His mouth twisted upward into the semblance of a smile, although his gaze lacked any humor. “On the contrary, Miss Grouseman. I was only offering my services in case Lord Castleford became occupied with more pressing matters.”
“That is very kind, but quite unnecessary, I assure you,” Fanny returned evenly.
“Are you sure you won’t reconsider?” He stroked his hand down her arm, causing her to shiver in revulsion. “I would consider it an honor to teach you, Miss Grouseman.”
“Again, I must decline, Mr. Linneman. Now, if you will excuse me, the hour grows late, and I really must be on my way.”
But when Fanny tried to quicken her pace, he grabbed her arm.
She stared daggers at him. “Unhand me this instant,” she said firmly.
In reply, he dared to step closer. “Or what? You’ll scream?” he nearly purred in challenge. “This stretch of road is rather deserted. Who do you think might come to your aid?”
“Youdareto threaten me?” she returned, trying to keep her sudden panic at bay.
“On the contrary,” his eyes were direct and held a touch of malice. “I merely require a bit of information, which I feel you are able to provide.”
His grip tightened at her elbow, and he began to lead her away from the road. The air in Fanny’s lungs grew tight. She didn’t think Mr. Linneman was the type of man who might accost a female in the middle of the day, but she wouldn’t put anything past him.
When she heard the sound of an approaching rider, she sighed in relief, for Mr. Linneman paused. Fanny didn’t care if it was Mr. Thackery, the least liked man in the village for he was known to mistreat his wife, she would insist on going with him for she knew her chances of survival were greater.
As a gentleman in a black greatcoat came into view, he noted their presence and reined in not ten feet away. His horse snorted at the delay, while the man sitting atop the mount observed them with a glittering, green gaze — particularly the hand clutching Fanny’s arm. “Is there a problem here?” Lord Castleford asked smoothly.
Robert slowly relaxed his grip before allowing it to fall to his side. He glanced at his opponent with an arrogant expression. “Naturally not, my lord, the lady and I were just conversing.”
Jonathan dismissed him as his eyes shifted to Fanny. “Is that true?”
Fanny gave a stiff nod. She didn’t wish to make an enemy of Mr. Linneman at this point. “Yes.” Then again, she didn’t want to encourage his attentions either. “However, Mr. Linneman was just leaving.”
Robert shot her a dark look, but he tipped his hat in farewell, his lips lifting in the corners with a decided promise of retaliation.
Fanny put a hand to her stomach and watched him disappear in a cloud of dust. She was afraid she’d just made a terrible mistake, but there was nothing for it now but to accept the consequences.
“It’s not wise to keep company with a man like that, Miss Grouseman.”
Fanny turned to face Jonathan. “I was doing no such thing. I was merely out for a walk when he came upon me and invited himself.”
He glanced behind her where the village of Polperro lay in the distance. A frown touched his brow. “It can be dangerous to wander so far alone when there are dishonorable men like that lurking about.” His eyes lit on her once more. “Why did you not take the carriage?”
She hesitated. “Walking helps me to think.”
“I see.” He crossed his arms over the pummel of the saddle. “And what might you be pondering so strongly?”
“Actually,” she watched him steadily. “It was you.”
“Indeed?” If possible, his eyes seemed to grow even brighter.
“Yes. I... wanted to apologize.” She glanced down at the ground, finding it easier to confess when she wasn’t looking directly into those mesmerizing green orbs. “I was out of line yesterday. I said some things that I had no right to say. I was on my way to Killigarth Manor to see you in the hope that we might repair our friendship.”
When he remained silent, she dared to glance up to gauge his reaction. She nearly gasped, for his face held desire, pure and raw. “You are not the only one who spoke out of turn, Miss Grouseman,” he returned huskily. “And while I humbly accept your apology and beg you to accept mine in return, I fear that friendship is no longer an option between us.”
Fanny swallowed heavily with disappointment. At least they wouldn’t be parting on ill terms. She would simply have to content herself with that.
But just when she was starting to convince herself that he wished to remain distant, he dismounted and walked over to her.
He reached out and took her face in his hands, and then he kissed her soundly on the lips.
