “I do thank you for your concern, but it is quite unnecessary.”
Colin frowned as he stared at her for a long moment. “Why do you even own a muff pistol?” he finally asked.
“The streets of London are also rather dangerous for a young woman.”
“Just promise me that you will use caution when you enter these woodlands,” he requested.
She bobbed her head. “I can agree to that.”
