She blew out a breath between her lips, and her shoulders sagged. “Lord Haddington and I met at a ball, similar to the one we attended last evening.” A twinkle appeared in her huge brown eyes as the lines in her face softened. “That year I recall being overwhelmed with all the attention gentlemen were giving me. But Adam was different. He wasn’t anything like the other overeager suitors. He calmly watched me from afar. I was introduced to him, but not once did he ask me to dance.”
“And his actions captured your attention?” Vincent asked, shaking his head. He hated to mention it to her, buthehad taught Adam that trick with women.
“Yes. I noticed his gaze following me everywhere. He smiled at me, but he didn’t make any other gestures.” She paused as her smile grew. “It wasn’t until the next day, while I was being escorted to the park, that he decided to talk to me.” She sighed. “I forgot about the gentleman I was with and gave Adam my full attention.”
Vincent chuckled. As he knew, it worked like a charm. “I’m sure your suitor’s ego was crushed.”
“Yes, I’m sure it was.” She stepped to the next rosebush with purple flowers. “I don’t recall what it was that attracted me to him so quickly, but I remember thinking how much we had in common. He enjoyed painting and taking leisurely walks in the park. He also enjoyed riding his horse through the countryside. He had one older sister, and of course you remember Justina. But other than that, I believed fate had brought us together.”
Vincent wasn’t sure why there was an uncomfortable tightening in his chest, but he didn’t like seeing her eyes dance when she spoke of Adam. She’d never looked this way when she talked to him, and for some reason, it hurt more than he was prepared for.
He was also upset to learn that Adam had used on Ellie one of the wooing tricks that Vincent had taught his friend. He had told Adam to tell the ladies that their interests were the same. Vincent knew firsthand that Adam didn’t like to paint. He had never known his friend to enjoy walks in the park, either.
“Yes, it must have been fate,” he quickly answered.
“Adam courted me for one month before asking my father for my hand in marriage. My father was reluctant, and naturally so, since Adam was the second son of a baron. My parents wanted me to be happy, which was why they agreed that I could marry him, but I realized they were worried that Adam wasn’t the man I was meant to be with for the rest of my life.” She took a deep breath and slowly released it. “I don’t know if it was something my father said to Adam, but soon after he asked for my hand, he joined the military to fight Napoleon. Two months later, I received a missive from his sister stating that he was missing. His garrison was in a battle with Napoleon, and several men died. It took several more weeks before he was pronounced dead.”
Her voice choked and the light disappeared from her face. Vincent moved closer as he slipped an arm around her waist. “I’m sorry he died.”
She nodded as she touched the tip of her finger to the corner of her moist eye. She peered away from him. “Yes, I’m sorry as well.”
“Did you attend his funeral?”
“No.” A tear trickled from her eye, and she quickly wiped it. “His family lived in France at the time, and I was too distraught to travel.”
“Forgive me for making you dredge up bad memories.” Vincent picked a flower from the bush and presented it to her. “I know this flower won’t replace him, but I’m hoping it will bring some light into your heart.”
When she smiled, her lips trembled. “I thank you, Vincent. You are very kind.”
“Kind, you say? Already on our outing, I’ve arrived late, made you upset, and now I’ve made you cry.” He chuckled softly. “I’m sure you are anxiously looking forward to our outing tomorrow.”
A laugh bubbled up from her throat. His heart softened. At least he’d made her smile, even if her eyes hadn’t brightened because of it.
He offered his elbow again. “Shall we return to our buggy?”
“Yes, I suppose we should.”
They walked in silence, but at least she acted captivated by the rose he’d given her. As he helped her into the buggy, the horse became skittish. “Calm down, boy,” Vincent soothed the creature as he assisted the maid into the back. As soon as he sat and pulled on the reins, the horse bucked, jolting the vehicle.
“Vincent, what’s wrong with the animal?” Ellie asked in a fearful voice.
“I’m not sure. Hold tightly to my arm.”
He tried cooing to the animal, but the more the horse moved, the more irritated it became. Within seconds, it bolted. Both Vincent and Ellie were jerked back against the seat. The reins slipped from his hands and dropped to the floor. Reaching down, he tried to grasp them but couldn’t. Ellie screamed and clung to his arm.
Panic consumed him. He not only had to keep the horse from trampling people in the park, but he had to make sure Ellie didn’t fall out of the buggy in the process.
He wasn’t looking forward to the outcome.
Chapter Six
Ellie screamed again.Fear had frozen her limbs, but thankfully, she had enough strength to hang on to Vincent. He struggled keeping her in the seat and trying to reach for the reins that had fallen to their feet. With each step of the out-of-control animal, the reins slipped farther away.
Couples walking through the park scattered in every direction. Ellie wanted to yell at someone to help. Couldn’t they see they were in trouble?
Each time Vincent came close to grabbing the reins, the vehicle bounced them on the seat. She didn’t want to release Vincent, but she didn’t want them both flying out of the buggy, either.
Up ahead, a tree stood in their path. Silently, she prayed that the horse would notice as well. Just before they reached the tree, the animal darted away from the large object. The buggy turned slightly, tipping to one side. Mrs. Jackson let out a cry and flew out, rolling on the ground. Ellie watched her to make certain she was all right. Thankfully, the maid sat up and brushed her hands over her dress.
