“I know. I will not argue.”
Setting her mouth in a firm line, she shook her head in what looked like extreme exasperation, but there was humor to be found in her eyes. “You are insufferable.”
“I’m glad you think so since it can only mean you’re not immune to my charms.” When he waggled his eyebrows, her effort to look stern and chastising failed and laughter burst from between her lips. “Hold on. I’ll come and help you dismount.”
George slid off his own horse, tied the reins to a nearby tree, and went to assist his delightful companion. The ride had not only undone her perfect coiffure, it had also pinkened her cheeks, which only made her disheveled appearance all the more lovely. George’s chest tightened slightly in response, more so when he reached her and she rewarded him with the most dazzling smile he’d ever received.
He reached up and set his hands on her waist. Without hesitation she leaned down and placed her hands on his shoulders for support, as if they’d done this a thousand times before. The air around them stilled, sharpening his senses as she slid into his arms. He became aware of the way she smelled, like lavender oil mixed with sage and eucalyptus. It was sweet, refreshing, and earthy all at once, instilling in him a desire to hold onto her forever.
“Mr. Townsbridge?”
He breathed her in one last time before stepping back. “Forgive me. I fear I forgot myself for a moment.”
“I do tend to have that effect on men,” she said, her rosy cheeks darkening as her blush deepened.
She was charming - utterly charming - and he had never been more smitten. “You’re a dangerous creature, Miss Hollyoak. I’m beginning to think the army could use you to distract the enemy.”
“Oh, I’m sure. Just last month I received a request from the king. He asked if I could please lead the cavalry into the next battle. I believe his intention is to baffle the French into submission if they ever choose to cause trouble again.”
George grinned. “The lady who stopped a war before it began by confusing the enemy. I rather like that idea, though I do think you ought to turn down the request.”
“And why is that?”
“Because I have no intention of letting my wife put herself in danger.”
He’d meant the comment as a light jest of sorts, but rather than laugh and offer a sly retort, Miss Hollyoak frowned. “I’m not sure which I ought to protest first, your assumption we’ll marry or your belief that if we do you’ll get to decide what I can or cannot do.”
“It will be my responsibility to keep you safe.”
“Which is all well and good as long as you don’t take me for a fool.”
He tilted his head in thought. “I would never do that.”
“You just said you wouldn’t let me put myself in danger. If I were your wife, that was. Which would imply there’s a chance I might choose to risk my life on my own accord with nary a thought to the consequences. If you will forgive me, I would appreciate a little more faith in my judgment skills.”
His lips twitched. “Of course. My apologies.” Clasping his hands behind his back, he strolled toward a nearby brook where he paused to watch the water tumble over rocks as it flowed toward the larger river to the west. “Last night, you asked me to give you another chance, and I’d like to do so.”
“Thank you, Mr. Townsbridge.”
He studied her for a moment, then added, “I also promised you an explanation regarding Miss Granger. Perhaps it is time I gave it.”
She joined him and, to his surprise, took a seat in the grass. “By all means.”
Lowering himself to a spot beside her, he picked a purple wildflower and twirled it between his fingers. “Miss Granger’s parents are tenants of ours. A couple of years ago, Mrs. Granger suffered a seizure and lost much movement in her right side. Life has been difficult for the Grangers since then. Mr. Granger turned to drink and gambling, which caused him to neglect his work on the farm. I paid the family countless visits and tried to advise Mr. Granger on how to improve upon his situation. He’d always nod and agree and make endless promises to do better, but nothing much ever came of it.
“Then about six months ago, I met with a friend of mine at one of the local taverns. We spoke of investment opportunities and I mentioned a factory that promised to revolutionize weaving by using a steam engine. I never realized Mr. Granger was there or that he overheard me, but he went and spent all his savings on purchasing shares in that company.”
“I’m guessing it didn’t do as well as you had predicted?”
“No. The technology wasn’t fully developed, and the bloody engine exploded, destroying most of the building. It’s a damn miracle no one was killed, but Mr. Granger’s money was lost.”
“How awful.” Miss Hollyoak shook her head. “What about your own investment?”
George puffed out a breath. “That’s the thing of it. I was only airing information I’d gathered. Had Mr. Granger stayed to listen, he would have heard my friend recommend great caution. According to him, the owner of the factory was rumored to cut corners and had been under investigation on numerous occasions regarding the manner in which he treated his workers. I heeded my friend’s advice and put my funds elsewhere.”
“While Mr. Granger lost everything.”
“He has since fled his home, leaving behind his sickly wife and his two children. Miss Granger is only sixteen years of age, but she is determined to keep the farm running, so I’ve gone there myself on numerous occasions to help out.” He’d been sore for days in the beginning. Now, his body craved the physical work, though his father vehemently disapproved.
