3
The sun had barely lifted above the horizon as Richard urged his horse along the winding road that led to Miss Theodosia’s estate. The morning air was brisk, heavy with dew and the scent of damp earth, but he barely noticed. His eyes were fixed ahead, narrowed in contemplation.
As he crested the hill overlooking her land, the full breadth of the property stretched out before him. The fields were neatly cultivated, the fences recently mended, and the manor sat stately at the end of a tree-lined drive. Everything was orderly, efficient, thriving.
A flicker of reluctant admiration stirred within him.
She’s done well, he admitted silently. Not many women, particularly one so young, could have taken on the burden of running an estate. She had shown resilience, competence… and cunning.
But Richard wasn’t here to admire Miss Theodosia. She was, in his mind, a liar—a clever one, yes, and capable of disarming charm—but still, a deceiver. She was hiding something, and he meant to uncover the truth.
If all went according to plan, she would accompany him toLondon, and Mr. Smith—whoever he truly was—would be drawn out. Then, and only then, could justice be served. He’d see them both exposed for the pain they had caused.Let the law deal with them after that.
As he drew nearer to the manor, he caught sight of Miss Theodosia seated on a stone bench tucked beneath an ancient elm in the gardens. A sketchbook was open in her lap, and she was wholly absorbed in the scene before her. Her pencil moved in measured strokes as she glanced up at a small bird perched on a low branch.
For a brief, jarring moment, she looked… peaceful. Almost lovely.
He reined in his horse, and the bird startled at the sound, taking flight with a sharp flutter of wings.
Miss Theodosia’s head turned at once, and the serenity in her expression vanished. Her brows drew together in irritation. “Oh, wonderful. You’ve returned, my lord.”
He ignored the bite in her tone as he dismounted. “I see you’re an early riser.”
“That I am,” she replied. “Mornings are the only time of day when peace is assured and uninvited visitors are rare.”
Unbothered, he secured his horse to the nearby hitching post and walked towards her. “Were you sketching that bird?”
“I was trying to,” she replied, lifting the book slightly in demonstration. “Though it’s difficult to capture a creature that won’t sit still for more than a moment.”
He stepped closer and glanced at the page. To his surprise, the sketch was striking—graceful lines, careful shading, and a precise rendering of the bird’s posture and movement. “That’s impressive,” he admitted, almost grudgingly.
A faint smile curved her lips. “I enjoy drawing. My mother was quite gifted at it, and she encouraged me from an early age.”
He caught the subtle shift in her voice, the hint of griefhidden beneath composed words. It struck something in him, but he pushed it aside.She’s playing a part. That’s all.
He gestured towards the bench. “May I?”
She gave a slight incline of her head and shifted towards one end of the bench, allowing him space. There was a stiffness in her posture, a silent reminder that this was no friendly visit.
He sat, leaving a proper distance between them. “Have you given any further thought to my offer?”
“I have,” she said evenly, folding her hands in her lap. “Though I remain puzzled. Why me, my lord? There must be dozens of young ladies more suited to the task.”
“I explained my reasoning yesterday.”
“You did,” she allowed, “but it all still feels rather… surreal. Has your sister even expressed a desire for a companion?”
Richard hesitated. Truthfully, Olivia would balk at the very idea, particularly if it involved deception. But she would come around once he explained the necessity.
He summoned a practiced smile. “That needn’t concern you.”
Her brow furrowed. “Why do you insist on dismissing my concerns, as though my thoughts are mere trifles?”
“I wasn’t—” he began, but she cut him off.
“It certainly feels that way. What happens if I travel to London and your sister refuses to take me on as her companion?”
“Then I’ll see you safely home again,” he said, a touch too quickly.
