‘I am sorry, but I cannot contain my admiration for you standing up to my brother.’
‘You do not even know me.’
‘I know you are of a generous spirit, for you did not denounce me as a complete stranger when I met your uncle. That was kind, or he would have had me thrown onto the street. And you are spirited. Not many women would punch my brother in the face, nor men, for that matter. And I suspect you have a strong character, Miss Howden, as you are fearless to come out with me today.’
‘Or reckless. I must own, I was intrigued to hear what you had to say.’ She frowned. ‘How did you find me? I did not give your brother my name.’
‘I asked Lady Blanchard about you, and she is good friends with Lady Harriet Spencer’s mother, and that led me here. Lady Blanchard is somewhat fond of me as she has recently sought me as a suitor for her daughter.’
‘Oh. But I barely know Lady Blanchard. And how did you know I was acquainted with Lady Harriet?’
‘Ah, I must confess that you had drawn my interest earlier in the evening, and I saw you with her.’
‘A most shocking reply,’ said Grace. ‘So you were spying on me?’
‘Do not confuse spying with admiring, Miss Howden.’ William Voss swallowed hard and looked away at the river. Grace walked on in confusion, and he kept pace, hovering by her side. Suddenly, William Voss grabbed her arm and pulled Grace to one side.
‘I have had quite enough of being manhandled for one week, Sir. Get your hands off me,’ she cried.
‘Apologies, but you were about to step on a stone, and you could have turned an ankle. See.’ His fingers slid from her arm, and he pointed at a stone on the ground.
‘Oh. Yes. Then, I thank you.’
‘You will find that I am not the savage my brother is, Miss Howden.’
Her face heated, and he noticed.
‘Forgive me for mentioning him. And fear not. Rawden will not trouble you again. He is back at the barracks with his fellows, no doubt fleecing them at cards or nursing a headache from too much drinking.’
‘Why is he such a rogue? I would expect a captain to be a gentleman, Sir.’
‘Rawden will never be a gentleman, Miss Howden, but he is fearless, speaks his mind, no matter what, and goes his own way. I admire him immensely for that.’
‘Even when you have to apologise to outraged ladies on his behalf?’ said Grace, softening her words with a smile.
‘My brother eschews polite society for the most part, so I am rarely called upon to do so.’ He gave her a warm smile which raised dimples on his cheeks. He seemed rather boyish and awkward compared to his fierce brother. William Voss squared his shoulders, and there was a sudden pride in his bearing. ‘I will soon join Rawden in his barracks, for I have decided to purchase a commission. I trust I will acquit myself with more restraint than my brother.’
‘Is that a wise course, Lord Voss?’
He frowned and looked deflated.
‘What I mean is, I admire your courage, but surely there is a threat from Napoleon now that he is at large. You might have to go to war.’
‘Most people do not believe that tyrant has the stomach for more war.’
‘From what I have read of Napoleon, he will always want war more than peace. When a prideful man like that is brought low, he will want to rise again. I am sure of it.’
‘Upon my word, Miss Howden. You might have a point.'
‘Forgive me. I should not have been so outspoken.’
‘And I should not have tried to draw your admiration with talk of joining the cavalry. That was my plan, you see. Did it work?’
‘Yes. I admire your zeal to defend me from the French,’ said Grace. It felt alarmingly as though she were flirting with this young man.
‘How refreshing it is to talk to a young lady about topics which do not involve balls and dresses and the weather,’ said William. His eyes met hers, and then he gazed over the river, his cheeks reddening. ‘I find you quite remarkable,’ he said, then sighed heavily. ‘Ah, Mrs. Talbot is coming back. My time is up.’ He turned back to her. ‘May I come and call on you again?’ he said in a rush.
‘You have made your apology, and I have accepted it, so why would you want to?’ replied Grace, rather bluntly.
