“Of course, sir. Are you staying in the area?”
He threaded her arm through his as he turned to walk out of the parlour. “For a day or so only, to my regret. I have rooms at the Inn in Little Maddington, and business matters to attend to. It is great good fortune that I can combine these things with a chance to see you again.”
“How kind,” she murmured. “Although I’m at a loss to guess at your business matters. Unless you are planning on becoming a jam supplier…” She laughed at her own joke.
“Pardon…” He took his hat and gloves from Giles. “I do not understand?”
“Wolfbridge produces jams and jellies of great renown, sir. Our products are much desired as far away as London.”
“I see,” he smiled. “I will have to make sure to try them.” He stepped outside and took a breath of the warm spring air. “No, I am not here for your jams. I’ve heard of a property for sale that might suit me. Fivetrees, I believe it’s called…”
“Ah, yes. Not far from here. In fact our lands border theirs. The owner passed away last year, I understand, so you will probably wish to deal with the lawyers representing the estate.”
“Doubtless that will be the case.” He bowed deeply. “I hope to visit again soon, dear Gwyneth. I trust you’ll allow me the impropriety of using your given name, but we are…friends, are we not?” Once again, he kissed her hand, his eyes fixed on her face.
“You are so gracious, Baron.” She managed a blush.
He nodded, released her, and stalked down the steps to his carriage. He was driving himself, and with a casual wave clicked up the horses and took off at a spanking pace down the driveway and onto the lane beyond.
Gwyneth heaved a sigh of relief. “I don’t like him. I didn’t like him the first time I met him, but I thought I was just being a silly girl. Now I know I’m not.”
“I must admit to a similar reaction, my Lady.” Giles stared thoughtfully after the carriage. “I wonder what he wanted…”
“Me,” she answered, wiping her hands on her skirts as if to rid herself of the Baron’s touch. “He proposed. Asked me to marry him.”
Giles blinked. “Good God. Did he really?”
“I didn’t mistake it, Giles, I can assure you. Thank God for Jeremy and the tea tray. He arrived just as the Baron had fallen to his knees in front of me.”
Giles closed the door and they both turned away as Jeremy walked toward them. “Yes, I heard. And yes he was. Down on his knees, the usual thing.” His lips turned down in disgust. “The man was here all of fifteen minutes and then there he was, offering Lady Gwyneth his hand and whatever else…”
Gwyneth turned to Giles. “I think we can safely say that Jeremy didn’t like him, either.”
Giles chuckled. “Indeed, Ma’am.”
Jeremy wasn’t smiling. “I know him, Giles. Or I think I do. Or perhaps he reminds me of someone. I wish I could place it. But I know, deep inside, that he is familiar. And it’s bothering me…”
ChapterSixteen
“I cannot say I’m pleased at the notion of Baron Randschen living next door,” Gwyneth observed over breakfast a few days later.
“I’ve heard nothing about any purchase,” commented Giles, “and the Baron left Little Maddington not long after showing up here.”
“He’s not renewed his offer, then?” Royce reached for toast as he asked Gwyneth the question.
“Thank God, no.” She shuddered over her teacup. “I wasn’t looking forward to refusing him. There’s something about his manner. He threatens without seeming to.”
“I agree,” said Jeremy. “It’s as if there’s some sort of menace surrounding that man.” He frowned. “I just wish I knew where I’d seen him before, and I’ve racked my brains, but it is still a question to which I have no answer.”
“Well, I will reiterate one thing. I do not like him. He made my skin crawl when he visited Kilham, and he still makes my skin crawl. There’s something…unhealthy about the way he looks at me. And I cannot rid myself of the notion that every word is rehearsed. He’s like…oh I don’t know. A snake coiled beneath a bush, perhaps. Harmless unless you go too near.” She sighed.
Evan sat beside Gwyneth, toast already buttered on his plate. “Set all thoughts of him aside, my Lady. It is spring, the land is coming to life, and today is going to be raspberry day.” He reached for the jam. “Oh, good. I did remember to put the right jam here. Blackberry would never do.”
Gwyneth looked at him with curiosity. “What is raspberry day?”
“I was about to ask the same thing,” added Gabriel.
Evan and Jeremy grinned at each other.
