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“Good morning, Rose,” a deep, smooth voice startled me from behind. I jumped and turned as he closed the door behind him.
“Oh!” I cried, blushing as sharp, painful contact met my head. I’d hit it on the window. William quickly and gracefully strode across the room and placed his hands on either side of my face.
“Did I startle you, darling?” he asked. I gazed up at him, the tenderness at which he addressed me sedated me.
“I'll be fine in a moment,” I murmured rubbing the top of my head which throbbed with every wild heartbeat.
“I'm glad, because I plan on taking you for a ride today.” He smiled and shut the window. Utter shock rippled through me, an outing? Together? Was he courting me then, instead of Greta?
“And what does my father say about this, Mr. Blackwell?” I placed my hands on my hips.
“Oh, your father was more than happy to oblige me. After all, he owes me a favor for saving the life of his only daughter.” William took my hand in his strong fingers and gently pulled me out of the library and into the hallway. “We leave this moment, I'll tell Mary to fetch your cold weather things and get the carriage ready.” With that, he took off down the stairs, skipping two at a time.
I seemed to be floating, gripping the banister once more, begging for balance and clarity. Mary arrived a short time later to dress me appropriately and sent me to the coach house.
The snow was deep, above the ankle in most places but a horse and sleigh would have no trouble traveling. The bitter air was cut just enough by the shimmering sun above. Ice crunched beneath my boots, a comforting sound I looked forward to every year.
As I approached the coach house, I beheld William’s beautiful black horse hooked up to an elaborate white sleigh with golden bells, filigree trim, and red ribbons. I stopped in my tracks, it left me breathless.
“It's beautiful!” I cried. William cheerfully came around to assist me climbing into the seat, pride exuding from his features. The cushions were red velvet and amply stuffed, and yet they were nothing compared to the beauty of the man before me, who gently patted his horse while he prepared it for the journey.
“Are you ready?” he asked, wrapping his blue scarf around his neck after he’d so gracefully climbed into the driver’s seat.
“I suppose. Don’t you think it looks awfully odd to have the two of us riding together without anyone else around?” I peeked behind us into the coach house where Samuel's widow sat in her mourning clothes.
“Not in the slightest. What troubles you about it? Your father is regarded as being a rather severe man, to have you riding with me must show something of good character and merit.” The horse trotted along slowly at first through our estate, until we reached the road. William flicked the reins, causing him to pick up a steady speed.
William’s dancing eyes found me, and he smiled widely. I shivered closer, pressing myself into his side. It wasn't much warmer, but I didn't care.
“Yes, indeed that could be argued in your favor,”
“Now, Rose, having you lean into me as you are now would show something completely different,” he teased lightly. I glared and sat straight in my seat. He faced me for a moment and corrected himself, “That wasn't to say I didn't wish for you to. I actually am quite fond of your touch.”
“I believe reputation is more important than your desire for my touch,” I spat sourly.
“Oh, come now, Rose! We've five days until Christmas and here you are being a scornful party goer! What do you say? Why not supply me with a wee bit of Christmas spirit, aye?” William’s arm wound around my waist, pulling me into his side.
“Mr. Blackwell!” I protested, grabbing his gloved hand and removing it.
“But a moment ago you were just cuddling into me,” William purred, leaning his face into my own. I bit my lip, remembering the way his mouth felt. My head spun, thighs rubbing together for any sort of friction.
“Mrs. McCloude stopped by before you arrived,” I blurted, afraid if I were too loud, he’d pull away from me. His brow furrowed; concern etched on across his features.
“I saw her on the road as I was headed toward your estate, though I did not know where she’d come from.”
“She thought you were with me. Apparently, there are rumors I’ve bed you to steal you from Greta.” The pain of their words sunk in and I couldn’t meet his stare any longer. Ahead a black sleigh encroached. I scooched to the edge of the seat and we sat silently until we came on the sleigh that insisted we stop. The door opened to a face I knew well.
“Is that my dear Rose?” the small feminine voice called.
“Yes, Ursula, it is me!” I leaned forward to see her shock of blonde hair under a pink cap. She beamed, studying William for a moment before she spoke.
“Dear, what are you doing out in this weather so quickly after being ill? Shouldn’t you be reading in front of a fire?”
“If I may speak, Miss Williams, Miss Abbott has decided to join me on this lovely winter morning for a quick ride, as the doctor suggested a bit of fresh air may do her chest some good,” William replied easily. Ursula was stunned, blinking rapidly, eyes darting between the two of us. I grew more nervous with each glance.
“You two do look a might bit cozy. Apologies, but I cannot stay any longer and continue our lovely chat, my mother has sent me out, and I must be hurrying along. Do be mindful of those rumors, Rose.” Ursula blew me a quick kiss and retired into her warm cab, her driver taking off as quickly as we did. I had hardly gotten to speak a word to her, and of course she brought the rumors up.
The blasted rumors.
