“There now,” he said, quietly. “Feeling better?”
His voice broke through the strange spell that had Annie in its grasp. She blinked again and loosened her grip on the man’s sleeves, though her gaze remained locked with his.
“Yes,” she replied. “Yes, I think so.”
“Are you sure?” The man spoke as softly as before, his concerned gaze moving over her face.
Annie swallowed and found a smile from somewhere. “Yes, sir, quite sure,” she replied. “Thank you.”
He acknowledged with a nod and released his hold on her. Annie, to her bewilderment, experienced a brief sense of regret.
“Here, pet, let me brush some of this dust off your skirts,” Hattie said, tutting as she stooped to the task. “There, that’s better. Oh, but you’re still rather pale. Lean on me, now, if you have need.”
“I’m all right, Hattie, really.” Annie’s hand drifted to the base of her throat as if to settle the continuous wild beating of her heart. “Just a little shaken, that’s all.”
“Hardly surprising,” Hattie said, her accusing tone obviously aimed at the stranger.
“And it was entirely my fault,” Annie replied, giving Hattie a quick, reproachful glance before facing the man once more. “I wasnotwatching where I was going. An apology, therefore, is entirely mine to make.”
“Well, since it is unseemly to argue with a lady, I shall keep any further admissions of negligence to myself. However, I will not rescind them.” The man stooped to pick up the package, which lay at his feet. “What is most important to me, miss, is your honest assurance that you are not injured in any way.”
Hattie harumphed and Annie threw her another admonishing glare. “My dignity is a little bruised, perhaps,” she replied, easily deciding not to mention her sore tongue or bruised backside. “But that is all, sir, truly. No harm done.”
“Glad to hear it.” The man’s frown reappeared as he handed her the package. “Hopefully, no harm done to this either.”
“None, to be sure,” Annie gave the wrapping a cursory inspection, “since it is not a breakable item.”
Hattie harumphed again. The man gave the maid a somewhat amused glance and then returned his attention to Annie, his gaze once again critical. “With respect, miss, may I ask about your plans for the rest of your day? Given how crowded the city is today, and despite your assurances, I’m loath to leave you and your companion unassisted.”
“We have no further plans, sir,” she replied. “We’re going straight home.”
The man nodded. “Then permit me to hail a cab for you.”
Annie gave her head a brief shake. “A kind offer, but I do not live far. A short walk, only.”
“Then at least allow me to escort you to your door,” he countered. “Given what has occurred, I would be happier knowing you have arrived home without further mishap.”
An odd little flutter arose beneath Annie’s ribs at the thought of spending more time with him, even as she provided an argument against it. “But my direction is opposite to the one you were taking, therefore an inconvenience to you, surely.”
His expression softened. “Not in the least.”
Annie ignored the flutter and pondered for a moment. The man was a stranger, after all, though every bit of instinct she possessed insisted she had no cause to fear him. Besides, she reasoned, a faint headache now occupied a spot behind her eyes, her tongue and her bottom continued with their persistent throb, and her legs were still alittlewobbly. It was probably prudent, then, to accept this handsome stranger’s offer. And, she silently admitted, it had an undeniable appeal.
“With respect, my dear,” Hattie’s voice cut into her thoughts, “I believe you should accept the gentleman’s offer. It’ll do no harm.”
Annie barely suppressed a surprised gasp as she regarded her maid, since not a minute earlier the wretched woman had been scowling at the fellow. “Perhaps you are right,” she replied, and returned her gaze to the gentleman. “Therefore, sir, I accept your offer with gratitude.”
“Excellent. And in that case, miss, allow me to introduce myself.” He smiled, tipped his hat, and presented an elbow. “Julian Northcott, at your service.”
Julian Northcott.
Annie absorbed the information as she tucked her hand into the fold of his arm. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Northcott. My name is Annabelle Fairfax.”
“The pleasure is also mine, Miss Fairfax,” he replied, “though I regret what precipitated it. Shall I carry the package for you?”
“No, it weighs nothing,” she said, “but thank you.”
Lifting a brow, he regarded Hattie, who had several packages tucked under her arms. “And what of you, ma’am? May I unburden you a little?”
