“It is small,” he answered, peeking at Clara. “The people are kind, and you will find they keep their shops clean and professional. We’ve a bookseller, a bakery, a milliner—”
“That sounds lovely. We passed by a specialty shop on our way to Lakeshire Park,” Georgiana said, chin raised as though she’d built the shop herself. “Hats, shoes, cravats—they sold it all. Their glove maker recently retired, though.”
“Yes, that is likely the same shop we stopped at before arriving,” Clara said. “Though Amelia did not have a very welcoming experience.”
I coughed, choking down a bite of egg, and stole a glance at Peter. He chewed through an unrepentant grin, cutting at something on his plate. At least the desire to keep our secret was mutual.
Sir Ronald glanced at me as though to apologize for my inconvenience. “How unfortunate. It is difficult to keep business afloat so far out in the country. I am sure someone will be filling the position soon. Besides shopping, I shall take you all for a stroll through the park, of course.”
“How long do we anticipate being away?” Peter asked, stealing my attention from my plate.
“Likely through the afternoon,” Sir Ronald replied casually.
Peter heaved a dramatic sigh, looking to me. “Pity, Miss Moore. You and I shall have to stay behind.”
“What’s that?” Georgiana looked up at her brother.
“Miss Moore and I have committed ourselves to charity work on the estate this afternoon. We shall have to join you next time.” Peter continued eating as though nothing amiss had been said. Our company, however, looked to me.
Wiping my lips with a napkin, I offered a small nod and a most uncomfortable smile. What exactly were Peter’s intentions? What on earth had I gotten myself into? I could not refuse him, nor could I question him in front of our entire company. “Indeed, Mr. Wood. I was sure our absence would have gone unnoticed for soshorta time.”
“How thoughtful of you two.” Lady Demsworth smiled affectionately. “And now Mrs. Turnball and I have a perfect excuse to stay behind as well.”
“Well done, Wood.” Sir Ronald nodded in approval. “You always were a generous fellow.”
And a schemer and a scoundrel.
Soon after breakfast, Sir Ronald called for the carriage, and the company broke apart to ready themselves. I started up the staircase with no intention of engaging Peter before I had to, but he stole around me.
“Your riding habit, if you please, Miss Moore. I will be waiting down here to see off the carriage.”
His smile, curious and confident, dimpled his cheeks. The sight sent a jolt through my chest as I remembered the feeling of that dimple under my fingers during yesterday’s game. Blast Peter Wood and his confidence and his cheeky smile. Though I wanted to walk right through him, I had no choice but to nod in agreeance. Satisfied, he stepped aside and let me pass.
Clara tried to be disappointed at my staying behind, until I reminded her that I would be keeping Peter away from Georgiana’s influence and Sir Ronald’s attention. After changing into my sky-blue riding habit, I filled her reticule with coins of my own before sending her off.
Peter waved as the carriage retreated down the drive, and I rubbed my hands together behind my back. We were not entirely alone as Lady Demsworth and Mrs. Turnball were in the drawing room, but it felt the same, regardless.
“Shall we?” Peter held out his arm, a new easiness to his posture. His bright eyes were full of excitement.
“Where are you taking me, Mr. Wood?” I took his arm, and he tightened his hold. I had little hope his “charity work” was charitable at all.
“It is a surprise. I am certain you will hate it and regret the day you bargained with me.”
That much was true. He met my narrowed eyes with a chuckle.
Two horses were saddled just outside the stable. A groom helped me onto the mounting block, setting me easily atop the back of a horse.
“Summer is the gentlest we’ve got,” he said, rubbing her nose. “Aren’t you, girl?”
Not that I had enough experience on horseback to know the difference. I hadn’t had a real opportunity to ride since childhood. I suppressed my nervousness, rubbing Summer’s chestnut mane. She was quite the beauty.
“ ... a mile or so south. You’ll find enough there for the entire estate,” a man said to Peter, leaving me to wonder what I’d missed. Find enough of what?
“Perfect,” Peter said to the man. “Come along, Miss Moore,” he called as he led his horse out of the stables and into the morning sunlight.
Anything for Clara.I kicked at Summer, who started lazily toward the gate. At this pace, we wouldn’t return until dinner.
With the groom not far behind, we rode side by side without speaking for a time, listening to the birdsong in the treetops. The air warmed as the sun rose above the trees. Enjoying the clopping of horse hooves on the hard dirt path, and the gentle, easy sway of Summer’s pace, I relaxed into my own thoughts.
