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“No. I haven’t seen him speak to him, or anyone else but you. Which makes me wonder, what brings you here so early? Are you wishing to reinstate your offer for Saracen?”
“I am not in the habit of going back on my word, Miss Wentworth. I withdrew my offer to buy the animal. If your grandfather proves to be obstinate, though, I will purchase him but solely for the purpose of reselling him to you. With my hundred pounds profit, of course.” His face was solemn, but the twinkle in his eyes took away any sting. “In actuality, I came to deliver a communication into the hands of Freeman so your grandfather could have it by breakfast.”
My heart started to flutter.
“Are you now fulfilling the office of delivering His Majesty’s Post?”
“Only for my own benefit, I assure you. I doubt His Majesty would have me.”
My decision was made. “Could I prevail upon you to send two letters for me? I do not have any money with me at the moment, but I assure you I will reimburse you for any expense.”
His gaze was penetrating but not unfriendly. “Does not Freeman see to the post at the Hall?”
“I - I...” I stopped and looked away, colouring painfully. “There are things I would not wish Sir Mordecai to read.”
“Ah, yes, your grandfather would doubtless insist on approving the correspondence of everyone in the household. Of course I shall see your letters on their way.”
“Thank you so much,” I said with a rush of relief, digging into my sleeve for the two precious pieces of paper. Hiding places in modern clothing were limited, as my dress did not have pockets, and one did not carry a reticule simply to go see the stable. “Here. They are...” I coloured painfully again “... somewhat urgent.”
He looked at the missives’ addresses without expression, then slipped them into his coat pocket.
“They shall be sent today. Tell me, have you decided to accept Basil?”
The world rocked beneath my feet. “Basil? How-? Of course. Neighbourhood gossip.” As if cognisant of my distress Saracen whickered and rubbed his muzzle along my arm.
“Indeed. It’s common knowledge that the old man plans for you two to marry... Two sides of the Wentworth family joined in matrimony and all that. I believe,” he said with careful neutrality, “that there have even been wagers made as to the date of the wedding.”
While it was odious to find oneself practically sold into an unwanted marriage, to find one’s private life a subject for common wagering was humiliating.
Chaperone or no, I vowed I would leave Wentworth Hall immediately.
“That is disgusting. How can people be so vulgar?”
“Because,” he said in a softer tone, “they lead dull lives and you are the most interesting thing in this area in years.”
“That does not give them the right to make a sport of my life!”
“I take it you have declined Basil’s attentions?”
Saracen stamped his feet and whickered, but I was so involved in a maelstrom of repugnance I paid no attention when I should have.
“He has not offered them yet, but I have every intention of doing so.”
“That, dear cousin, is an attitude I shall endeavour most mightily to change.”
Framed against the light of the open door he was nothing but a silhouette, but there was no mistaking that this was Basil Wentworth. Moving as silently as a shadow over the hay-strewn floor he seemingly slithered to my side, stopping much too close for my comfort, and extended his hand. I remained immobile, my hands firmly at my sides. Too quickly to be read, an unpleasant expression flashed over his face.
Now I could see him, and was most definitely less impressed that the night before. He was an unprepossessing specimen, especially when standing next to Stanhope.
“Your grandfather has asked me to escort you back to the Hall, dear Clarissa.” His tone was unexceptional, but the words were definitely an order.
“As my mission here is complete,” a serious-faced Stanhope said with a bow to me and a curt nod to Basil, “I will leave you. Good day to you both.”
“Thank you, Mr. Stanhope. It was a pleasure seeing you.” I extended my hand and received a gentlemanly kiss on the back, an action which was not lost on Basil, as I had intended.
With narrowed eyes Basil watched until we had seen Stanhope mount his grey and ride away.
He extended his arm. “May I escort you back to the Hall? Your grandfather is waiting for you.”
