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"Well, yes, I hope it meets with your approval. Though I thought his impending arrival was a secret."
"My sister told me of Mama's interference. They both know that I am not interested in Lord Appleby's suit."
"Then I am sorry to say I agreed to comply with Lady Montgomery's request."
"I know that she gave you no choice. Mama can be as domineering as the fiercest ram…" She stopped suddenly, reddening as she realised that she had been about to refer to the breeding of sheep on their estate. Young ladies, she'd been instructed, were not to have any such knowledge. "As domineering as a sailing ship master," she added lamely.
His tight-lipped nod showed her that he was smothering a grin. Clearly, he knew what she'd meant by the first image of a predatory stud. In spite of herself, she giggled, dissolving into laughter which she tried to cover with her hands. Camilla slid to the grass at her feet.
Captain Drew knelt to retrieve the volume and broke into broad smile as he handed her the book and stood.
"I recognise your mother's attempts at keeping an iron hand over her daughters. Much to be admired, but perhaps difficult for you and your sister."
"Mama has only one aim in life - to see her children well married. Both of my older brothers have complied, with suitable wives. And Felicia seems on her way to marital bliss."
"But you?" he asked. "You have a different idea?"
"Certainly where Lord Appleby is concerned, I do. I assume that you and your wife have a comfortable relationship, Captain Drew?"
"I’ve never married. It has not been my fortune to experience the reciprocal affection that would lead to…"
"Then please excuse my curiosity, and my mother's boorishness in putting you in such a prickly situation. I have previously told Lord Appleby that I have no interest in marriage. Especially to him,” she added in a soft voice.
"Your mother hinted you had some hesitation…"
"He might be a worthy gentleman, but he makes no secret of what he wants in a wife, and his aims have little to do with affection. My mother says I have a very naïve view of love, but unless I cared for a man…”
She let her voice trail away.
"I apologise for having told her that I would cooperate with her plans. I take it that she expects him to stay for month or two."
"She attacked you off guard. Ambushed you."
"I should not have agreed until I had your permission. You may," he added slowly, "you may be attached to some other gentleman or have an undisclosed preference."
"Not at the moment. I am quite unattached and just might stay that way."
"But would you, could you…"
"I dream of a little cottage in a remote village where I would become the local eccentric," she said with a grin.
"I suspect that is how you tease your parent, Miss Montgomery, but I cannot match that image with your future. No indeed."
"Nevertheless, I realise that I am putting you in a very awkward position, Captain Drew. You have made a promise to my mother, and I can see that you feel obliged to honour your word."
"As a matter of fact, I do. Though if you refuse…"
"How about this idea? I will make a pact with you. If you set up one outing for Lord Appleby and me, I will go along. Then I will refuse any further contact. I'll send him on his way and simply disregard Mama. You will have fulfilled your assignment, though in no way can I prevent her from ringing a peal over your head, no matter what happens."
"Miss Montgomery, I believe you could be destined to serve the foreign office in training diplomats."
With another bow, he backed away and returned to the building.
Ronnie opened the book again and tried to remember where she had stopped reading.
******
When Cici and her mother arrived at the Royal Arms after their meeting with Lady Stapleford, they were filled with enthusiasm, for the house, for the lady herself, for the place William had known all his life.
