Not that it could possibly compare to the rambling dimensions of Haynesdale House. She surveyed the drawing room, thinking that the pink might have to be replaced. A pale green or a sunny yellow might favor her own coloring better.
She hoped the duke returned soon. They would have to be wed almost immediately to have the house ready for the arrival of their first child.
Not only wasMiss Emerson alluring but her company was delightful. Her whimsy about highwaymen troubled Joshua even as he rode away from Haynesdale House. Her mention of such desire for peril had sent a pang through him, igniting a need to ensure her protection from such ills.
Had he not already lost a lady to folly?
He could not permit such an incident to occur again. Indeed, he must offer for Miss Emerson with all haste, lest she find disaster before their vows were exchanged. He knew full well how rapidly a young lady resolute upon her objectives could find trouble.
Joshua’s first task was to ascertain that the way was clear. On the way home to Addersley Manor, he could stop to confer with Nicholas Emerson about the prospects of that man’s younger sister.
She might have a suitor, a betrothed or an understanding with another gentleman.
Joshua checked his pocket watch and noted there was yet time before his meeting with Mr. Newson, but clicked his tongue to the horse all the same.
Even he could not fail to notice the change in his perspective. He found himself filled with a welcome purpose, if not a measure of urgency. Clearly, he chose aright in pursuit of this goal.
He need not abandon the promise to his father. He need not gamble, duel, dance, or otherwise waste his advantages in foolish endeavors. He need not return to London and its temptations. He would take a bride and bend his considerable energy upon making her happy.
The lovely Miss Emerson would suit him very well, indeed.
CHAPTER 3
Nicholas Emerson was whistling to himself in the stables at Southpoint. He was tired, but did not care. He never resented any labor associated with horses and having this small holding for his own was a dream come true. Like so many of his newfound joys, he owed this one to his Eliza. He would happily spend the rest of his life ensuring she had no doubt of his love and admiration.
He had discarded his jacket after his morning ride, and changed to old boots to muck out the stables. The horses nickered to each other contentedly, and he heard them stomping in the straw. Sunlight shone through the open door and the air was warm with the promise of spring. He had hired two grooms to begin working for him shortly, and had already been invited to choose a mare from the stable of a former comrade later in the week. He already had his stallion, Sterling, as well as a mare given to him by Haynesdale and another mare Eliza had brought to the match from Haynesdale’s stables. His stable was growing steadily, and it was early days as yet.
It was a day to whistle, for certain.
He looked up when the beam of sunlight was interrupted and a gentleman rode into the barn. The new arrival looked aroundhimself with interest and it wasn’t until he dismounted and removed his hat that Nicholas recognized him.
It had been roughly ten years since they had seen each other, after all. That had been in London, and the other man had not appeared so respectable in those days.
“Joshua Hargood,” he said with pleasure. There was more than a decade’s passing in the change in Hargood’s appearance. In London, he had dressed as flamboyantly as his brother, and been almost as reckless in his dares. Now, he stood in Southpoint’s stables, dressed precisely and conservatively, his manner inscrutable.
“Captain Emerson,” that man said, inclining his head.
“Captain no longer, I fear,” Nicholas said readily. “I must offer my condolences on the recent passing of your father.”
“I thank you. He was comforted to be at home when he passed.”
“I hope he did not suffer too much.”
The viscount’s lips tightened. “His illness was long.”
So, that was what Hargood had been doing since the end of the war. “I heard also that your brother was lost at Waterloo,” Nicholas continued. “I am very sorry, Hargood.”
“As am I.” The viscount’s throat worked and his voice became husky. “I thank you.”
Clearly, there had been fondness between the brothers, despite the difference in their natures. “I suppose you were curious to see what changes I mean to make to Southpoint. We are nearly neighbors, after all.”
“Not precisely,” his guest said. “I don’t suppose you know when the Duke of Haynesdale is expected to return?”
“No, but perhaps the dowager duchess knows more.”
“I have just called upon her, and she does not.” Hargood frowned, hesitating for a moment before he continued. “Your sister and aunt were at tea.”
His gaze lifted to Nicholas and Nicholas suspected then that he understood.
