Page 21 of Redemption

“Thank you for calling on us this morning, Colonel. And thank you again for your kindness last night.”

“It was my pleasure,” he said with a cheerful look that faded into an expression of rueful contemplation. “I would ask if you would take a ride with me tomorrow afternoon, but it’s obvious you are otherwise engaged.”

For a brief second, Rhea stared at the man in puzzlement before she realized he was referring to Percy. She grimaced. Percy’s earlier insinuations had been high-handed and unwelcome. But at the moment she was grateful for an excuse to avoid any entanglements. As much as she found the colonel’s company quite pleasant, she had no wish to encourage him.

It would be unfair to do so considering she had no desire to pursue a romantic relationship with any man. A small voice in the back of her head scoffed at her. She silenced the intrusive thought with calculated precision. The question now was how to explain Percy’s blatant suggestions that she was unavailable without backing herself into a corner and confirming his remarks. With the sigh, she shook her head.

“Mr. Rockwood and I have a…complex relationship.”

It was a truthful statement. She knew full well she was on a slippery slope with Percy. Even if she’d had the inclination to do so, a relationship with Colonel Dewhurst would shift the balance of her precarious connection to Percy. For some unfathomable reason, she knew Percy wouldn’t break his word, but another small part of her questioned why she had placed her trust in him. Colonel Dewhurst met her gaze with a fatalistic one then bobbed his head in comprehension.

“I understand. However, should the complexities of your current situation become more…simplified…I hope you will consider me a friend you can rely on.” The sincerity in his voice made Rhea step forward to take his hand and squeeze it in gratitude.

“That is a generous offer, and I will not forget it if I should have need of a friend.”

A wistful look on his face, Dewhurst kissed her hand and walked out of the house. Rhea closed the front door behind him and pressed her brow against the warm wood. When had her plan to rescue the children and retire to the country changed so dramatically? The sound of voices echoed into the main entryway, and she turned to see Percy and Arianna emerge from the morning room. Although her sister’s expression still held a trace amount of trepidation, Percy had managed to make her laugh. It was a sound that made Rhea feel indebted to him. Percy had obviously recognized Arianna’s wariness where he was concerned. As a result, it appeared he’d made a concerted effort to ease her sister’s fears and succeeded. As the two of them stopped in front of her, Percy met Rhea’s gaze.

“Your sister tells me you enjoy riding, Rhea.” Assessment and curiosity crossed his handsome features, and she bit down on her bottom lip. She needed to warn Arianna that she would have to be less forthcoming with the man. Percy Rockwood clearly had a talent for making people reveal their secrets. She’d already fallen into that trap herself.

“I did as a child,” she said crisply.

“Then it’s time you did so again. Why not join me tomorrow morning for a ride in the park. If Blake doesn’t have a suitable mount, then I’ll arrange for one to be at the doorstep.”

A stark memory of Bluebell galloping hard across the fields with her clinging to the small mare as tears streamed down her face filled her head. It had been the last time she’d ridden. A day later Bluebell had been sold. Rhea was certain her father had deliberately sold the horse. There had been a number of horses in the stables at the time, but her father had chosen Bluebell. The painful memory made her flinch. As her gaze met Percy’s penetrating one, Rhea schooled her features into an unreadable expression.

“Thank you, but I must decline. I haven’t ridden in a very long time, and I doubt my skills will allow me to ride even tolerably well.”

“You underestimate yourself, Rhea. If I recall, you also said you weren’t a very good dancer, and we both know that’s not the case.”

The gentle note in his voice made Rhea stiffen. What was it about this man that made her feel as though she could go to him with a problem, and he’d find a way to solve it for her? She quickly cast the thought aside. She might trust him not to betray her, but it was a narrow ledge she was on when it came to relying on Percy Rockwood.

With a shake of her head, she silently refused his invitation. It was bad enough he’d coerced her into the luncheon appointment with his sister. Heaven knew why he would feel the need for her to meet the woman. She could only assume Percy’s obvious antipathy for Colonel Dewhurst had been the driving force behind his subterfuge.

“I believe you indicated earlier that we have an appointment?”

At the accusatorial note in her voice he nodded without any sign of remorse for his coercive methods. The smile curving his lips made her grit her teeth. Confidence was the one thing Percy Rockwood possessed in abundance.

“I did. If you’re ready?”

“I simply need to retrieve my hat,” she bit out crisply.

His smile became a charming grin, which made some of her irritation disappear. On the verge of smiling back, Rhea quickly turned away and hurried upstairs to fetch her hat. She’d known from the moment she’d seen Percy in the ballroom at Melton Park that he would be trouble. She’d been right. But the question now was exactly what kind of trouble. The answer that flitted through her mind wasn’t one she wanted to consider.