Page 56 of Appointment in Bath

“I can.” She quickly put action to word. In minutes, she’d once again successfully traversed the frozen river, returning safely to the bank.

Ivo took her hand without asking permission. He helped her down from the stones, though she clearly didn’t need him to. “Why would you do that?”

“This isn’t the first time,” Meg said. “I’ve been doing it every day since last we met.”

He was appalled. “What on earth for?”

“It’s a challenge I’ve set myself. You were right, you know. Every time I do it, I feel stronger.”

“That’s laudable, but…” He retained her hand. “The bridge is dangerous when the weather turns colder. I’d really rather you didn’t attempt to cross it again unless I’m here.”

She slipped her hand from his. “What have you t-to d-do with it?”

It was an airy, unconcerned question. Or so she must have intended.

Her stammer gave her away.

The guilt Ivo had been experiencing since he’d kissed her returned in a violent rush. He felt like the veriest cad. “I care about you,” he said. “Obviously.”

“Because we’re friends.”

“Exactly.”

“Do you wrap all your friends in c-cotton wool?”

“No, but—”

“I’m p-perfectly capable of looking after m-myself.” She climbed back up the bank. “As I’ve just proved.”

He trailed after her, belatedly registering something she’d said. “You’ve come back here every day since last we met?”

Her frame betrayed a faint stiffness. She stopped to stand by Rowena.

Ivo hadn’t thought he could feel any worse. “You weren’t waiting for me, were you?”

“N-No. I knew you couldn’t come.”

“Then why—”

“I was riding here long b-before our acquaintance. I shan’t stop n-now you’re gone.”

“I’m not gone,” he said. “I wanted to come sooner. I thought I’d be able to earlier, but my brothers and sister are as persistent as deranged gnats. It’s taken me days to break free of them. Even this morning, Jack pursued me to the stables. He wanted to ride with me. I told him no.”

“Is th-that all you told him?”

“I said I was meeting a friend.”

Meg absently stroked Rowena’s neck. “You had b-better catch Snap before he runs away.”

The stallion had wandered up the bank. He was standing along the edge of the trees, his nose to the wind.

Ivo cursed vividly. He stalked off to catch his horse. When he returned with him, Meg was already back up on her mare. She must have used a fallen log to mount.

Worse and worse.

Clearly, she still hadn’t forgiven him for taking liberties.

A knot formed in Ivo’s stomach. He didn’t know if it would be better to address the subject or to ignore it. The latter seemed the wiser course. After all, he’d already apologized and promised her their friendship would remain unchanged. What more could he say to reassure her?