Of course, he knew her intentions. She would go alone to the folly in the hope of a rendezvous. He considered whether he should let her be disappointed or not as he rode toward Bramble Cottage. When he rode through the opening in the rhododendron hedge—now rather wider than it had been—he found Miss Emerson in the yard. She wore a dark blue dress with white edging, one that he knew would favor her eyes.
He was pleased when she looked up and smiled in welcome at him, then turned her steps toward him. He was not surprised when the dog yipped with joy at the sight of her, for he shared that feeling of elation. He dismounted and set down the puppy, which had grown in just a week, and Mischief darted toward Miss Emerson.
She made a great fuss over the puppy. Mischief rolled to her back to have her belly rubbed, then ran around Miss Emerson and barked. Joshua’s horse snorted and stood his ground, well accustomed to dogs and not in the least bit interested in them.
“Hoskins has declared it to be time for Mischief to leave her mother,” he said.
“Will she miss her mother and siblings terribly?”
“She may, or she may be too enchanted with you and her new life for that.”
“Aunt has insisted that she have a bed in the kitchen to begin, for she will have to learn what can be done and where. Aunt says she must learn her manners and that it may take several months.”
“It may indeed. Although in my experience, a tired puppy is more inclined to behave.”
Miss Emerson laughed. “Then I will be glad it does not rain as yet, for we will play for a while.”
“Is your ankle sufficiently healed for such activity?”
“It is!” Miss Emerson smiled as she approached him. The dress did indeed favor her coloring, making her eyes look more blue and her skin more creamy. He watched her gaze linger upon his waistcoat and knew he did not imagine that her gaze had warmed when she looked up at him again. “I thank you for bringing her, my lord. You must have considerably more important affairs to attend.”
“As it is, I must ride to Haynesdale village to see my manager today.”
“Why is he so far from Addersley Manor?”
“It is not so far as that, and the affairs of the manor have been too simple in recent years to fully occupy the time of a manager. Mr. Newson is a solicitor with other business affairs to manage in addition to mine.” He was positively garrulous in this lady’s presence. Did she realize her effect upon him?
“I see.” She smiled down at the dog again, who was nudging at her slippers. “Not another pair, Mischief,” she chided. “You might lose your taste for ribbon roses.” She seized a stick from the gardener’s trimming and cast it for the dog, who bounded after it.
“Hoskins expressed a desire to ensure that Mischief was well settled here. Would you mind if he called on the morrow, and perhaps made a few suggestions?”
“I should not mind at all. Indeed, I would welcome his advice. Aunt has many views, but your ostler must know so much about ensuring the wellbeing of dogs.”
“He does indeed.” They both looked down at the puppy, happily rolling in the grass with the stick. “You might acquainther with the house and grounds today, so that she becomes familiar with it all.”
“I will.” Miss Emerson eyed him, her manner expectant. Joshua could only think of one thing she must desire of him—his departure.
“I will be on my way,” he said, checking his pocket watch as if he did not already know the time. “Mr. Newson will be waiting upon me.”
Miss Emerson, to his surprise, walked back to his horse alongside him. “I hope that your affairs are readily concluded,” she said. “Have you heard that the duke is expected this week?”
“No, I had not.”
That was good, as Joshua could consult with him about the men occupying the ruins. It was less good because Miss Emerson was rumored to have atendrefor the duke. The last thing Joshua needed at this early date was competition for his suit.
He reminded himself that he had already been declined.
“His mother was quite pleased when she shared the tidings after church yesterday.”
Joshua considered Miss Emerson, who looked to be indifferent to this news, which made no sense at all. “I expect she would be,” he said with care, then reached for the saddle.
She seemed suddenly agitated. “To be sure, sir, it was very kind of you to bring Mischief and I thank you for that favor.”
“We are friendly acquaintances, Miss Emerson,” he said, thinking it a timely reminder.
“Yes!” she said, her eyes lighting. “And so I would like to take this opportunity to ask your advice.”
If she asked him how to win the duke’s attention, Joshua did not know what he would say. “Of course,” he said, resting his hand upon his horse’s saddle.
