Sometimes the best defense wasn’t an offense, but a diversion. So, as they approached a V in the road, she urged Trusty, not toward the Hall, but toward the bridle path.
“Cassandra!” he called after her. “Where do you think you are going?”
So, they were back to Cassandra, were they?
“The ruins.” She tossed a haughty expression over her shoulder. “Ourplace.”
“Our—” He paused, looking far more surprised than he should have.
Shouldn’t he be pleased she thought with fondness of the place he’d chosen for their first excursion together? For their first kiss?
His gaze fixed on a spot above her head. “I don’t like the look of those clouds.”
She ignored him and urged Trusty on until, finally, she spotted the clearing with the tie weight they’d used to secure the horses the first time they were there. Without her directing Trusty to do so, the pony slowed.
Odd.
Then again, maybe not. Maybe Sarah’s governess had brought Sarah here. Cassie nodded to herself. That made sense. Of course, she would have taught Sarah the estate’s history. She climbed down out of the box and was hitching Trusty to the weight when Harbury finally drew up behind her.
“I don’t like the look of those clouds either, but, at present…” She let her gaze roam up and down his person. “I very much admire the view.”
He puckered his lips and curled the hand against his thigh into a fist as if struggling to hold back a retort.
He intended to be difficult, didn’t he?
Well, she’d learned a thing or two in the prior weeks. She placed her hand against his calf. His heat seeped through the woolen stocking below his breeches.
“Surely,” she said softly, “you can spare a moment…for me.”
He closed his eyes. She studied the struggle on his features, hoping. When he opened them again, she knew she’d won.
She moved back, holding to her shawl while he dismounted and then tied his horse. She’d never taken particular note of the way a man dismounted, butthisman was a different story. She’d good reason to appreciate the way he moved his body, all controlled confidence and skill.
“Cassie,” he said wearily. “You know very well what I asked, and you deliberately—”
“Don’t youdaresay disobey,” she interrupted, her voice even. “I agreed to bring a groom when I went out, but I didn’t think your directive included a simple drive to see a neighbor on the estate.”
“I worry about you.”
She searched his face. He did, indeed appear more worried than angry. “What cause have you to worry when you knew I’d be in the company of your own longstanding tenant?”
He hesitated. “Not under normal circumstances, but the last time we visited, Mr. Townsend wasn’t exactly welcoming.”
“Yes, butMrs. Townsendhas been nothing but gracious.” She laid a hand against his arm. “Please, Harbury. Trust my judgment.”
Again, he closed his eyes. “I do. Only…”
“Only?”
He opened his eyes. The force of his gaze was a physical thud against her chest.
“Only I would bedevastatedif something happened to you.”
Ah.The truth was raw on his features. She stepped forward. She placed her gloved hand lightly against his chest and lifted her face.
What fear. What fire. And all his passion was for her and her alone.
She lifted herself onto her toes and then brushed her lips over his own. Even though he did not respond, the voluntary contact sent a rush of heat through her body. Then, his shoulders fell, and he set his hands on her hips.
