Page 35 of Courting the Vicar’s Daughter

“Indeed.” He spoke with a thick voice and when she glanced at him, curiously, he hastily put the mug to his lips and drank. When at last he lowered the cup, apparently empty, he said, “Yes. Delightful.”

“Did you truly have something to discuss, or were you only being heroic when you took me away from Mr. Haskett?” She sipped at her mug while he led them to a bench beneath one of the trees on the village square.

Harry allowed her to sit, then he crossed his arms and leaned his shoulder against the tree. He stared down at her, forehead wrinkled. “Did you need rescuing from the curate? He does not appear all that dangerous to me.”

Daisy turned the mug around in her hands, wishing some of its warmth would seep into her fingers. The days were growing colder, and her thin summer gloves were no longer good for much besides looking pretty.

Answering Harry’s question would be almost like confiding in him. As friends, she ought to be able to do so without any worry of what he would think. She considered for another moment before answering him.

“Mr. Haskett is a good man, and he takes his position as curate quite seriously.” She sipped at her cup again. “But I do find, from time to time, that his conversation becomes more detailed than I wish.”

The gentleman above her did not laugh, but she could see the merriment in his eyes as his posture relaxed. “I see. In that case, I am glad I came along when I did.” He adjusted his position against the tree, settling his back against it. “Although I did wish to speak to you about something.”

“Lovely. I have something to talk about as well. You may go first.” She sat taller on the old worn bench, giving Harry her full attention. He had a rather handsome profile. His straight nose neither long nor short, his jawline pronounced just enough to appear firm. His dark hair peeked from beneath the brim of his tall black hat.

“I have obtained Mr. Ellsworth’s services as my new steward.” He glanced at her briefly and she nodded her approval. “And I am making numerous other changes on my estate. So many, in fact, that I thought it best to settle in more permanently. All my belongings are at Whitewood now. The staff is, as you guessed, most approving. Though I do not think caring for a bachelor will be nearly as exciting as they wish.” His smile was self-deprecating. “I wanted to thank you for encouraging me to take an interest in my property and responsibilities. I am not certain I would have made such decisions without your help.”

The cold in Daisy’s fingertips was chased away by a satisfied, warm contentment that crept through her as Harry spoke. “Although I have been most forward in our conversations, if this is what such behavior leads to, I am not sorry for it. I am glad you will stay, Harry.” Even if it meant she continued to experience the complex reactions to his presence. She had hoped they would fade with time, but knowing he would be a permanent fixture in their community did not seem to decrease the way she felt.

“Thank you. Now. What is it you wished to say?” His expression turned inquisitive.

“I wished to ask about the rumors of you staying,” she admitted. “Though many people have confirmed them, I did not think it wise to believe it until I spoke directly to you.”

“Ah.” He looked away again, a smile teasing at his lips. “Your abhorrence of gossip and rumor. I remember.”

She took in the way he stood and considered how it might appear to others in the area. They were, after all, in plain sight of anyone at the fair. But Harry seemed aloof rather than attentive, and he stood a few feet away from where she sat.

He is even now honoring my wishes. No one watching us would think us anything more than mere acquaintances.

Somehow, the thought both pleased and disappointed her. She frowned down into the remnants of her cider, which had turned cold. The leaves above her head shivered with a gust of wind, and several drifted down to land on the village green.

“How are the plans for your school coming?” he asked, watching a leaf float to the ground.

“Very well. I spoke to your cousin, Lady Annesbury, and she is a strong supporter of the project. I am most grateful for that. With ladies such as her and your sister championing the school, I think it must be a success.”

At that Harry laughed, the sound low and soothing more than surprising. “The ladies I am related to are all well practiced in being champions and rescuers. We are both fortunate to have them on our side.”

Daisy rose from the bench, another breeze coming by to ruffle her bonnet and hem. When she peered upward through the branches of the tree, she saw gray clouds moving to absorb the blue sky. “Oh dear. It looks as though it will rain again.”

Harry glanced up as well. “May I escort you home?”

She shook her head. “I ought to help Mrs. Bramston, our housekeeper, and our cook. They will wish to pack their things and go home before the rain ruins everything.”

“I will assist you. Is there a cart I could fetch?”

“Yes. In the pasture behind the inn, we tied up a little pony and dogcart. Thank you, Harry.” She laid her hand on his arm, trying to give extra weight to her gratitude.

Harry briefly covered her hand with his and his eyes turned darkly serious. “Of course, Daisy. Anything for you.” Then he was gone, before she could decide what he had meant by such a statement. There really was no time to consider it, either, for she still had to return the cider mugs and help her servants.

Yet, even as she ran to help pack up their wares before the rain began, Daisy knew the earnest gleam in Harry’s eyes would be with her for quite some time.

Chapter Thirteen

The weather had turned from bright sunshine to darkened gray skies with a rapidity that would have discouraged Harry, had he not so much to do. The days of the fair were the last that the village enjoyed the sunshine. October was nearly over, and November would be filled with cold days and even colder nights.

Which was why he and his new steward were out on an important errand. Mr. Ellsworth drove a gig he had found in Harry’s carriage house, and Harry sat up in the seat beside his employee.

“I know it isn’t the best time of year for such projects,” Mr. Ellsworth said, flicking the reins. “But it isn’t the best time to live in a house with a patchy roof and drafts either.”