“I was thinking about how you like to rescue things,” she said.
His brow came up. “Like the kitten?”
Like me. She smiled. “Among others.”
For a moment, he acted struck by her words. “I suppose there is a protector in every male,” he conceded slowly.
“Not every one,” she could tell him. “My father is more of a competitor. He thrives on besting others.”
“That, too, is a male trait.”
Unbidden, Letty Bainhurst came to her mind. What had he said about her? That he’d believed he’d been rescuing her from a bad marriage?
He’d wanted to rescue Willa as well.
In fact, today, he’d been doing all in his power to help her feel safe.
Willa wondered if he saw a difference between her and Letty.
That she’d even had the thought made her angry—with herself.
Jealousy was an ugly emotion, and he’d given her no cause... and yet, where he was concerned, she was losing perspective. She was falling in love. And it had been effortless.
Had it happened as he sat beside her tub, obviously hungry for her and yet denying himself? Or was it because he’d been pleased to make her happy with a trip to Weeks?
Or had it been when he’d jumped to the ground from a horse chestnut tree with a kitten safely tucked in his jacket?
Actually, she’d started to fall in love with him when she’d read his book of poems.
The conversation she’d overheard yesterday between Matt and Kate came back to her.I’ve been in love. It made a bloody fool of me. No, worse, it almost destroyed me. This is better. I respect Willa.
That was what Matt had said.
Except walking down the street, her hand in his, Willa wanted the right to expect something more than respect. She wanted his love. She was far worthier of it than Letty Bainhurst had been.
They returned home. The sun was setting as they walked in the front door.
The dowager was in a flap. She’d obviously been waiting for them. “You aren’t dressed,” she said to Matt.
They had met her in the main hall. He’d just handed Marshall his hat. He spread his arms. “I obviously am.”
“But not for Dame Hester’s musicale tonight,” Minerva retorted.
“I did not promise to escort you this evening,” Matt answered. “And Willa and I have had long day.”
“Matthew, you will be sitting in a chair all evening. The only thing you have to use are your ears.”
“I will not go, Grandmother. Send for George. He likes those sorts of evenings.”
“He is coming to ride with us,” Minerva said.
“Then the problem is solved.”
The dowager was not happy. Minerva shot a dark look at Willa, as if Matt’s response was Willa’s fault.
Upstairs in the bedroom, he apologized, “She is a bit of a bully. She wants to go everywhere, even though I am newly married and wish time with my wife.”
“Perhaps you should go—?”
