“I have left one employ, and am making my way to my next post.”
“At two o’clock in the morning?”
“I-I like to travel at night.” Her voice rose and Joseph thought perhaps lying was not something she was comfortable with.
“Without a horse or carriage, you decided to simply leave your employ or home, as I am yet to be convinced of the latter, and walk to the next one?”
“I own neither, as many servants do not.”
Joseph thought of the crossroads he had left behind a few miles ago, and wondered if he rode back there, would she tell him which of the three roads leading off it led in the direction of whence she’d come.
“Your father wants you to marry a wealthy older man?” Joseph said, giving Monty his head as he settled Miss Higglesworth into his arms more comfortably. She smelled nice, something soft and subtle. Not being a flower person, he had no idea what it was. His sister would know; she knew everything about flora and fauna.
“No.”
He looked at the bonnet. What color hair and eyes did she have? There was something in his mind, a recognition that he could not quite call forth. He knew this woman... or something about her reminded him of another.
“Your sister stole your beau and you will never forgive her, nor will you attend the wedding?”
“No. As I have stated, my lord, I am moving to my next position.”
It was a strange circumstance that just minutes ago he had been pondering his problems alone, yet now he had this woman in his arms, he was more than happy pondering hers.
“I would like you to let me down here, my lord. Please.”
“No, I cannot do that.”
“Then will you drop me at the next inn?”
“There is no inn nearby.”
Her spine was rigid, attempting not touch his chest.
“I want to take you back to your home, Miss Higglesworth. Had I not come along, someone with far more nefarious intentions may have.” Now he had her before him, Joseph wondered what he was to do with her if she did not tell him where she came from.
“I do not have a home or family. I have my employment, my lord, as I believe I have already mentioned. I need to make my way to the village of Spindle with some expediency. So if you will not put me down here, then will you do so in a place that will help me achieve that?”
“And what is your employment?”
“I-I am a governess.” She wriggled again, her bottom brushing his breeches. And whilst he still did not have a clear picture of what she looked like, he was certainly very aware of the fact that her small bottom was deliciously rounded. Her hesitation also suggested she was not telling the entire truth.
“And do you enjoy this occupation, because to my mind you seem very young to have been in the position overlong.”
“It is most rewarding,” she said in a stiff voice.
“And who are you running from, Miss Higglesworth?” he said, hoping to catch her off guard.
“It matters not what I run from, my lord, only that I have a place to run to, surely?”
“Are you one of those devilishly well-read females who will argue every point and outwit a poor simpleminded man with words?”
“It is my fondest wish to be just such a woman.”
“Here’s the thing, Miss Higglesworth. If indeed you are going to Spindle, it will take you at least two, perhaps three hours on foot.”
“I—ah... I like walking.”
“As do I. However, not in the dark when the temperatures are cold enough to freeze a person to the road. Now, I am approximately one hour from my home, where I shall soon be knee-deep in brothers. I will take you there if you wish it, and then to Spindle in the morning, which is the next village from mine. Or I will return you to wherever you came. I will not, however, simply drop you on the roadside at this hour.”
