“You’re going to take no as an answer?” If the other evening meant something to him, why wasn’t he willing to fight for it? “We don’t have to listen to my uncle. I could sneak out for a stroll now and then.”
Devon scrubbed a hand over his face. “My goal is to find a way to get you out of here eventually. Crossing your uncle now will only make that more difficult.”
“And what happens when you do rescue me?”
His brow furrowed. “I’ll get you to some friends of mine. They’ll hide you, give you a place to stay, until you figure out what you want to do.”
“And what about you?”
“I’m a soldier. I have commitments until the war ends.”
Why should she expect anything different? He’d help her escape because he felt guilty, but he wouldn’t be with her. She jabbed a hand to her hip. “So the stroll the other night …was just another Saturday evening? After you’ve done your duty by me, you’ll find another girl to walk with?” Probably wouldn’t even wait that long.
He scuffed his boot against the straw-peppered dirt. “You’re the most contrary girl I ever met, and the most forward.”
“I am not forward.” She snatched his slouch hat from a railing and aimed it toward a pile of manure. Blowing out a breath, she tossed it at his feet instead. “Forget I said anything. I don’t want to take up your time, and I don’t want any more of your help.” Her gaze settled on Ebony. “It’s Saturday. Nicholas is coming to dinner again tonight.”
He picked up his hat and dusted it off. “Thanks for the warning. I’ll make sure not to hurry back.”
“You’re going to Alleyton again, aren’t you?”
“I’m sure you’ll be too busy with Nicholas to care. Before you know it, it’ll be Nick.”
“Fit right in with Frieda.” She hadn’t come out here to fight. How had this conversation gone so wrong?
“Well, a glass of lemonade hardly equals a horse.”
“Speaking of horses, I’ve been neglecting mine.” She pushed past him, grabbed a curry brush, and headed to the back of the stable.
“At least you’re finally ending the charade that the mustang is only on loan.”
Halfway down the aisle, she pivoted toward her accuser. “I don’t know whatcharademeans.”
“Ask Nick. I’m sure he’s master of them.” He gripped the saddle horn, stuck his left foot in the stirrup, and swung his right leg over. “And if you don’t watch it, he’ll try to be master of you.”
“No one’s going to be master of me.”
He blew out a breath. “We’ll see about that.” He gathered his reins. “If the cook asks, I may not be back until morning.”
“Morning?” Her hands dropped to her sides. He was going to be gone all night?
“I’ve got business in town, then a card game. Might go late.”
“I didn’t know Frieda played cards.”
“It’s nothing to do with Frieda.”
“I could care less.” She jutted out her chin. “If you show up at church tomorrow, I’ll walk by as if I don’t even know you.”
“That’s fine by me.” He flicked the reins. “I bet Nick Moyer doesn’t even know what the inside of a church looks like.”
Air whistled through her clenched teeth like a tea kettle as he rode out of the stable. Infuriating man. He could stay gone as far as she was concerned.
CHAPTER 20
Alate-afternoon rain spoiled any hope for a ride. Not that Morning Fawn wanted to spend an hour trotting around the countryside with Nicholas, but she would have endured it for the sake of getting away from the house. At least she wouldn’t have had to worry about doing any of the talking.
Nicholas. The word didn’t sit right on her tongue even though he insisted she drop the formality ofMr. Moyer.
