“Y-yes.” I frowned at his abrupt tone.
His concerned gaze roamed Charles’s pale face, and he took his wrist to feel for his pulse. I sat silently, wondering why he hadn’t acknowledged me yet.Because he is atrocious,I reminded myself.
He must have felt the severity of my stare, because his gaze turned toward me. “Has he traveled far by coach before today?”
I was surprised by the direct question without any attempt at an introduction. “No. Today was his first time.”
Did he remember me from all those years ago? There was no way of knowing. It had been a short visit, and I had grown up a great deal since then. It would be better if he didn’t remember. I was embarrassed about the whole ordeal, and I had no wish to remind him of it.
He nodded and turned toward Charles again.
My eyes narrowed as I watched him bring a glass of liquid to Charles’s lips.
“What is that?” I inquired, unable to prevent a slight edge of distrust from creeping into my voice.
Owen turned his head abruptly. He folded his arms across his broad chest. “I can assure you that it isn’t poisoned.” His deep voice carried a hint of amusement.
Was I amusing to him? Well, then. I gathered my wits and looked him straight in the eye. “I don’t recall asking you if it waspoisoned. I only want to know what it is that you are about to administer to him so I may give my approval.”
He raised one eyebrow. “I don’t understand what I have done to lose your trust so quickly.”
“I don’t understand why you refuse to tell me what is in that glass.” I felt my own eyebrow rise to match his. “Is it a tincture?”
He pressed his lips together. “No. It is asecret. Even to myself.” He brought the glass to his face and squinted at it closely. “I am fairly certain that it isn’t dangerous.”
My eyes widened.
He moved the glass to Charles. “I suppose there is only one way to find out.”
Before I knew what I was doing, I jumped from my seat beside Peter, reaching for the glass, trying to snatch it fromOwen’s hand. A sharp, cutting pain reached my ribs at my sudden movement and bit my lip to keep from crying out. It was an old injury that still caused me pain.
Owen chuckled as he lifted the glass away from my grasp. “It’s water,” he said through his laughter.
I withdrew my hand and scowled at him. My cheeks burned with anger. How nefarious could he be? He had not changed a bit. In fact, he may have become worse than before.
“I’m sorry,” he sighed. “That was a cruel joke. But now, if you please, would you allow me to tend to this poor boy?” He made no effort to hide his amusement now. It gleamed in every feature of his face.
“No, actually. That is quite enough.” I lifted Charles and moved him to the other side of me. “I am capable of administering a glass of water to him myself. You may take your leave.”
Owen frowned, staring at me in silence for a long moment. “Who is your employer?”
I reared back in surprise. “My employer?” My cheeks burned. Did he think I was a nursemaid or nanny? My dress was plain and soiled, and my hair was pulled into a tight knot. It was possible that he could have mistook me as such. How humiliating. I hardened my scowl and stared directly at him. “These are my brothers. We traveled here today by invitation of your mother.”
His face fell. His eyes flickered over my face with recognition, and he set the glass of water on the tea table. “I didn’t know my mother had invited guests. The footman sent me with very little information. Forgive me, my manners are gone from me today.”
I was shocked to see that he looked truly apologetic. But then he gave a broad smile, causing a dimple to dent one of his cheeks. That was another thing that hadn’t changed. “It’s as if I’m fourteen years old again.”
I barely caught his wink.
My heart pounded a little harder. Did he remember me? While he was distracted, I took the glass of water and instructed Charles to take a sip.
When I looked up again, I found Owen’s gaze focused on me. “Tell me . . . have you ever climbed a tree?”
So. He did remember. But he wasn’t absolutely sure. I decided to make him wonder a little longer. “Of course I haven’t.” I tried to look absolutely appalled by the idea. “Perhaps a nanny or nursemaid would engage in such activities, but not a lady.” I gave him a pointed look.
It seemed to work. His knowing smile faltered, the change almost imperceptible. But he was still watching me. Could he tell I was lying? Finally he spoke again, changing the subject. “We have not given our introductions, have we?”
I lifted my chin. “We have not. But it seems I was beneath your notice, so I don’t think introductions are necessary.” I ran my thumb gently over Charles’s arm, comforting him and myself at the same time. I had never been so bold, especially with a handsome man. It was nerve-wracking. My bold interaction with Mr. Coburn had unleashed a monster.
