Why am I so nervous? There is no cause. Indeed, I am making a cake of myself fretting over my appearance as I am. It is not as though he wishes to court me. It is my best friend he wants.
She exhaled and looked out over the vast landscape before her when she spotted Daniel riding up in the distance. And he was not alone. Mr. Mavis was with him. A small groan escaped her. In her heart of hearts, she’d looked forward to spending time with Daniel. Alone.
She could not deny it any longer, the more she was with him and around him, the more she longed for the days gone by when they were each other’s world. As much as he’d hurt her, that small flame kindled by her memories of their youth was burning brighter each time she saw him.
It is perhaps for the best Mr. Mavis is with him, for if he were not I might allow myself to fall entirely into this abyss of longing. A dangerous path it would be, given that he has his heart set on Bridget, not me.
The two men arrived at the Manor and dismounted their horses, as a footman took the reins of both and led them away.
“Penny,” Daniel said and bowed, a slight smile on his face. “I hope you do not object, I have brought Mr. Mavis along.”
“Mind? Why should she mind? We had inspiring conversation and the most marvelous of dances just yesterday. I am sure she has looked forward to my company as much as I have hers, eh wot?” He chuckled and Penelope could not help but grin. He was an amusing man, it had to be said. She could imagine him at a ball or even more so at the notorious routs she’d heard of that seemed to take place in London regularly.
“I do not mind at all, I assure you Lord… I mean, Daniel.”
He smiled at her with relief and then rubbed his hands together. “Well, there is no use delaying our adventure further then, is there? To Darton we go.” The party set forth and made their way down the path which led from the Duke’s estate toward the small, sleepy village, the outskirts of which could be seen in the distance. At the mention of the village, Mr. Mavis’ eyebrows rose up.
“Darton? I thought we were going to Banbury to explore?” Daniel glanced at Penelope, who grinned.
“Explore?” Penelope giggled. “There isn’t much to explore in Darton. I am afraid our friend here has sorely misled you if that is what you thought. There isn’t much to see or do in Darton. If you seek adventure, Banbury is where you want to go.”
Mr. Mavis frowned at this. “Then what are we to do this fine afternoon? Do not mistake my question for displeasure, as I am eager to keep both of your excellent company. Be that as it may, I had hope for some… excitement.”
Penelope shook her head and lifted the wicker basket she’d prepared. “I am afraid the most excitement you will get today will be from handing out bread to the poor and from the grievances some of my father’s tenants may share with us, in the politest of manners, of course.”
Mr. Mavis’ back stiffened and he grimaced. “The poor?” Then a realization struck him. “Gadzooks. This is a charity mission, is it not? Daniel! How could you not have told me?”
Daniel shook his head. “As if you could have refused the opportunity to take the air with us. And besides, do not act as though you do not care. Admit it, you are only afraid you might shed a tear brought on by the feeling of doing good.”
He looked at Penelope and nodded his head vigorously. “Do not let Alistair lead you astray. He is a caring soul with a heart of gold. At most times.”
“I believe it. One mustn’t be afraid to show one’s goodwill, Mr. Mavis. It is a pleasant quality in a lord—or any man, really.”
To her surprise, the man colored but did not have occasion to reply, as they had reached the home of the Ralston family, tenants of the Duke who’d struggled with their harvest this year due to the unseasonably cool weather and rain.
She stepped toward the door and knocked once. After only a moment, the door opened with a creak and a small girl poked her head out. Penelope recognized her at once as Mary Ralston, the farmer’s youngest daughter. Her nose was smudged with ash, as were her hands.
“Good day, Mary,” she greeted her but the little girl stepped back as if scared. She had to admit, it hurt, for she knew the girl and such a reaction was unusual. To her surprise, Daniel stepped forward and squatted at the door.
“Hey there, Princess. Isn’t that an almighty smudge on your nose? Playing in the fireplace, have we?” The girl flashed a small smile at this and nodded, clutching a ripped-up teddy bear closer to her. “Well,” Daniel continued. “We have to do something about that nose of yours. How about I steal it? Yes?”
Before the girl could say anything, he stretched his arm out, pinched her little nose between his index and middle finger and pretended to twist. “Got it!” He announced and waved his fingers in the air, his thumb poking out between the two fingers as if he’d actually stolen her nose. The little girl clutched her chubby fingers to her nose and upon discovering it was still there, broke into delighted laughter.
Penelope’s heart at once ached and felt delighted at this display. This was the Daniel of her youth. The one she remembered and had cherished so much. His kind heart had shone through here.
He had such a beautiful heart. If only he had not broken mine.
Remembering the basket in her hands she stepped forward. “Mary, would you like a loaf of fresh honey bread? Mrs. Cornwaith baked it just this morning.”
The girl grinned and reached out her hands to receive the package, but not before snatching her ‘nose’ back from Daniel’s hand, sending him into a fit of laughter.
When she’d taken the bread, he rose as he ruffled her wavy brown hair. “Be sure to share that with your family, yes?”
She nodded enthusiastically. “Mama is hanging laundry in the yard. I tell her right now. Thank you, Lady Penelope and Lord…” She paused and frowned upon realizing she did not know his name.
“Daniel. Just call me Daniel.”
“Thank you, Lord Daniel.” The girl gave a deep, clumsy curtsy and then retreated into the house.
