He might waltz with Carrie in London after she married, and it was safe to do so.Safe?Now, why did he think that? Because having her living here would invite speculation, he supposed. And under the eagle eyes of theton,he had to be careful to give them nothing to gossip about which might affect her future.
With an annoyed groan over how his life had turned topsy-turvy, he stood and left the library, planning to ride out and discuss the condition of his birds with the gamekeeper. As he headed for the stables, his thoughts returned to Max, who had placed such trust in him. Nicholas had faithfully promised his friend to see his first-born daughter safely married to an excellent fellow. And so he would.
***
After Bella returned to the schoolroom with Scotty, Carrie had an hour to herself before dressing for dinner. She left the house to wander along the paths and admire the gardens’ vivid displays of spring color, the beds planted with lupins, delphiniums, and cornflowers. It was good to be outdoors, the fresh breeze stirring the boughs overhead.
She allowed her bonnet, held by cherry ribbons, to slip back onto her shoulders, enjoying the sun on her face. Her concerns lessened as she watched a pair of wrens fluttering about a nest high in an oak tree. But despite her best intentions, her mind returned to the episode in the music room when Nicholas declined to waltz with her. While dancing the quadrille when their hands touched, her heart pounded strangely, and she’d felt quite unlike herself. Except for her father, no man had ever held her hand in his without gloves. At dances, men always wore them, and so did she. His long fingers had curled around hers, his skin warm. His bergamot soap teased at her, making it difficult to meet his eyes. While relieved that most of the steps of the quadrille kept them apart, it disappointed her they didn’t waltz. But that was because she’d never danced it. At least, that was what she told herself.
She strolled on. It was difficult to form an opinion about Nicholas. Learning from Anna about the way he treated a member of his staff worried her, but he could be irresistibly charming. His smile drew one to him. Was there a reason he didn’t wish to waltz with her? Was it really because he was busy? She imagined it was a lot of work to manage this big estate. Her fear of becoming a nuisance tightened her ribcage. It would not be surprising if he loathed the responsibility of her family placed on his shoulders. But if that were the case, why did he agree to it in the first place? Did he believe as she did, her father would live for many more years? With a heavy sigh, she walked on toward a gate in the garden wall, which gave access to the drive.
As she stepped onto the gravel, Nicholas came around a turn in the road, leading a big chestnut by the reins. He wore his riding clothes well and walked with an athlete’s grace.
“Taking the air, Carrie?” he called as he approached.
“Yes, it’s such a lovely day. I am on my way to see the lime walk I spied from a window. Was your ride agreeable?”
He stroked the horse’s powerful neck while being nuzzled. “Until Whiskey here picked up a stone. When your brother arrives, I’ll take you, Bella, and Jeremy riding.”
“I would love to see more of the estate, thank you.”
“Then you shall. Care to walk to the stables with me?”
She fell into step with him. “Bella thinks Jeremy will be in seventh heaven when he sees your stable of thoroughbreds.”
“And what about you? Do you enjoy riding?”
“Yes, although my enthusiasm is not quite equal to Jeremy’s.”
Nicholas laughed. “I was as keen as mustard as a boy.”
Carrie liked his deep laugh. It made him seem more approachable. As they entered the stable yard where his groom waited, she peeked at his profile, his straight nose, well-shaped mouth, and strong chin. Was he hard-hearted? He’d have to be to dismiss his housekeeper without a reference. And yet, while he discussed the condition of his horse with his head groom, she found it hard to believe such a thing about him.
He returned to her after several minutes. “Shall I show you the lime walk you saw from your window?”
“Yes, please.” She took his proffered arm and walked with him over the cobbles. “Tell me, when did you first meet my father?”
“His carriage was in a ditch when I happened by. I took him to the wheelwright in the next town. Imagine our surprise when we discovered he was to be my history professor at Oxford. Your father was a generous fellow, Carrie. And a good listener. He became a staunch friend to me when I desperately needed one. And as time passed, we discovered we had much in common.”
“What did you have in common?” She wanted to know what had made him need her father’s advice so desperately, but it would have been rude to ask about it.
“Oh, many things, but ancient history most particularly.”
“You read my father’s books?”
“I did. Every one. Those on Plato and the Ancient Greeks were remarkable.”
“He and Mama went to Greece for their honeymoon.”
“He told me about that.”
“Did he tell you how my mother hated the heat and the food and became sick on the boat?” She grinned. “He was intent on viewing Parnassus, the home of the gods, and the Oracle of Delphi. Mama complained he preferred the ruins to her.”
He chuckled. “Not the best choice for a honeymoon, perhaps.”
“Oh no! Mama enjoyed almost all of it. Riding on a donkey, eating grapes and olives. She insisted her honeymoon was perfect because she was with the man she loved.”
Nicholas’s smiling gray eyes met hers. “A delightful story, thank you for sharing it.”
