Page 17 of What the Heart Knows

“I am sorry you are placed in that position. Do you have any alternatives, or must you reside with your father?”

Her hands remained on his waist, but she put more distance between their bodies. “I love my father.” I do. I truly do. The war has ruined him. Pray heaven time would bring him back to himself. “Sea Grange’s my home. I manage quite well as things are, and I’ve no desire for an alternative.”

“Understandable. Forgive my presumption,” His voice lost some of its warmth.

“’Tis naught to forgive, as I believe you asked out of charitable, if misguided concern.”

“As you say, Miss Fenneman.”

The horse neared the manor’s buildings and Copefort aimed the steed toward the main entrance.

“Please don’t go that way, I’d prefer to enter through the kitchen garden.”

“Of course.” They changed direction. In moments she dismounted at the garden gate.

“Thank you for your assistance, Mr. Copefort,” she said looking up at him.

“It was my pleasure, Miss Fenneman, but please call me Kit.”

“I… I… yes. When no one else is about, please call me Meg.”

They stared at each other for a long moment.

She couldn’t fathom the strange look in his eyes.

“You’d best return to the inn. I’d not like for you to take a chill,” she said at last.

“Indeed. With your permission, I’ll call on you to see how you go on.”

She felt a blush rise. “I… I would like that, sir. Come for tea when you do.”

“As you wish.” He touched his hat brim and trotted away.

She stood there watching him disappear into the late morning light. The breeze cooling her face recalled her to the moment, and she realized she still wore his cloak.

Chapter Five

Sea Grange Manor, Suffolk, Two days later

Two mornings later, a note from her father arrived. He would return soon and bring a guest with him. She should prepare the house and herself to greet their guest with all due decorum and respect.

Were she inclined that way, Meg might have cursed. “Soon” could mean today or five days from now. How typical of Father to imagine she could divine the significance of “soon” without more information.

She set the housekeeper to opening the best guest chamber, sat with the cook planning a number of elegant meals and teas. She had the butler bring up the best wines from the cellar, and she instructed her maid as to which outfits to prepare.

Then she spent time in the garden, helping with flowers for the house. After luncheon she forced herself to sit quietly in the parlor and read.

Shortly before tea, the butler entered the parlor. “I beg pardon, miss. You’ve a visitor. However, I hesitate to admit him.”

“Him? Not Father and guest then.”

“The gentleman’s card, miss.” The butler extended his gloved hand.

Meg took the card, smiling as she read the name. “By all means, invite Mr. Copefort to join me for tea, but first inform Amanda that I require her presence.”

“Very good, miss. However, do you not wish to wait to have tea with your father?”

The possibility of an encounter between Father and Kit was unsettling. Hopefully she would have time to ask her visitor’s discretion regarding the events at Trout Creek. As for meeting Father, Kit appeared to be a practical man. Meg suspected he could handle himself with her parent.