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“If you partner well with me in this, perhaps you would allow me to court you.”
Even though every instinct in her revolted at the very idea, Vicky’s smile was noncommittal.
“I will see what I can find out, my lord.”
She only hoped she hadn’t agreed to a betrothal then and there by not slapping him in the face as he deserved. Vicky looked around, absently wondering if there was anywhere she could turn for assistance in this matter. She suspected she would have to keep it all to herself. But how was she supposed to keep such a secret from Georgia? Despite her misgivings, though, she really didn’t want to involve Georgia in her condition. For all the countess’ protests about how well she was feeling, Vicky knew how much her own mother had suffered from losing her pregnancies. Vicky couldn’t risk something like that happening to her dearest friend.
Vicky was just about to walk away from the reprehensible man when she thought of something else. “We probably ought to be careful not to draw too much attention to ourselves, my lord. It might be best if you don’t approach me again.”
Lord Bertram narrowed his eyes at her, and Vicky almost quailed. She lifted her chin instead. “I, of course, have no experience in such matters. But it’s unlikely a gentleman would confide in me if he thinks I am courting with another, I would think.”
This seemed to strike the viscount. “You could be correct, my lady, I hadn’t thought of that. But I shall remain close by in case you run into trouble, have no fear.”
Vicky’s stomach pitched anew at the thought of the oily man keeping watch over her. She hoped her disgust didn’t show itself upon her face. She didn’t even bother to nod in acknowledgement. She just turned around and walked away.
It took effort to keep her pace sedate when all she wanted to do was lift her skirts and run all the way back to Glendale. Surely, her father and the baby viscount could use her help upon the estates. Nonetheless, Vicky controlled her urge to run and repressed her longing for home. She now had an obligation to dispense. Her family needed her to remain here. But she could perhaps enlist the assistance of one of her sisters or brothers-in-law. Slowing her pace even more, Vicky set her mind to the task of deciding how best to sort this matter out.
She still hadn’t quite come to any conclusions before it was time to assemble for their excursion.
Vicky was dressed comfortably in her favourite riding habit and was looking forward to exploring the ruins, even if the thoughts swirling through her head were going to interfere with the experience. There were so many ladies and gentlemen and horses milling about in the stable yard that she was beginning to wonder how she was going to mount her horse when a deep voice behind her almost made her yelp in surprise.
“Can I be of assistance?” It was almost a relief to have Ashford speak to her, even though she wanted to avoid him completely and the amusement she could hear in his voice set her teeth on edge.
“As a matter of fact, you can, thank you,” she answered with a grin. “It would seem all the mounting blocks are occupied.”
Ashford’s chuckle nearly offset her equilibrium, but Vicky ignored the ridiculous sensation as he laced his fingers together and crouched down for her to put her foot in the cup he had created. When he lifted her up into her saddle as though she weighed little more than goose down, it created a delicious sensation in the pit of her stomach that she added to the things she was ignoring that day.
“Might I have the pleasure of your company as we ride out?” he asked.
After his offer of assistance, she couldn’t very well deny his request. But she tried. “I don’t really see that it will be a pleasure.” It was a rude thing for her to say. Her mother would be aghast if she were to hear of it. Vicky was almost ashamed of herself. But her feelings toward the man were so very conflicted that she could never be certain of what made sense and what didn’t when she was in his company.
He laughed again, ignoring her effort. “I’ll be the judge of that.”
Vicky could feel Lord Bertram’s heavy stare between her shoulder blades but tried not to even look in his direction. She knew he would think she was doing his bidding and couldn’t decide if that was a good thing or not but either way, it couldn’t very well be helped. She was stuck with Mr. Ashford Northcott for a good portion of the afternoon. She reminded herself that she ought to be disappointed, but she didn’t believe herself.
“Have you been to Crossley before, Mr. Northcott?”
“No, this is the first time I’ve had the pleasure. What about you?”
“This is my first time, as well. Georgia and Crossley haven’t been married so very long. While we were in mourning, I couldn’t come, and then when Lady Crossley agreed to oversee my Season, I joined them directly in London rather than coming here and travelling to Town together as had been my first thought.”
She could see his expectant expression, and it urged her on to further explanation.
“With Mother ill and Father occupied with the viscount, I had to help with some things at home before I could go off gallivanting.”
Ashford laughed at her expression. “You don’t really strike me as the gallivanting type, Lady Vigilia.”
Despite her misgivings, she returned his grin. “You would be very surprised in that case then,” she countered. “Or so it seemed, anyhow, in comparison with what was taking place at home.”
“Everyone is well, now, though, aren’t they?”
“Yes, thankfully. Mother has recovered, the baby is growing like a weed, and everyone is doting on him.”
Her concerns must have been evident, though, as the gentleman kept his inquisitive gaze focused on her face. “You don’t seem fully convinced, though.”
Vicky sighed. “I feel as though I ought to be there to continue caring for things. I didn’t really feel that Mother was truly fully recovered. And both she and Father are so enamoured with their son that I’m afraid the estate and my sisters will be left to fend for themselves. And none of them will prosper under such circumstances.”
“How long have you been gone?”
