Were such traits hereditary? Before she could even contemplate the notion, the memory of Baby Bear licking Garrett’s hand intruded into her thoughts.
Garrett was not like his father. He was not!
Upon reaching her doorway, she nearly ran right into Marcus as he exited Garrett’s room.
“Forgive me, Natalie! My lady,” he corrected himself with a wink.
“Why are you rushing about?” At sixes and sevens, her good humor escaped her in that moment.
But Marcus was oblivious. In fact, bursting at the seams with excitement, he rushed to tell her his news. “I cannot thank you enough for suggesting to your mother that I valet for His Lordship.” A grin spread across his face. “I am to valet for him henceforth! He has asked me to travel with him to Maple Hall and take up the position permanently. We leave at first light tomorrow.”
It was odd, experiencing both sadness and joy at the same time. Knowing Marcus was leaving hurt nearly as much as Joseph marrying. Except with Joseph, she had gained a sister, and hopefully would one day have nieces and nephews to look forward to.
But with Marcus—well, he was simply leaving. Leaving her behind.
Oh, but she was so pleased for him. He’d always wanted this! And she could take a certain comfort in knowing he would be watching out for Lord Hawthorne.
Garrett needed taking care of, loath as the man would ever be to admit it.
Natalie clasped both of Marcus’s hands in hers. “Oh, Marcus, that is wonderful! I will miss you, but I am so pleased. Lord Hawthorne is lucky to have you.”
“My pa is proud near to bursting,” he said sheepishly. “And His Lordship is not overly demanding or fussy. I think we willget on together very well.” He turned her hands so that they were cradled in his. “Aside from my pa, I will miss you the most. You have always treated me as a friend. I will remember you fondly. I hope you will think fondly of me as well.”
Feeling a little awkward, because their relationship had always consisted more of teasing and pestering, Natalie smiled back at Marcus. “You know that I will, and of course you will return to visit your pa every so often. This is not goodbye; it is farewell.” She pulled her hands back to her sides. “And please try not to cut the earl’s face too much or tie his cravats into anything a dandy would ever wear.” The teasing felt more normal.
“I shall make certain he never appears looking anything but a perfect gentleman,” he promised and then, walking backward, added, “I already have the earl’s belongings prepared for travel, but I’ve my own belongings to pack this afternoon.”
“Well, off with you then, Marcus. And…congratulations. I think you are going to do wonderfully. You are the perfect valet for Lord Hawthorne.”
And so, Marcus, too, would be leaving her.
Natalie entered her room and then called for a maid to assist her in donning her riding habit. She could not stay in the house this afternoon. She needed to take flight. A good ride was what she needed.
Garrett did not allowhimself to grieve for long. Shaken by his emotional outburst, he put himself to the task at hand and resealed the paintings as they’d been before. Refusing assistance from the servant who’d been sent by the countess, he did his best to secure each crate so that the contents would be protected, even if exposed to rain on the journey to Maple Hall.
Lastly, he returned the dresses and drawings to the largetrunk. Not even a quarter full, it posed no difficulty as Garrett carried it outside to the back of the carriage house where his traveling coach was parked. By late afternoon, he’d packed everything securely. The physical labor had been just what he needed.
Satisfied that preparations were complete, Garrett went around to the other side of the carriage house to check in on Rumble.
The horse was just finishing off the apple Garrett had brought for him when Natalie appeared atop a gorgeous chestnut mare. Sitting sidesaddle in a regal posture, she looked magnificent. Of course, as Ravensdale’s daughter, she would be an excellent equestrian. Garrett waved the groom away as she rode over to the mounting block so he could assist her down himself. Flushed from her exertions, she brushed away some wisps of hair that had escaped from beneath her riding hat. Her eyes burned bright, even as they looked at him warily.
He gave her his hand so she could dismount from the impractical sidesaddle—another stupid and cruel societal standard. Not only was it hazardous for the women riding but it also endangered the horse.
Natalie addressed the groom who had stepped back. “She behaved beautifully today, Tobias.” The horse was covered in sweat. She’d not ridden for leisure.
“I’ll rub her down, my lady.” The groom took the horse’s reins to walk her back to the paddocks. He patted the mare fondly.
Accusing eyes met Garrett’s. “You are returning to Maple Hall tomorrow?”
Garrett nodded. Best to leave Natalie to her parents, and to their…dukes. She deserved a proper husband and a proper family—two things he was unable and unwilling to give.
He ignored the urge to remove her hat and pull out the pinsrestraining the rest of her hair. Nor would he carry her up to the loft and lay her down in the hay.
“You have hired Marcus. I think it’s wonderful for both of you.” She didn’t fool him with the false cheer in her voice. And the sadness behind her gaze belied the poor attempt at a smile.
Ah, yes, he would put an end to this attachment they had formed. He would return to his room, go over some reports, dress for dinner, and then retire for the night before making the journey to Maple Hall tomorrow. He did not plan on stopping. It would make for a long day, but barring any complications, they ought to arrive before darkness set in.
He would tell her goodbye and then set himself to the challenges that lay ahead. He would not allow himself to be alone with her. He would not allow himself to touch her.
