He had not wanted to talk about this, but it was very evident that his reticence had deepened her doubts. He said reluctantly, “Beloved one, when I was in the hospital for so long, there were times when— Well, when hope seemed rather useless, and reality was so—unpleasant that I fashioned myself a retreat: a lovely country house just like this one. I put you in it, and as the months went by, I pictured you growing from the girl I had left behind, into a gentle and beautiful lady.”
Incredulous, she whispered,“Me?”
He said tenderly, “You were the lady I fled to, so very often and this was our refuge—my Tranquillity Terrace.”
“Oh, my dear! My dear,” she said, joy mingling with pity for his ordeal. “I feel so ashamed. But—but everyone said… I mean—you spoke so often of your lady.”
“I was delirious at times, and they tell me I raved so that the other fellows thought—” He shrugged, and admitted with a boyish grin, “They were all so envious. I decided not to spoil my newly acquired reputation. Besides…’twas a very personal thing, and not to be shared with others.”
Radiant, she said happily, “Then—then you reallydidstill love me?”
“Every single minute. Perhaps you should know that— Oh, blast!” He put her from him hurriedly.
A horseman came at the gallop to draw rein before them. The rider, a well-preserved but weathered-looking man on the far side of fifty, touched his cap respectfully. “So you seen it, sir,” he panted. “Sorry I am you should come home to—to this wickedness! I took me wife into Tunbridge Wells. She were that put about. I’d say welcome, but—’tis a sad sight to greet ye.”
Rossiter shook hands with the sturdy farmer. “You were not hurt, either of you?”
“Not her nor me, no sir. They come whilst we was takin’ my grandson to the dentist ’smorning. My men see ’em, and come up to the house, not liking the look o’ things. They got theirselves beaten, and tied up, poor chaps, so I took ’em to the ’pothecary in the Wells. The constable be on his way here.” From the corner of his eye he had already taken in Naomi. Now, he glanced at her shyly.
Rossiter said, “My lady, this is my farm manager, Zebediah Upton.”
The farmer flushed and snatched off his broad-brimmed hat.
Naomi nodded to him pleasantly, too happy to care that once again she was compromised, since she was ostensibly alone here with Gideon.
“Lady Lutonville is my betrothed, as you know, Zeb,” said Rossiter smoothly. “I’d brought her down to see her future home.”
The farmer shook his head, “What a pity. I be that sorry, ma’am!”
“So am I,” said Rossiter. “But I’d as lief not have her ladyship mixed up in this business.” He turned to Naomi, his eyes softening. “You must go, my love. If your coachman takes the back road through the hills, you’ll avoid our intrepid constable.” He led her towards the coach that had come up, and murmured, “I’m glad you did not object to being named my betrothed. You’d as well become accustomed to it, for I do believe we are close to solving this puzzle. And then, my little lovely thing, you shall have to find another excuse for rejecting me.”
She looked at him lovingly. “I collect ’tis time wasted to pretend I mean to try very hard.”
“We have wasted too much time already!” Feeling eyes boring into his back he kissed her hand lingeringly. “Your coachman watches us, you know, and will doubtless report this to your father. Or had you advised him you meant to come here?”
“I was not so daring. But never worry. I am of age, and Papa can do no more than rage at me.”
His hand tightened. “You’re sure? An I thought he’d dare to—”
“Beat me?” She smiled. “I should tell Samantha Golightly and ’twould be all over Town within seconds, which he would not at all like! I think I see a rider coming, dearest.”
He glanced around. “So you do. Go now. I want you out of this.”
Leaning to him, she asked in sudden anxiety, “What do you mean to do?”
“Nothing tonight. I’ll likely be delayed here while the constable asks endless useless questions, and writes endless useless conclusions in his notebook.” He handed her up into the coach. Maggie came running in answer to Naomi’s call, and was assisted inside also.
Gideon asked, “When shall I see you again, my lady?”
Her mouth drooped and she said sadly, “Oh, how I loathe to deceive him. I feel so sly.”
“Would you wish I keep away, love? I will, sooner than distress you.”
“’Twould distress me more not to see you. But, I fear it shall have to be the park, for the time at least. I ride most mornings at seven, Gideon.”
“Not alone,” he promised with a smile, and slammed the door.
Naomi leaned from the window. “You will take care?”
