Dinner, Nate informed her was courtesy of Ruby who on this particular occasion had been quicker than the rabbit she’d been chasing. It didn’t happen often apparently.
And the oddest thing? She was in a house in the middle of nowhere, completely alone with a man she’d met only hours ago, but at no time did she feel even the remotest fear. It was the strangest day Mercy had ever spent, but truly, she hadn’t wanted it to end.
As soon as the light started to fail, he’d bidden her a courteous good night and she’d retired to her bedchamber to find a bowlof washing water, a small sliver of soap and a freshly washed chamber pot…
And now, lying in the sagging, worn bed, she finally acknowledged to herself that she didn’t want to leave Carlingford or Nathaniel Harding. She squeezed her eyes shut, allowing the bewildering feelings and emotions to have their way with her. She realised it was madness. She hardly knew him – and from the small amount she’d discovered, it was abundantly clear he was a man with many demons. But, for the first time in her life, shewantedto learn more.
Would her father allow him to visit her at Cottesmore? Would he even want to? And to what end?
Her thoughts continued to gallop through her head, one after another as the crack between the moth-eaten curtains gradually became lighter and lighter. Dawn couldn’t be far off. She guessed Nate would already be up and about. How long would they have before her father arrived?
Her musings were abruptly interrupted by the sudden cacophony of barking outside. Ruby, clearly. Climbing out of bed, she hurried to the window and peered through the curtains, just in time to see a carriage coming up the drive.
The answer to her last question was no time at all.
***
Nate ordered Ruby to sit as he watched the carriage make its stately way towards him. His stomach churned. Whatever ridiculous dreams he’d harboured through the night finally withered entirely. He would be lucky to survive the next hour.
Despite his sudden urge to make himself scarce, Nate forced himself to step forward when the carriage finally drew to a stop. As the door opened, to his shock, a small bundle of fur came hurtling out and headed straight for him. It was the little dog who’d been with them at the inn. She capered around his ankles, and as he bent down to fuss her, the sense of doom hanging over him began to dissipate. When she turned her attention to an excited Ruby, he straightened and watched as Mercedes’ step-grandfather climbed down.
‘I hope for your sake you’ve kept her safe, Harding,’ the Reverend grunted as he turned to look back at the carriage. Before Nate had a chance to answer, the last occupant appeared at the door, and he got his first look at Mercedes’ father. Despite his inner turmoil, Nate’s face was impassive as he watched the Earl jump agilely down the steps.
‘Do you have anywhere the horses can rest and get some water?’ the Earl enquired politely.
‘There’s a stable towards the back of the house.’ Nate pointed out the direction to the coach driver. ‘My horse is in there but there should be plenty of room for another four. There’s fresh water in the trough and a sack of oats.’
While Joseph unhitched the horses with the help of two footmen, the Earl turned back to Nate and regarded him coolly.
‘Your daughter is safe and unharmed, my lord,’ Nate offered guardedly after a second.
‘Then I am in your debt, Mr. Harding.’ Despite the courteous words, Nate didn’t miss the Earl’s undertone of relief.
‘I believe she is still abed. Would you care for refreshments while you wait for her to rise?’
Christian nodded. ‘That would be most welcome, thank you.’
‘Lead on, Harding,’ the Reverend interjected loudly, waving towards the front door. ‘I hope you’ve got a half decent bottle of brandy stashed away in this pile somewhere.’
Somewhere, Nate thought, resisting the sudden unwelcome urge to laugh. He had no idea where he’d left the bottle he’d been determinedly working his way through – was it only four nights ago? He led the way to the front door, hoping he didn’t have to shove too hard to get the damn thing open. Fortunately, he’d had the foresight to keep the fire burning in the sitting room, so despite the tomblike coldness of the rest of the house, the small room at least would be cosy and cheerful.
Nate winced as the two men followed him into the hall. He knew the Earl would be taking everything in, despite his aloof exterior. Mercy’s grandfather wasn’t quite so polite, muttering, ‘Thunder an’ turf, lad, I think you need to do a spot of redecorating. I can see daylight through that deuced crack.’ Fighting the urge to tell the blunt clergyman to mind his own bloody business, Nate gritted his teeth and opened the sitting room door.
‘If you’d like to make yourself comfortable, my lord, I’ll bring you both a glass of brandy. Would you like some tea with it?’ The Earl nodded with a rueful glance towards his father-in-law who was already making himself comfortable in one of the armchairs.
Directing his parting comment to the elderly cleric, Nate endeavoured to keep his voice civil. ‘Whilst you are perfectly correct in your assessment that the house needs some work, you’ll be relieved to know that I don’t believe any part of it is likely to fall on your head during the short time you’re in it.’ With that, he stepped through the door and shut it firmly behind him, only to see Mercy standing at the bottom of the stairs.
They stared at each other silently for a second. ‘Your father’s arrived,’ Nate said needlessly at length. She was hardly likely to have missed his arrival since the carriage had stopped right under her bedchamber window. ‘I trust you slept well,’ he added when she continued to stare at him mutely.
As she nodded finally and took a step forward, Nate felt a sudden insane urge to walk over, pull her into his arms and cover her mouth with his. The shocking intensity of the desire nearly brought him to his knees. Dear God, how long had it been since he’d kissed a woman? ‘Would you like some tea?’ he said huskily instead, wondering if he’d lost his mind.
‘That would be lovely,’ she answered, her voice soft and uncertain. Had she picked up on his desperate need? His cock was straining against his breeches, a fact she couldn’t have failed to notice had she dropped her eyes from his face.
Feeling like some kind of depraved madman, Nate swallowed, willing the evidence of his desire to go down. ‘Your father and grandfather are in the sitting room,’ he said gruffly, when he could stand it no longer. ‘I’ll fetch some tea.’ Then he turned and fled.
***
‘As you can see, I’m perfectly well, Papa. Mr. Harding has been kindness itself.’ The Earl stepped back from their embrace and looked down at his daughter. An unexpected lump formed in his throat at the thought of what could have happened to her.
