“It is possible,” Joshua acknowledged. “The duke may have suggestions. He must know those in Haynesdale Hollow far better than I do.”
“But it is a long way from Addersley Manor to Haynesdale Hollow without a horse.”
“The road is the longer route, Miss Emerson. It runs south to Bramble Cottage, east to Southpoint, then north to Haynesdale. When we were boys, we ran to the east to reach Haynesdale Hollow much more quickly. The route is uneven, though we did not mind the brambles or the creek in those days.”
“So, it can be travelled quickly on foot.”
“Indeed, it can.”
“Still I cannot understand why he did not write to you.”
“He says he wrote to my father and was rebuffed.” Joshua shook his head. “I cannot credit the tale, though. Why would my father not be relieved to learn that his son was alive?”
Miss Emerson nodded agreement and they strolled a little further together, the harmony between them more complete than ever it had been. Joshua felt no desire to hasten this interval. Indeed, he would have walked to London with her thus and been content.
“Was it you who came last night then?” she asked finally.
Joshua looked toward her with alarm. “Last night? No. Who came last night?”
“The rider in the cloak, on the great horse. I saw him from my window and he beckoned to me.”
Joshua caught his breath. So that was why Specter had been abandoned in a lather. “But you did not heed him?”
She shook her head. “I did not think it was you. There was something amiss, perhaps in his posture.” She slanted a glance at him, a twinkle lighting her eyes. “Of course, you have never proven that my champion was you.”
“I have confessed my deception.”
“But I think that only a kiss would convince me of the truth,” she said lightly.
“Miss Emerson, you are most audacious.”
She laughed then and he could find no fault with her at all. “If you disapprove of my nature, sir, you should cease to call upon me.”
“But I do not disapprove, Miss Emerson,” he confessed quietly. “Indeed, I find you utterly enchanting.”
She turned to face him then, her expression so welcoming that he nearly did claim that kiss—though offending Lady Dalhousie would only hamper his progress. She laid a hand upon his arm, and met his gaze again. “And I, sir, realize that my impulsiveness led me astray for the last time.” She swallowed. “I could only wish…”
He dropped a fingertip to her lips to silence her. “It is possible that I divine your wish, Miss Emerson,” he murmured, watching her smile. “May I be so bold as to continue to call upon you?”
“I should like that very much, sir.”
“Then we are agreed, as amiable acquaintances should be.”
“I believe an amiable acquaintance has its limits, though, my lord. It must always become more or less in time.”
“True enough, Miss Emerson. I for one shall hope for more.”
“Oh, Lord Addersley. So shall I.” She granted him a smile that could not be mistaken for anything other than her complete approval. Joshua, much encouraged, dropped his own gaze to her ripe lips and considered the merit of removing the last of her supposed doubts, regardless of Lady Dalhousie’s possible response. He bent a little closer. Miss Emerson, to his satisfaction, rose to her toes.
Then Lady Dalhousie’s cry echoed across the garden, ending all such happy possibilities in an instant. “Viscount Addersley!” she cried. “Whatever brings you to Bramble Cottage?”
Aunt hadthe most wretched ability to sense an event of interest, and worse, to ensure it never occurred. Aunt Fanny charged across the garden with her cane, showing an agility that Helena had not known she possessed. Helena kept her hand upon the viscount’s arm, a detail that she watched her aunt note. Aunt’s lips tightened and she glared at Helena, who did not change her posture.
Aunt exhaled noisily, striving to catch her breath. “Helena! What is the meaning of this encounter?”
“Lord Addersley was telling me about the unfortunate situation of his brother’s mistress and son. It seems he just learned of them last week and has since ensured that their futures will be more comfortable. Is that not a kind gesture?”
“Your brother?” Aunt echoed, looking between the two of them.
