He moved closer, now only a foot from where she stood.
“And because you are a mere governess, and I an earl, I cannot aid you should you need it?”
When put like that, it did sound silly, but Milly stood firm.
“Yes.”
He snorted, and it was not one of amusement. “That’s ridiculous. I kept you warm inside this very coat on the journey here.”
“Yes, but no one was there to see that, nor did you leave me little choice. It is also not the way of things, my lord,” Milly said, wondering why she was pursuing this silly conversation. She could be warmer by now if she had taken the offer of his coat. Warm and dry, and his scent would be wrapped around her.
“Who made this law?”
Milly made herself look at him. His face had relaxed again, the anger seeming to have fled with the speed it had arrived, and she was sure he was laughing at her again.
“It was passed in the House of Lords last year,” she snapped. She hated people laughing at her.
“Really?” He appeared to give her words some thought. “I do not remember voting on that.”
Milly turned away. The man was far too appealing, standing there with rain flattening his hair to his head. Grabbing her horse’s reins, she attempted to mount. Two hands gripped her waist and threw her onto the saddle.
“Perhaps this time you will stay up there.”
“It was not my intention to fall, Lord Ellsworth. Please excuse me now, as I need to find Apple-blossom.”
“She is having an argument with Mr. Howard, there.”
Following the direction he pointed, Milly found Apple-blossom in a heated debate with Mr. Howard.
“Oh dear. Please excuse me.” Milly felt a few twinges in her muscles as she motioned her horse forward.
“Are you unhurt, Apple-blossom?” Mr. Howard was demanding as she drew near.
“He bolted.... Yes, yes I am.”
Milly watched Mr. Howard snatch Apple-blossom into his arms and hold her close. Her suspicions that the man cared for the girl were correct, it seemed.
“When I saw your horse bolting, and you attempting to stay upright in that foolish saddle, all I could think was of you falling, and I could not reach you.” Mr. Howard’s words were raw, and emotion radiated from each one.
“I cannot ride astride when I am out.”
Milly noted Apple-blossom was not struggling for release.
“Then don’t gallop!”
“I’m unhurt, Daniel.” Apple-blossom patted his cheek, and then tried to disengage herself.
Stay still, you foolish girl,Milly thought.
“Give me a few minutes, and I may just believe you.”
Mr. Howard pulled Apple-blossom closer, until her face was pressed into his chest.
Milly looked skyward. The rain was now coming down in large, fat drops, and she would strike a close resemblance to a drowned rodent if she stayed out here a second longer. Moving to the side where there were several trees, she waited.
“It seems your efforts are working, Miss Higglesworth. Your charge appears to have secured the affections of Mr. Howard.”
Milly tensed as Lord Ellsworth moved under the trees on his horse. She had hoped he would leave, but it seemed he was not ready to do so. His leg brushed hers as he reined his mount in beside hers. He then lowered his coat around her shoulders, and the sudden warmth was so blissful she nearly moaned.
