“It is your home, too, is it not?”
A quick laugh escaped her. She had never considered it her home. It was her place of employment, not somewhere she could relax — except when playing her violin.
“You find that amusing?” he asked.
“I am grateful for the place I have in the Beasleys’ household,” she said, but when he edged closer, alarm fluttered in her stomach.
“May I assist you onto your mount?” he offered.
Of course! What a ninny!
“Thank you,” she said.
In silence, he laced his gloved fingers, making a step for her use. Drawing up her skirt slightly, she placed the toe of her shoe in Lord Diamond’s hands, feeling almost indecent. Then with experience, she popped up and onto the saddle.
For a moment, his fingers skimmed her ankle, raising her skirt higher, causing her to shiver, before he guided her foot into the iron-and-leather slipper stirrup. Then he released her dress.
“Thank you,” she mumbled again, as if it was the only thing she could say.
When he looked up at her, he smiled slightly.
“How is it you are such a skilled horsewoman? Even the way you mount is done with assurance and elegance.”
Her cheeks warmed under his compliment.Should she lie to him?Alice could see no reason. And she had enough lies in her life.
“In truth, I grew up riding, mostly in the country. I haven’t ridden for a while, but one never forgets how to do it, no more than I would forget how to play music.”
“I see,” he said, finally turning away and reclaiming his horse, which was happily munching grass beside Susanne’s Rowan.
Adam didn’t know whathad come over him. Obviously, he was not happy Lady Susanne had fallen, but the moment he and Mrs. Malcolm were alone again, the air crackled between them with undeniable attraction. He was acutely aware of her nearness, her floral scent, the exact gray-green color of her wide-set, intelligent eyes, the way a rosy blush feathered across her cheeks when he complimented her.
He wanted to spend more time with her.Alone.Now that he knew her to be widowed, his wish wasn’t so outrageous, apart from the fact that she was in the employ of Lady Susanne’s parents.
But to what end? Adam wished he could say his motives were pure. Instead, they were driven by sheer magnetic attraction.
With Mrs. Malcolm riding beside him while he led the third horse at a slow amble, he decided to ask her more about her life. Getting to know her better was a more honorable pursuit than wishing to kiss her again. Although his body adamantly urged him to do that, too.
Wincing slightly, he recalled his father’s lesson from an early age.One did not dally with the help.He knew better than to lead on or do anything to display a lack of respect for the station of useful, loyal staff, who in turn respected their employers. It was all civilized and designed to protect the vulnerable from the powerful.
Without doubt, the Earl Diamond was correct.
And yet... Mrs. Malcolm didn’t seem particularly vulnerable. Looking over at her, examining her profile, he thought her strong and brave and clear-headed.
“How long has it been since your husband passed away?”
She made a strangled gasp, which turned into a cough to cover it up.
“Do you think that an appropriate topic?” she asked without looking at him.
“Short of snooping around, how else will I discover the answer without asking? And I am not the type to pour a cup of gossip water. I would rather hear about you from your own lips.”
“Why do you want to hear about me at all?” she asked. “You know what I am. What more is there to say?”
“I am the heir to an earldom, but that is not all I am. I like fishing and trying to beat my eldest sister at target practice with the bow. I enjoy riding, which you know already, and now I know that about you, too. I don’t care for spiders,” he added carefully.
Her head whipped around, her eyes suddenly dancing. “Are you afraid of creepy-crawlies, my lord?”
“Notafraid, exactly. I simply don’t want them on me. Or near me. Or in my room when I am sleeping.”
