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“I am going for a ride; the day could turn lovely at any moment and I don’t want to miss it!”
“Rosemary, I most certainly hope you are not entertaining the idea of visiting the McCloudes. There is already talk of you impeding upon the arrangement.”Whohad been talking, I wondered?
“Mother!” I scoffed. “There is noarrangement. I have never seen someone more disinterested in my life than William Blackwell is concerned with Greta McCloude.”
“And you believe he may be interested inyou?” Mother’s tone was one of doubt, incredulous.
“Perhaps,” I sneered, walking out the door to climb into the carriage.
“To the McCloude Estate, please,” I told Samuel, watching the shock wash over my mother’s face as we pulled away from the house. I sat back in the seat, reveling in my smugness. The horse picked up pace on the main road and the question begged, what would I do to draw him away? Could I convince him to walk the grounds with me? Would the McCloudes throw me out or refuse me entry?
Surely not, I shook my head, would that not only be rude, but uncalled for? I had to at least try. They could but assume my intentions, but without any proof they would just seem insulting.
It wasn’t long until the driver neared the estate. I spied a black horse by the stables, gorgeous and shimmering in the patchy daylight. There was no doubt this beast was William’s.
The driver pulled up to the front of the home, stately and nearly pure white save for the black iron detailing and shutters. Their staff opened the door of my carriage with a look of judgment and irritation.
“Miss Abbott, what a surprise. Shall I announce your arrival?” he asked, his tone flat as he held my hand for me to leap from my car.
“Of course, please do,” I said cheerily, following him up the front stairs and into the main entrance of the home. I removed my gloves, hanging the parasol on my arm and gazed around the massive entryway. The McCloudes were nearly as wealthy as my family, and they were just as ostentatious when it came to design. I believed wholeheartedly that Mrs. McCloude and my mother had a bit of a competitive spirit, and to watch my mother acquiesce to Mrs. McCloude’s demand of the richest and most handsome man for her daughter shocked me; no matter what Mother argued.
I heard their steward announce my arrival as I waited in the foyer. For a moment, the room down the hall fell silent. There was a deep, heavy sigh from Mr. McCloude and I could almost feel Greta’s impatience.
“Bring her in.”
The steward rounded the corner and came to me.
“They will see you in the dining room,” he stated with little interest, ushering me down the hall. I entered the incredible space to a scene of pure animosity. Greta was seated next to William, her face flushed and eyes narrowing at my presence. William smirked, glancing down at his full plate. Mr. and Mrs. McCloude outright glared.
I took the empty seat beside Mrs. McCloude, opposite William.
“Richard, another setting, please,” Mrs. McCloude gruffly demanded of her help. I smiled, handing my parasol and purse to the maid who attended the dining room.
“Why hello, everyone!” I said after a moment of awkward silence, enthusiastic in my mannerisms. I needed to remain light, kind, make their anger seem unwarranted.
“Miss Abbott,” William was the only one to properly greet me, bowing his head. I could see the smile in his eyes as he peered at me from behind his lashes. My heart skipped a beat.
“To what do we owe the pleasure of your presence?” Mr. MCloude asked, Richard placed my setting in front of me, pouring tea into a small cup.
“I was on a ride through town this morning and thought I would visit my mother’s favorite family. I wanted to inquire as to what Miss McCloude may have going about this morning and see if she would join me for a lovely walk along the grounds. The clouds are clearing, it will surely be a beautiful afternoon.” I sipped my tea, earthy and dry. The whole room smelled of flowers and butter.
“My apologies, Miss Abbott, I’m presently engaged,” Greta snapped, placing her fist on the table a touch too rough. I feigned shock and hurt, placing my hand on my chest.
“Oh dear, I can see that. Perhaps then, Mr. Blackwell would find a walk invigorating?” I turned my attention to him, “Would you care to join me?” No doubt appearing as mischievous as I felt.
William chuckled darkly, taking his napkin from his lap and setting it on the table, much to my surprise. My heart quickened in anticipation.
“I would love a walk.” He rose, bowing to Mr. and Mrs. McCloude. “Thank you for this delicious meal,”–though he had eaten nothing–“Ladies?”
I clapped happily, leaving my seat and acquiring my belongings from Richard. Greta huffed, following behind the two of us to the foyer while her parents sat at the table flabbergasted.
William snickered quietly as he donned his coat, watching flustered Greta ready herself for a walk.
“What have you done to this poor girl?” His mouth was against the shell of my ear as he whispered under his breath from behind me. The hair on my body stood on end, my core warming at his proximity. Entirely new and unexpected for me.
I twisted to face him, mere inches from his face. There was no fighting the nervous giggle, as I quickly attempted to memorize his features.
The height of his cheekbones, the way half of his mouth kicked up in a smile, the curve of his cupid’s bow. I noticed his eyes were lighter green, like crystal clear waters of a lagoon today. Had I been mistaken about their color before? It didn’t seem likely, they were so deeply green, I’d imagined them constantly since I saw him last.
