He finally looked at her, and she saw the shutters go up behind his eyes. Perhaps she had pushed too hard.
He smiled, but it was hollow somehow.
“Now, why would we wish to visit such memories when I have but two weeks to convince you to marry me?” He pushed away from the railing and offered his arm. Imogen took it, strangely sad that the town mask was back. What was this hidden part of him that he refused to show to the world? And why couldn’t she seem to let go of the need to find it out?
• • •
The following morning Imogen managed to make it down to breakfast at an even earlier hour, hoping to avoid Caleb. As she was rising to leave, however, he entered.
He took her hand and pulled her off to the side of the room. “Come riding with me today, Imogen.”
She tried to pull her hand from his grip, but he only tightened it. She gave a small huff of frustration. The night before she had done all in her power to engage Lady Willbridge and Daphne into conversation, all but ignoring Caleb’s attempts at drawing her focus to him. Apparently, however, her efforts had been all too obvious. And they had not deterred him at all.
She gave up trying to free herself and glared up at him. “Let go of my hand.”
He grinned unrepentantly. “No.” He tried tugging her closer. Her gaze shot meaningfully to the footman in the corner, who was attempting to ignore them. Caleb’s grin only widened. He leaned toward her, his face near her ear, and let his breath fan the curls on the side of her neck. “Have I told you today that your sister’s maid is a wonder with hair?” he asked in a low rumble that she felt straight to her toes. “And this pale green gown is even lovelier than the blue.” With his free hand he idly traced up her arm to the tiny cap sleeves.
Imogen glowered at him and slapped his hand away.
He chuckled low. “Come ride with me, Imogen.”
“Fine,” she snapped, finally pulling herself free.
“You know, I don’t remember you being quite so difficult to manage.”
“Keep pushing me and you shall see just how difficult I can be,” she muttered.
Caleb laughed, clearly not put off at all. Dare she say he even looked delighted?
Just then Daphne entered. She caught sight of them, standing much closer than what was proper, and a grin, a mirror of Caleb’s own, spread across her face. “Brother, Imogen,” she said, fairly bouncing across the room to the sideboard. “Good morning to you both.”
Imogen had a sudden inspiration. “Lady Daphne,” she called to the girl. “Your brother has asked me to go riding with him this morning. Would you like to join us? I would love to have the chance to get to know you better, and what more perfect way than a brisk ride through the parklands?”
“Oh, what fun!” the girl exclaimed. “Just let me eat and I shall join you directly.”
As Daphne went back to filling her plate, Imogen turned to Caleb with a serene smile. “Wonderful. I shall go up and change after I seek out my father.”
She bobbed a quick curtsy to Caleb before walking off. And then it was her turn to grin, for the thunderous frustration on his face had been a sight to behold indeed.
• • •
Imogen easily kept her mare in pace with Daphne’s. As they crested a hill and paused to take in the view, Caleb once more tried inserting his gelding between the two girls’ mounts. With a beautiful bit of synchronization, however, Imogen and Daphne were able to put a stop to his endeavors.
It had been like that all morning. Daphne, bright girl that she was, had quickly understood Imogen’s invitation and had gone about helping her with an impish delight. And so, despite his best efforts, Caleb had been unable to get Imogen alone.
It was actually a bit fun, though she felt a faint qualm every time she caught sight of the frustration on Caleb’s face. But truly, did he think to get her alone and seduce her into accepting him? If the expression in his eyes whenever he looked at her was any indication, she was tempted to believe that was true. Never mind that the idea made shivers dance up her spine.
She told herself that his passion would fade and the thrill of chasing her would disappear. And then where would she be? Worse off than before.
“I believe it is time to return to the house,” Caleb called out as they nudged their horses off to admire the fields laid out before them, separated by low stone walls and resembling a large patchwork quilt. “Luncheon will be ready by the time we arrive.”
Imogen glanced at him. He looked perturbed, his voice harsh. She felt a pang of guilt but quickly abolished it. It was his own fault, after all.
They turned their horses toward Willowhaven, and a short time later cantered into the stable yard. As they handed over their horses, the head groom approached.
“Lady Daphne,” he said, “Lady Willbridge said to tell you when you returned that she needs you to join her in her sitting room directly.”
“Oh dear, I wonder what Mother wants,” she muttered. “Thank you, Joseph.” She turned to Imogen, giving her an apologetic smile. And then she was off.
