Keith removed his hand faster than she could blink and shot up to his feet. “Sir.”
“As you were.” Papa clapped Keith’s shoulder. “You did an excellent job with the horses. Thank you.”
Keith flushed. “You’re welcome, sir.”
Papa crouched and kissed her cheek. The smell of worn leather and tobacco brought her back to when she was a child and sat on his lap while he signed bills and wrote letters at his desk. She’d fallen asleep on him on those occasions, lulled by his calm breathing.
“I love you, darling.” He stroked her hair.
“I love you too, Papa.”
“What are you reading?” He tilted his head to read the cover. “Wuthering Heights.” He clicked his tongue. “Sorry, lad. I was wondering when you had to endure the Brontë torture.”
“Papa.” She swatted his shoulder. “Wuthering Heightsis a wonderful book.”
“Depressing and hopeless.” He turned serious. “Too similar to real life.” He straightened. “I need a word with Violante, Keith.”
“Of course, sir.” Keith bowed and waved at her before taking the book. “I’ll see you later.”
Goodness. Papa wanted to forbid her to spend time with Keith? That was it. The end of her happy time with him.
Papa sat next to her. “He’s a good lad.”
“He is. What did you want to tell me, Papa? Is it about Keith?”
His eyebrows drew together. “No, why?”
Oops. She forced a laugh. “Nothing. Nothing.”
“Did he behave inappropriately towards you? Did he do anything? I swear, I’ll have?—”
“Papa.” She touched his arm. “Calm down. Nothing happened. Keith is nothing but a gentleman. I promise.”
He didn’t soften. “Good. I’m fond of him, but if he disrespects you, I won’t hesitate to throw him out.”
“No need for that. Keith is very respectful and devoted to you.” So much so that he was afraid to touch her. “What is it?”
“Sir Howard is throwing a party to celebrate his daughter’s birthday.”
“That explains all the carts I saw driving in and out of his estate in the past days when I walked up Windy Ridge. Are we invited?” She wouldn’t mind. Music, good food, and lots of people.
“No. And even if we were, I wouldn’t set foot in that devil’s house for all the gold in the queen’s vault.” He didn’t soundamused but determined. “In fact, I want you to stay away from his estate for the next few days. No more horse riding or walking towards Windy Ridge.”
“But Papa, this way I can’t even see the lady guests’ gowns or the fancy carriages.”
“Please, just this once, do as you are told.” He patted her cheek. “Promise me you’ll stay away from Sir Howard’s house. He invited a bunch of politicians and members of theton, and with everything that is happening in London, I’m worried.” His tone carried such gravity she could only nod.
He was overreacting. Who would bomb an estate in Hertfordshire? Her corner of the world was nothing but peaceful.
