She hesitated, then said, “I fear you, rather. Naomi is my dearest friend. I’d not see her hurt again.”
This implied criticism caused Gwendolyn to frown a little, but she kept silent.
Gideon prompted, “And you think I will hurt her?”
“Sir,” said Katrina, “I wish I did not. But—I will speak plainly. Although Naomi and the earl have not enjoyed a close relationship, heisher father, and she was much too well bred-up to now run counter to his wishes. With both your parents so bitterly opposed to the match”—she gave a regretful little gesture—“I see only heartbreak ahead—for both of you.”
Ten minutes later Gideon was pondering those words as he waited in the small grove of willows by the lake. Perhaps in other eyes their prospects for happiness did not seem too bright just at the moment, but he was quite sure now that his lady still loved him, and nothing could dim that wondrous knowledge. Failure was not to be thought of; Fate could not be so cruel as to reunite them only to part them forever. Besides, they had located the ruby chess piece, and when Morris brought it to Town another part of the puzzle would fall into place. Morris would likely not arrive until this afternoon, however, which should allow plenty of time for the small matter he meant to attend to. He reached down to his saddle holster and transferred the pistol into the right-hand pocket of his coat. Just in case.
A slight drizzle began to add to the air’s dampness. Logically the riding party would soon break up. He had given Tummet strict instructions not to desert Gwendolyn this time, and Horatio Glendenning had been trying to persuade the girl to take luncheon at Laindon House, where his step-sister was staying. The prospect of seeing an old friend had brought stars of happiness into Gwen’s blue eyes, and it was more than likely that she would accept the invitation.
He heard an approaching rider then, and Naomi cantered to join him. Her eyes radiant, her cheeks a little flushed, she reached out to him and he took her hand and kissed it, murmuring, “I wish I dare kiss you properly.”
“So sure as you did, Reggie Smythe would chance to pass by. Besides, I have had a horrid time trying to elude Camber.”
He knit his brows. “Camber?”
“Of course, you’ve not seen him. He worked for us in Italy, and now Papa has decreed he is to be my groom. I fancy he has orders to protect me from gentlemen with the kind of gleam in their eyes that I perceive in yours, sir!”
He grinned and led her under the leafy umbrella of the willows. “He won’t see any gleams under here. And now I can claim my proper kiss.”
He leaned to her, his arm slipping around her shoulders, and she lifted her face. After a rapturous moment her mare began to dance about nervously, and they were torn apart.
Naomi said dreamily. “I am not sure that kiss was entirely ‘proper,’ Captain Rossiter.”
“True.” He sighed. “And it might have lasted a little longer had—”
“Sshh!” she hissed. “Camber!”
The rider on the tall piebald horse was indeed a big fellow. His stock was immaculate, his livery sat well on his broad shoulders, and his modest wig was neatly curled. But not all the efforts of tailor or wig maker could ameliorate the heavy overhanging brow, the truculent look in the extremely deep set eyes, the lantern jaw. He was coming straight for the trees, but a woman’s laughter sounded from beyond some massed rhododendron bushes, and he at once touched home his spurs and rode in that direction.
“Phew!” said Rossiter. “I think I’d as well not have to deal with that one! He’s a rough-looking customer.”
“I’ll own I’ve never cared for him. His hand was crushed in an accident a few years ago, and Papa feels he would never find work elsewhere, so he keeps him on. I think… he is very loyal.”
“Then I cannot fault him for his looks, can I? He may yet find us, however, and I’ve little time, so you’d best tell me your news.”
She found herself reluctant to do so, and evaded, “First—what happened with the constable? And what did your father say?”
He possessed himself of her hand again. “The constable was dignified and surprisingly intelligent, but could do little more than promise to post descriptions of the culprits. More to the point, none of my people was badly hurt. I found my father…” He paused, his expression becoming sombre. “Well, I thought it best not to tell him about the farm.”
“He is not ill, I trust?”
“Sick at heart, poor old fellow. He is to appear before the committee again on Tuesday.”
Her hand flew to caress his cheek. “Oh, Gideon! I am so sorry.”
“And I, love.” He kissed her palm gratefully. “Which is why I must make my move today.”
At once alarmed, she exclaimed, “Move? What move? Oh, Lud! You are at your scheming again!”
“Be calm, little sprite. Now tell me quickly. You are troubled, I think. I have worried lest your father might have been angered when you returned. You were late, I am assured.”
“Yes, but he was not as provoked as I’d feared.” She hesitated. “Mr. Bracksby was to dine with us, and he is so entertaining a gentleman.”
“He is. A splendid fellow. I’d not realized he was acquainted with Collington.”
“I was rather surprised also, but they must be good friends, I think, because… Mr. Bracksby asked for my hand.”
